The Contrails - Someone

This record was absolutely huge in Pittsburgh! The Contrails were essentially Rick Engle and Jack Stanizzo, two Pittsburgh guys, who wrote and performed 'Someone'. Every DJ in the Burgh has played this record since it was released in '66. I posted this for everyone who loved Late Nite Radio in Pittsburgh in the 60's. First issued on the small Rueben label, then picked up by Diamond, they say this one has sold over a million copies. Simply put this is a Pittsburgh Classic. Visit with Jack Stanizzo and get the whole low down on The Contrails, and Jack, at My Space.com Jack Stanizzo/Contrails. Nice CD available there!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Northern
• Soul
• Oldies
• Vocal
• Groups
• The
• Contrails
• TL
• Sound

[weirtonoldies]

Does anyone have the Electron's "Ain't no big thing"? I'd sure like to hear it.

[pghpookie]

sorry weirton, i looked and i couldn't find it. i know i had it at one time. did find 'turn on your love light' on shock. i may post that one down the road. maybe someone can help out with 'big thing'.

[frightfan1]

I remember hearing this for the first time as a kid in 1966 and thinking WOW.Those Pittsburgh songs are timeless.Been waiting for this one on You Tube.Thanks J.C. Great job as always. Love the background info.Conrad

[pghpookie]

thanks. this one was for you. go google the contrails, you'll find jack stanizzo has a website up. check it out. some old pics, and an update.

[OLDHEADROCKER]

I grew up playing in a local band in Pittsburgh called "The 5 Percents" and another one called "Delafield Roe". We played at local dances and I was friends and sometimes "jammed" with Carl and John Ruffing from "The Contrails". However I notice in all of the comments that name the members of "The Contrails" there is no mention by name of the Bass Player. His name is Norman Denk and I believe he should get his due for playing one of the most famous opening bass lines to any Pittsburgh oldie.

[pghvet66]

I knew Rich Engle from school and if I am not mistaken John and Carl Ruffing (formely from the group "The Distants" were also in the making of "Someone" and "Slinky". I remember when Engle was taking lessons from Joe Negri. It is a shame that "The Contrails" didn't stay together and make more music, they were good.

[pghpookie]

@xPMWxToM8t0 You're welcome. so glad you found this.

[travisklein2003]

@pghpookie "Ain't No Big Thing" by the Electrons was recently shared to the Facebook page The Pittsburgh Music hall of Fame.

[dogkelp]

No flames, please, but Boy George's voice bears similarities to the lead singer here.

[19Chuck80]

i didn't know they were from pittsburgh! cool, so many from my town thanks! I have an original copy on diamond

[Tiremanwms]

Great song, I had this song in my head for weeks and couldn't remember who did it. Thanks for the post,  from a pittsburgher

[handinside]

@pghpookie It was also released on the "Date" record label.I hd it long time ago,but lost it

[cars8709]

Memories of being a teenager!!!!!!!!! Great great song!!!!