We were shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of our
friend, Jack Scandura. Jack was one of the most talented and versatile
singers we knew. His voice was key to the intricate harmonies of many
groups, including the Blue Stars, Blend-Aires, Cliftonaires, 5 Discs and Kid
Kyle's Kool Kats. Jack died of a heart attack during the early morning of May
3, 2011. He was 64. We've posted this tribute. RIP, Jack.
We miss you.
Jack Scandura was born into a musical family. His
father was a big band musician during the forties and fifties and Jack
developed a strong interest in jazz. Growing up in the Sunnyside
section of Queens, NY, Jack also began singing R&B harmony on the street corner.
In 1962 Jack recorded "Wherever You Are" with Ricky & the Hallmarks for the
Amy label. One of the singers with Ricky & the Hallmarks was
Beverly Warren, though she was not on the record. Beverly would sing
with one of Jack's groups again, later on. Jack then sang
professionally with a band called The Fulton Fish Market. In 1973 Jack
helped found the Blue Stars, a vocal quintet that with a reputation for
great harmony. The Blue Stars, consisting of Jack Scandura, Larry
Galvin, Louis de Carlo (formerly with the Devotions), Ken Mewes and Bobby
Thomas (formerly with Jordan & The Fascinations), In 1976 and 1977, the Blue
Stars recorded three 45's for the Arcade label.
The second of the Blue Stars' recordings, 1976.
(From the Classic Urban Harmony Archives)
Later in 1977, Jack Scandura and Larry Galvin formed a new
group, the Blend-Aires, along with John Acuino, Eddie Conway and Sam Wood
(formerly of the Sparrows Quartette). This group recorded one record
on Arcade before undergoing some personnel changes. John Acuino
and Eddie Conway left, being replaced by Al Vieco and Beverly Warren (her
second time singing with one of Jack's groups). This group released
three more great singles for the Story Untold label in 1978 and 1979.
Story Untold was connected to the Roy Adams' collectors magazine of
the same name.
Some copies of the Blend-Aires records were
released in red vinyl.
(From the Classic Urban Harmony Archives)
In the early 1986 Jack Scandura and Larry
Galvin reactivated the Blue Stars with new personnel. The group won
the United In Group Harmony Associations' Rookie Group of the year in 1986
and the next year won UGHA's Veteran Group of the Year. The Blue Stars
began recording for Ronnie I's Clifton label. They recorded a
CD in 1990 and a 45 in 1991.
Blue Stars' Clifton CD
(From the Classic Urban Harmony Archives)
Vintage photo of the Blue Stars from the Clifton CD. Jack is on the
right.
Blue Stars' Clifton label 45.
(From the Classic Urban Harmony Archives)
After that Jack Scandura became a mainstay in the
Cliftonaires, an all star group that not only entertained and recorded on
their own but also backed various famous lead singers that performed at UGHA.
The group was so versatile they could back almost anyone.
Cliftonaires' CD
(From the Classic Urban Harmony Archives)
The Clifonaires at the Remembering Ronnie I
Concert. Jack Scandura on left.
(Photo by Pamela Horner)
The Cliftonaires backing Sandra I. at the
Remembering Ronnie I Concert.
Jack Scandura second from the left.
(Photo by Pamela Horner)
Jack Scandura in recent years also sang with the Five Discs
and Kid Kyle's Kool Kats. Jack was happy to lend his voice wherever it
was needed. He also excelled as an arranger of harmony and his groups
were among the most respected around. Jack's contributions to our
music are many and we'll miss him as a singer, arranger, music historian and
friend.
Copyright © Classic Urban Harmony LLC, 2011. All
Rights Reserved.
![[New!]](images/smallnew.gif){kind=small}
