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Revision as of 05:16, 2 October 2018 edit68.169.210.168 (talk) Undid revision 862099825 by 2600:1700:6A30:31B0:8016:DEB1:72:8628 (talk) I am friends with JT on FB. He posted this information.Tag: Undo← Previous edit Revision as of 05:29, 2 October 2018 edit undo2600:1700:6a30:31b0:8016:deb1:72:8628 (talk) Undid revision 862100161 by 68.169.210.168 (talk) JT is a 77 year old man who does not even have a Facebook nor we he know how to use one. His publicist EA Kroll controls the page and posts as he pleases. J.T. has not made any decisions to fire anybody. If you are friends with him call hi and ask him yourself. This is not the first time the publicist has taken it upon himself to make decisions and speak on issues he has no autTags: Undo COI template removed references removedNext edit →
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{{other uses|Crest (disambiguation)}} {{other uses|Crest (disambiguation)}}

{{COI|date=July 2018}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2013}}
{{More citations needed|date=August 2010}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- For groups; see Misplaced Pages:WikiProject_Musicians --> {{Infobox musical artist <!-- For groups; see Misplaced Pages:WikiProject_Musicians -->
| name = The Crests | name = The Crests
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| alias = | alias =
| origin = ], ], ] | origin = ], ], ]
| genre = ], ], ] | genre = ], ], ]
| years_active = 1955–Present | years_active = 1954–Present
| label = ] | label = ], Joyce Records
| associated_acts = | associated_acts =
| website = {{URL|www.swinginsoiree.com/crests}} | website = {{Url|www.swinginsoiree.com/crests}}
| current_members = J.T. Carter <br> Joe Rivera <br> D.R. Moyer | current_members = J.T. Carter <br> ] <br> Joe Rivera <br> D.R. Moyer


| past_members = Talmadge Gough <br> Harold Torres <br> Patricia Vandross <br> ] | past_members = Talmadge Gough <br> Harold Torres <br> Patricia Vandross <br> ]
}} }}
'''The Crests''' were an American ] group, formed by bass vocalist J.T. Carter in the mid 1950s. The group had several ] ] in the late 1950s and early 1960s on ]. Their most popular song, "]", rose to #2 on the ] ] in February 1959 selling over one million copies and earning a ].<ref name="The Book of Golden Discs">{{cite book '''The Crests''' were an American ] group, formed by bass vocalist J.T. Carter in the mid 1950s. The group had several ] ] in the late 1950s and early 1960s on ]. Their most popular song, “],” rose to #2 on the ] ] in February 1959 selling over one million copies and earning a ].<ref name="The Book of Golden Discs">{{cite book
| first= Joseph | first= Joseph
| last= Murrells | last= Murrells
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| location= London | location= London
| page= 99 | page= 99
| isbn= 0-214-20512-6}}</ref> The group's other hits include "Step By Step", "The Angels Listened In", "Trouble In Paradise", "Six Nights A Week", and "A Year Ago Tonight". The Crests were the first interracially mixed doo-wop group, consisting of three ] members (one female), one ], and one ]. | isbn= 0-214-20512-6}}</ref> The group’s other hits include “Step By Step,” “The Angels Listened In,” “Trouble In Paradise,” “Six Nights A Week,” “A Year Ago Tonight,” among others. The Crests were the first interracially mixed Doo Wop group, consisting of three ] members (one female), one ], and one ].


==Career== ==Career==
Founded by J.T. Carter, the group included Talmadge "Tommy" Gough (1939-2014), Harold "Chico" Torres (deceased) and Patricia Vandross (1943-1993) (older sister of R&B singer ]). Carter selected vocalist Johnny Mastrangelo (1939-2010) (shortened to Johnny Mastro and later to ]) as lead vocalist. Founded by J.T. Carter, the group included Talmadge “Tommy” Gough (1939-2014), Harold “Chico” Torres (deceased) and Patricia Vandross (1943-1993) (older sister of R&B singer ]). Carter selected vocalist Johnny Mastrangelo (1939-2010) (shortened to Johnny Mastro and later to ]) as lead vocalist.


The Crests were discovered in 1956 while singing in a New York subway by the wife of orchestra leader Al Browne{{cn|date=July 2018}}. Browne connected the group with Joyce Records where they recorded their first two songs, "My Juanita" and "Sweetest One".{{cn|date=July 2018}} One fateful day in 1956, while singing in a New York subway, The Crests were discovered. The wife of the famous orchestra leader, Al Browne handed the group a card and told them to call her husband. Browne connected the group with Joyce Records where they recorded their first two songs, the Maestro penned, “My Juanita” and “Sweetest One.”


In 1957, they charted with their first release, “Sweetest One” on Joyce Records. Maestro's vocal quality & style became instantly recognizable, and a jukebox favorite of national teen audiences. His pleasing vocals along with J.T.’s application of the group’s vocal harmonies and choreography have The Crests their unique look and sound which when combined with great song selections with dance-easy beats made for plenty of hits.
In 1957, they charted with their first release, "Sweetest One", on Joyce Records.{{cn|date=July 2018}}


After recording two more singles for Joyce Records, Patricia Vandross left The Crests in 1958 to finish her education.{{cn|date=July 2018}} After recording two more singles for Joyce Records, Patricia Vandross left The Crests in 1958 to finish her education.


Their next single after "]" on COED Records was "Six Nights A Week" which hit #28 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts and #17 on the R&B. Their next release "Flower Of Love" was bland compared to other Crests cuts and attained only a six-week run-up to #79.{{cn|date=July 2018}} Their next single after "]" on COED Records was “Six Nights A Week” which hit #28 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts and #17 on the R&B. Their next release “Flower Of Love” was bland compared to other Crests cuts and only attained a six-week run-up to #79.


From 1958 to 1960 the group was almost always on the road. In the late 1950s, The Crests performed on several national teen dance television shows, including '']'' and '']''. They appeared seven times on the latter.{{cn|date=July 2018}} From 1958-1960 the group was almost always on the road. In the late 1950s, The Crests performed on several national teen dance television shows, including “]” and “]” (which Johnny Maestro & The Crests were one of the most frequent guests of, appearing on the show a total of seven different times).


After several years of making hits and touring with the group, Maestro left to pursue a solo career in 1961.
⚫ In 1961, The Crests recorded a new single, "Little Miracles", with ], lead singer of ], singing lead; it was their first single not to chart in the Top 100. Gough quit the group after the single, moving to ], to work for auto giant ], and was replaced by Gary "Kit" Lewis (not to be confused with Gary Lewis of ] fame).{{cn|date=July 2018}}


⚫ In 1961, The Crests recorded a new single, “Little Miracles,” with ], lead singer of ], singing lead; it was their first single not to chart in the Top 100. Gough quit the group after the single, moving to ] to work for auto giant ], and was replaced by Gary “Kit” Lewis (not to be confused with Gary Lewis of ] fame).
⚫ Maestro recorded with other backup singers under the name "Johnny Maestro & The Crests", producing a single for ] in 1962, two singles for ] in 1963-64, a single for APT Records in 1965, a single for ] in 1965, and three singles for the ] label in 1966.{{cn|date=July 2018}}


⚫ Maestro recorded with other backup singers under the name “Johnny Maestro & The Crests,” producing a single for ] in 1962, two singles for ] in 1963-64, a single for APT Records in 1965, a single for ] in 1965, and three singles for the ] label in 1966.
⚫ James Ancrum then took over the lead, recording "Guilty" in January 1962 and charting only to #123. The group went back to touring when their 1963 Selma side "Did I Remember?" flopped. A 1964 sequel to "16 Candles", "You Blew Out The Candles", also was not successful.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060508173142/http://members.aol.com/lulusko/east3.htm|date=May 8, 2006}}</ref>


Meanwhile, The Crests were caught up in a court dispute with Coed over ownership of the name. The group finally won and signed with Morty Craft’s Selma Records (Craft had more record labels than The Crests had singles).
⚫ In 1965, J.T. Carter and Mel Tillison signed with Decca Records and were chosen to be the potential artists of the year to come. Carter wrote, "Closer To Your Heart" and "The Wild Ones", originally written for Jordan Christopher's group The Wild Ones. Internal problems prevented Decca from securing the worldwide release of these recordings and the company folded, leaving all their artists in limbo.{{cn|date=July 2018}}


⚫ James Ancrum then took over the lead, recording “Guilty” in January 1962 and charting only to #123. The group went back to touring when their 1963 Selma side “Did I Remember?” flopped. A 1964 sequel to “16 Candles” leased by Craft to Coral suffered a similar fate; its prescient title was “You Blew Out The Candles.” <ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060508173142/http://members.aol.com/lulusko/east3.htm|date=May 8, 2006}}</ref>
⚫ By 1968, Johnny Maestro had joined with ] as their lead singer and merged with The Rhythm Method in March 1968 to become ]. In 1969, they had a #3 hit with "]."{{cn|date=July 2018}} By that time Torres was gone;{{cn|date=July 2018}} the group continued as a trio of Carter, Ancrum, and Lewis and became a lounge act, disbanding in 1978.{{cn|date=July 2018}} Carter went to sing with ]' ] for a year, then moved to ], to teach voice and set up his own recording studio.{{cn|date=July 2018}}


⚫ In 1965, J.T. Carter and Mel Tillison were signed with Decca Records and chosen to be the potential Artists of the year to come. Carter wrote, “Closer To Your Heart” & “The Wild Ones” originally written for Jordan Christopher’s group “The Wild Ones.” Internal problems prevented Decca from securing the worldwide release of these recordings and the company folded, leaving all their artists in limbo.
⚫ In 1973, Carter met his wife Leona, an accomplished classical pianist/composer. Leona Carter has been a part of The Crests since then.{{cn|date=July 2018}}


Through the 1960s, The Crests toured on their name and signed no further record deals.
⚫ Carter reformed The Crests in 1980, auditioning over 200 singers at his studio, finally settling on lead Bill Damon (a Maestro sound-alike), Greg Sereck, Dennis Ray and New York drummer, Jon Ihle. The group continued well into the 1990s and toured with a five-piece band including Leona Carter on keys.{{cn|date=July 2018}}


By 1968, Johnny Maestro had joined with ] as their lead singer and merged with The Rhythm Method in March 1968 to become ]. In 1969, they had a #3 hit with “].”
⚫ The 1984 ]' teen film '']'' took its title from The Crests' song, which was re-recorded by ] for the''Sixteen Candles'' soundtrack.{{cn|date=July 2018}}


⚫ By then Torres was gone, he had moved to upstate New York and became a jeweler, but the group continued as a trio of Carter, Ancrum, and Lewis and had become a lounge act, disbanding in 1978. Carter went to sing with ]' ] for a year, then moved to ] to teach voice and set up his own recording studio.
⚫ In June 1987, for a concert in ], Maestro, Carter, Torres, and Gough (The Original Crests) reunited as "The Crests", which was organized by Carter.{{cn|date=July 2018}}


⚫ In 1973, Carter met his wife Leona, an accomplished classical pianist/composer. Leona Carter has been a part of The Crests since then.
⚫ From 1990-2010, Johnny Maestro invited Carter to join him and The Brooklyn Bridge to record with them and to re-record some of their greatest hits.{{cn|date=July 2018}}


⚫ Carter reformed The Crests in 1980, auditioning over 200 singers at his studio, finally settling on lead Bill Damon (a Maestro sound-alike), Greg Sereck, Dennis Ray and New York drummer, Jon Ihle. The group continued well into the 1990s and toured with a five-piece band including his wife Leona on Keys.
⚫ From the late 2000s until the early 2010s, Carter's group consisted of Carter, Carter's wife Leona, Barry Newman and Terry King (formerly of The Drifters). They later became Carter, Newman, King & Richie Merritt (formerly of The Clovers and The Marcels) instead of Carter's wife. Michael D'Amore also sang with this lineup for a time.{{cn|date=July 2018}}


Since as far back as the 1980s, Aside from The Drifters, J.T. has worked with The Five Satins, Randy & The Rainbows, Bobby Valli (Frankie Valli’s brother) and many more. He has recorded an album with ] and recorded all the background harmonies on ]’ CDs.
⚫ In April 2010, the Los Angeles-based rights-management firm Beach Road Music, LLC, acquired the Coed Records catalog, subsequently re-releasing The Crests' song "The Great Physician" on the 2011 compilation album ''From The Vault: The Coed Records Lost Master Tapes, Volume 1''. "The Great Physician" was originally released in 1960 as Coed 527, under the pseudonym "Johnny Masters" in an attempt to boost Maestro as a solo performer.<ref>Baptista, Todd (March 2011). “Lost and Found”, '']'', Volume 37, Issue 797, Page 97.</ref>{{cn|date=July 2018}}


⚫ The 1984 ] teen film “]” took its title from The Crests’ song, which was re-recorded by ] for the “Sixteen Candles” soundtrack.
⚫ On November 12, 2013, Carter was recognized on the ] State House Floor by Speaker ] and State Representative Rosemary M. Brown for a lifetime in music and as the first ] to form an interracial vocal group in the ].<ref name="pikecountycourier.com">{{cite web|url=http://pikecountycourier.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20140102%2FNEWS01%2F140109997%2F0%2FSEARCH |title=Blow out the candles for J.T. Carter &#124; Milford PA &#124; Local News |publisher=Pikecountycourier.com |date=2014-01-02 |accessdate=2014-08-11}}</ref>


⚫ In June 1987, for a concert in ], Maestro, Carter, Torres, and Gough (The Original Crests) reunited as “The Crests,” which was organized by Carter.
⚫ In 2013, Carter also appeared on the 1st Annual ] Reunion concert with ] aka ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/barry-newman-j-t-carter-of-the-crests-and-bruce-morrow-news-photo/171193065 |title=Barry Newman JT Carter of the Crests and Bruce Morrow attend the... News Photo 171193065 |publisher=Getty Images |date=2013-06-22 |accessdate=2014-08-11}}</ref> broadcast live on ] ]. Other performers included ], ], ] and ]. Carter was also asked to return two years later for Cousin Brucie's 3rd Annual Palisades Park Reunion concert.


⚫ From 1990-2010, Johnny Maestro invited J.T. to join him and The Brooklyn Bridge to record with them and to re-record some of their greatest hits.
⚫ In January of 2014, Carter interviewed ] on the ] network.{{cn|date=July 2018}}


⚫ From the late 2000s til the early 2010s, Carter’s group consisted of Carter, Carter’s wife Leona, Barry Newman & Terry King (formerly of The Drifters). They later became Carter, Newman, King & Richie Merritt (formerly of The Clovers & The Marcels) instead of Carter’s wife. Michael D’Amore also sang with this lineup for a time.
⚫ In 2014, Carter also began production on "American Classics: The Stars, Music and Cars", a TV show featuring the music and cars of the 1950s and 1960s, produced by ] winner Ashley Russo.<ref>{{cite web|author=Roseanne Bottone |url=http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20140725%2FNEWS%2F407250325%2F0%2Fwap |title=Bushkill doo-wop legend joins TV show celebrating classic music, cars |publisher=poconorecord.com |date=2014-07-25 |accessdate=2015-08-17}}</ref>


⚫ In April 2010, the Los Angeles-based rights-management firm Beach Road Music, LLC, acquired the Coed Records catalog, subsequently re-releasing The Crests' song “The Great Physician” on the 2011 compilation album “From The Vault: The Coed Records Lost Master Tapes, Volume 1.” “The Great Physician” was originally released in 1960 as Coed 527, under the pseudonym “Johnny Masters” in an attempt to boost Maestro as a solo performer.
⚫ In March of 2015, Carter was accepted as a member of ].{{cn|date=July 2018}}


⚫ Carter has had a new level of recognition in recent times and on November 12, 2013, he was recognized on the ] State House Floor by Speaker of the House, The Honorable ] and State Representative Rosemary M. Brown for a lifetime in music and as the first ] to form an interracial vocal group in the ].<ref name="pikecountycourier.com">{{cite web|url=http://pikecountycourier.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20140102%2FNEWS01%2F140109997%2F0%2FSEARCH |title=Blow out the candles for J.T. Carter &#124; Milford PA &#124; Local News |publisher=Pikecountycourier.com |date=2014-01-02 |accessdate=2014-08-11}}</ref>
⚫ In 2016, Carter performed as J.T. Carter's Crests, based on provisions of the ]. Carter's new lineup included Carter back with ], plus Ken Boulden (formerly of Solid Gold) and one other member, who was replaced by Russell Gore, Jr., (former lead singer of ]) after their first show. J.T. Carter's Crests held their first concert in ], on July 16, 2016, to a sold-out crowd and received standing ovations.<ref>{{cite web|author=Roseanne Bottone |url=http://www.poconorecord.com/article/20160215/NEWS/160219671/0/SEARCH|title=Music legends collaborating on a medley of memories|publisher=poconorecord.com}}</ref>


⚫ In 2013, Carter also appeared on the 1st Annual ] Reunion concert with ] aka ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/barry-newman-j-t-carter-of-the-crests-and-bruce-morrow-news-photo/171193065 |title=Barry Newman JT Carter of the Crests and Bruce Morrow attend the... News Photo 171193065 |publisher=Getty Images |date=2013-06-22 |accessdate=2014-08-11}}</ref> broadcast live on ] ]. Other performers included ], ], ] and ]. Carter was also asked to return two years later for Cousin Brucie's 3rd Annual ] Reunion concert.
⚫ As of 2018, Carter was still performing throughout the US and Canada, appearing with ] and his ] on occasion.<ref name="pikecountycourier.com"/><ref name="poconorecord.com">{{cite web|author=Roseanne Bottone |url=http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20140103%2FNEWS13%2F401030356&cid=sitesearch |title=J.T. Carter says glory years with the Crests remain popular |publisher=PoconoRecord.com |date=2014-01-03 |accessdate=2014-08-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Andrew Scott |url=http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120903/NEWS/1010366 |title=J.T. Carter, an original member of doo-wop's the Crests, still living in harmony |publisher=PoconoRecord.com |date=2012-09-03 |accessdate=2014-08-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.prlog.org/12238340-crests-legend-and-originator-jt-carter-to-be-recognized-on-the-house-floor-of-the-pa-state-capital.html |title=Crests Legend and Originator, J.T. Carter to be recognized on the House Floor of the PA State Capital |publisher=PRLog |date= |accessdate=2014-08-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://classicurbanharmony.net/Crests%20Article%20Web%20106.pdf |title=The Johnny Maestro Story |publisher=Classicurbanharmony.net |accessdate=2014-08-11}}</ref>


⚫ In January of 2014, Carter interviewed ] on the ] ] network.
⚫ In March of 2018 at the age of 76, Carter appeared on the PBS Music special "My Music: Doo Wop Generations", which was aired nationally. ], ] and ] hosted the event. The event was structured to feature new young doo-wop talent, and had ]as lead singer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eakrollproductions.com/solo/jt-carter/|title=J.T. Carter's Crests |publisher=EA Kroll Productions |accessdate=2018-04-09}}</ref>

⚫ In 2014, Carter also began production on “American Classics: The Stars, Music and Cars,” a TV show featuring the music and cars of the 1950s and 1960s, produced by ] winner Ashley Russo.<ref>{{cite web|author=Roseanne Bottone |url=http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20140725%2FNEWS%2F407250325%2F0%2Fwap |title=Bushkill doo-wop legend joins TV show celebrating classic music, cars |publisher=poconorecord.com |date=2014-07-25 |accessdate=2015-08-17}}</ref>

⚫ In March of 2015, Carter was accepted as a member of ] aka the ].

⚫ In 2016, Carter continued his legendary career performing as J.T. Carter’s Crests, based on provisions of the ]. Carter’s new lineup included Carter back with ], plus Ken Boulden (formerly of Solid Gold) and one other member, who was replaced by Russell Gore, Jr. (former lead singer of ]) after their first show. J.T. Carter’s Crests held their first concert in ] on July 16, 2016, to a sold-out crowd and received standing ovations.
<ref>{{cite web|author=Roseanne Bottone |url=http://www.poconorecord.com/article/20160215/NEWS/160219671/0/SEARCH|title=Music legends collaborating on a medley of memories|publisher=poconorecord.com}}</ref>

⚫ At age 76, Carter is still performing throughout the US and Canada and still appears with ] and his ] on occasion.<ref name="pikecountycourier.com"/><ref name="poconorecord.com">{{cite web|author=Roseanne Bottone |url=http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20140103%2FNEWS13%2F401030356&cid=sitesearch |title=J.T. Carter says glory years with the Crests remain popular |publisher=PoconoRecord.com |date=2014-01-03 |accessdate=2014-08-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Andrew Scott |url=http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120903/NEWS/1010366 |title=J.T. Carter, an original member of doo-wop's the Crests, still living in harmony |publisher=PoconoRecord.com |date=2012-09-03 |accessdate=2014-08-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.prlog.org/12238340-crests-legend-and-originator-jt-carter-to-be-recognized-on-the-house-floor-of-the-pa-state-capital.html |title=Crests Legend and Originator, J.T. Carter to be recognized on the House Floor of the PA State Capital |publisher=PRLog |date= |accessdate=2014-08-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://classicurbanharmony.net/Crests%20Article%20Web%20106.pdf |title=The Johnny Maestro Story |publisher=Classicurbanharmony.net |accessdate=2014-08-11}}</ref>

⚫ In March of 2018 at the age of 76, Carter appeared on the PBS Music special “My Music: Doo Wop Generations,” which was aired nationally. ], ] and ] hosted the event. The event was structured to feature new young Doo wop talent, and had ] in the role of the famed vocalist, Johnny Maestro. Over 20 million people tuned in. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://eakrollproductions.com/solo/jt-carter/|title=J.T. Carter's Crests |publisher=EA Kroll Productions |accessdate=2018-04-09}}</ref>


==J.T. Carter's Crests 2017 to Present== ==J.T. Carter's Crests 2017 to Present==
]


On August 4, 2017, J.T. Carter came together with a new group of "Crests", consisting of 17-year-old lead, Peter Lemongello, Jr. (son of ]), and tenors Joe Rivera (formerly of ]) and Luis Mercado of The Fabulaires, to perform in an R&B music festival in Indian Head, Maryland, the following day. After only one show, Mercado was replaced by D.R. Moyer, who had sung with a number of groups including ], ], The Paragons and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.swinginsoiree.com/crests |title=J.T. Carter's Crests |accessdate=2018-01-09}}</ref> Former ] member Ray Orta was also called in as a fill-in replacement for Joe Rivera. On August 4, 2017, J.T. Carter came together with a new group of “Crests,” consisting of 17-year-old lead, Peter Lemongello, Jr. (son of ]) and tenors Joe Rivera (formerly of ]) and Luis Mercado of The Fabulaires, to perform in an R&B music festival in Indian Head, MD the following day. After only 1 show, Mercado was replaced by D.R. Moyer who has sung with a number of groups including ], ], The Paragons and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.swinginsoiree.com/crests |title=J.T. Carter's Crests |accessdate=2018-01-09}}</ref> Former ] member, Ray Orta was also called in as a fill-in replacement for Joe Rivera.


On December 12, 2017, J.T. Carter's Crests performed at ] in ], along with over 40 other groups from the 1950s and '60s, as part of ] new ] TV Special, "Doo Wop Generations" (part of the "My Music" series). The special aired nationally in the US on PBS on March 3, 2018. On December 12, 2017, J.T. Carter's Crests performed at ] in ], along with over 40 other groups from the 50's & 60's, as part of ] new ] TV Special, "Doo Wop Generations" (part of the "My Music" series). The special aired nationally on ] on March 3, 2018.


The group was featured singing "The Angels Listened In" on the PBS television broadcast, as well as "Step By Step" listed on the CD/DVD track listing. The group was featured singing "The Angels Listened In" on the PBS television broadcast, as well as "Step By Step" listed on the CD/DVD track listing.


On September 22, 2018, J.T. Carter's Crests appeared at The State Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey on the first ever "] Brooklyn Paramount Reunion Jubilee of Stars." Also appearing on the bill were ] & ], ] & ], ], ], ], The Knockouts & Kid Kyle. Every group featured one original member who actually played at the Paramount. The Crests left the stage with two standing ovations and received global publicity. At the end, J.T. Carter was presented an award as the last surviving original founding member of The Crests.
On October 1, 2018, J. T. Carter posted on his official Facebook page that he and the group have severed ties to Peter Lemongello Jr, and that Lemongello is forbidden to represent himself as a member of the group. <ref>https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003935188904&hc_ref=ARSUa7GaB4MpXzmN256tgPt7wbJ_hZ2ywP92veCENDaLPRxCyN11AJtlT8gUVkcponE&fref=nf&__xts__=68.ARB6nPXBsZaR_HkFXF8aq32-EMu_G680s8KEH9GK6TQsHurYNv2qNxxP_Wn1rvnqWuJC6vmcBNwYhA7kslCoHuncQvhPJC17UHqMFVCYi5JX2qqtDn2ypG05N_AvoV_WGuxYwnGhazxsmwl6o2eiZ7MW0bpxiG8urStU0zXmyRVJ2jkso9fzqA&__tn__=CH-R</ref>


==Death of original members== ==Death of Original Members==
Patricia Vandross died of complications from diabetes in 1993. Patricia Vandross died of complications from diabetes in 1993.


Harold "Chico" Torres died sometime in the early 2000s in upstate ]. Harold "Chico" Torres died sometime in the early 2000's in upstate, ].


Johnny Maestro (born John Peter Mastrangelo, May 7, 1939, ]) lived in ], until 2003. He died of cancer on March 24, 2010, at his home in ]. He was 70.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/26/arts/music/26maestro.html?_r=1 |title=Johnny Maestro, Brooklyn Bridge Singer, Dies at 70 |author=Dennis Hevesi |newspaper=] |date=March 26, 2010 |accessdate=2012-10-18 |subscription=yes}}</ref> Johnny Maestro (born John Peter Mastrangelo, May 7, 1939, ]) lived in ], until 2003. He died of cancer on March 24, 2010, at his home in ]. He was 70.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/26/arts/music/26maestro.html?_r=1 |title=Johnny Maestro, Brooklyn Bridge Singer, Dies at 70 |author=Dennis Hevesi |newspaper=] |date=March 26, 2010 |accessdate=2012-10-18 |subscription=yes}}</ref>


Tommy Gough (born Talmadge E. Gough, October 15, 1939, ]) died of throat cancer on August 24, 2014, at his home in ]. He was 74.<ref>{{cite news|last= |first= |title= Mr. Talmadge E. Gough|url= http://www.lawrenceemoonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Talmadge-Gough/#!/Obituary |accessdate=April 28, 2015|publisher= |date= }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last= |first= |title= Passings: Tommy Gough of the Crests|url= http://www.vintagevinylnews.com/2014/08/passings-tommy-gough-of-crests.html |accessdate=April 28, 2015|publisher= |date= }}</ref> Tommy Gough (born Talmadge E. Gough, October 15, 1939, ]) died of throat cancer on August 24, 2014 at his home in ]. He was 74.<ref>{{cite news|last= |first= |title= Mr. Talmadge E. Gough|url= http://www.lawrenceemoonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Talmadge-Gough/#!/Obituary |accessdate=April 28, 2015|publisher= |date= }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last= |first= |title= Passings: Tommy Gough of the Crests|url= http://www.vintagevinylnews.com/2014/08/passings-tommy-gough-of-crests.html |accessdate=April 28, 2015|publisher= |date= }}</ref>


==Awards and recognition== ==Awards and recognition==
Line 134: Line 144:
|- |-
| rowspan="2"| 1957 | rowspan="2"| 1957
| '''A:''' "Sweetest One" <br> '''B:''' "My Juanita" | '''A:''' “Sweetest One” <br> '''B:''' “My Juanita”
| style="text-align:center;"| 86 | style="text-align:center;"| 86
| style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| —
Line 140: Line 150:
| Recorded in early 1957 <br> Recorded in early 1957 | Recorded in early 1957 <br> Recorded in early 1957
|- |-
| '''A:''' "No One To Love" <br> '''B:''' "Wish She Was Mine" | '''A:''' “No One To Love” <br> '''B:''' “Wish She Was Mine”
| style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| —
| style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| —
Line 146: Line 156:
|- |-
| rowspan="2"| 1958 | rowspan="2"| 1958
| '''A:''' "Pretty Little Angel" <br> '''B:''' "I Thank The Moon" | '''A:''' “Pretty Little Angel” <br> '''B:''' “I Thank The Moon”
| style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| —
| style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| —
Line 152: Line 162:
| Recorded on June 25, 1958 <br> Recorded on June 25, 1958 | Recorded on June 25, 1958 <br> Recorded on June 25, 1958
|- |-
| '''A:''' "]" (Originally the B Side) <br> '''B:''' "Beside You" | '''A:''' “]” (Originally the B Side) <br> '''B:''' “Beside You”
| style="text-align:center;"| 2 | style="text-align:center;"| 2
| style="text-align:center;"| 4 | style="text-align:center;"| 4
Line 158: Line 168:
|- |-
| rowspan="4"| 1959 | rowspan="4"| 1959
| '''A:''' "Six Nights A Week" <br> '''B:''' "I Do" | '''A:''' “Six Nights A Week” <br> '''B:''' “I Do”
| style="text-align:center;"| 28 | style="text-align:center;"| 28
| style="text-align:center;"| 17 | style="text-align:center;"| 17
| Recorded on January 14, 1959 <br> Recorded on January 14, 1959 | Recorded on January 14, 1959 <br> Recorded on January 14, 1959
|- |-
| '''A:''' "Flower Of Love" <br> '''B:''' "Molly Mae" | '''A:''' “Flower Of Love” <br> '''B:''' “Molly Mae”
| style="text-align:center;"| 79 | style="text-align:center;"| 79
| style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| —
| Recorded on January 14, 1959 <br> Recorded on August 12, 1958 | Recorded on January 14, 1959 <br> Recorded on August 12, 1958
|- |-
| '''A:''' "The Angels Listened In" <br> '''B:''' "I Thank The Moon" | '''A:''' “The Angels Listened In” <br> '''B:''' “I Thank The Moon”
| style="text-align:center;"| 22 | style="text-align:center;"| 22
| style="text-align:center;"| 14 | style="text-align:center;"| 14
| Recorded on March 24, 1959 <br> Recorded on June 25, 1958 | Recorded on March 24, 1959 <br> Recorded on June 25, 1958
|- |-
| '''A:''' "A Year Ago Tonight" <br> '''B:''' "Paper Crown" | '''A:''' “A Year Ago Tonight” <br> '''B:''' “Paper Crown”
| style="text-align:center;"| 42 | style="text-align:center;"| 42
| style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| —
Line 179: Line 189:
|- |-
| rowspan="6"| 1960 | rowspan="6"| 1960
| '''A:''' "Step By Step" <br> '''B:''' "Gee (But I'd Give The World)" | '''A:''' “Step By Step” <br> '''B:''' “Gee (But I'd Give The World)”
| style="text-align:center;"| 14 | style="text-align:center;"| 14
| style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| —
| Recorded on January 18, 1960 <br> Recorded on January 18, 1960 | Recorded on January 18, 1960 <br> Recorded on January 18, 1960
|- |-
| '''A:''' "Trouble In Paradise" <br> '''B:''' "Always You" | '''A:''' “Trouble In Paradise” <br> '''B:''' “Always You”
| style="text-align:center;"| 20 | style="text-align:center;"| 20
| style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| —
| Recorded on May 4, 1960 <br> Recorded on May 04, 1960 | Recorded on May 4, 1960 <br> Recorded on May 04, 1960
|- |-
| '''A:''' "Journey Of Love" <br> '''B:''' "If My Heart Could Write A Letter" | '''A:''' “Journey Of Love” <br> '''B:''' “If My Heart Could Write A Letter”
| style="text-align:center;"| 81 | style="text-align:center;"| 81
| style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| —
| Recorded on January 18, 1960 <br> Recorded on May 04, 1960 | Recorded on January 18, 1960 <br> Recorded on May 04, 1960
|- |-
| '''A:''' "Isn't It Amazing" <br> '''B:''' "Molly Mae" | '''A:''' “Isn't It Amazing” <br> '''B:''' “Molly Mae”
| style="text-align:center;"| 100 | style="text-align:center;"| 100
| style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| —
| Recorded on May 4, 1960 <br> Recorded on August 12, 1958 | Recorded on May 4, 1960 <br> Recorded on August 12, 1958
|- |-
| '''A:''' "]" <br> '''B:''' "Good Golly Miss Molly" | '''A:''' “]” <br> '''B:''' “Good Golly Miss Molly”
| style="text-align:center;"| 102 | style="text-align:center;"| 102
| style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| —
| <br> Recorded on March 24, 1959 | <br> Recorded on March 24, 1959
|- |-
| '''A:''' "Say It Isn't So" <br> '''B:''' "The Great Physician" | '''A:''' “Say It Isn’t So” <br> '''B:''' “The Great Physician”
| style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| —
| style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| —
Line 210: Line 220:
|- |-
| rowspan="3"| 1961 | rowspan="3"| 1961
| '''A:''' "Model Girl" <br> '''B:''' "We've Got To Tell Them" | '''A:''' “Model Girl” <br> '''B:''' “We’ve Got To Tell Them”
| style="text-align:center;"| 20 | style="text-align:center;"| 20
| style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| —
| Recorded on December 29, 1960 <br> Recorded on December 29, 1960 | Recorded on December 29, 1960 <br> Recorded on December 29, 1960
|- |-
| '''A:''' "What A Surprise" <br> '''B:''' "The Warning Voice" | '''A:''' “What A Surprise” <br> '''B:''' “The Warning Voice”
| style="text-align:center;"| 33 | style="text-align:center;"| 33
| style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| —
| Recorded on December 19, 1960 <br> Recorded on December 29, 1960 | Recorded on December 19, 1960 <br> Recorded on December 29, 1960
|- |-
| '''A:''' "Little Miracles" <br> '''B:''' "Baby I Gotta' Know" | '''A:''' “Little Miracles” <br> '''B:''' “Baby I Gotta' Know”
| style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| 102
| style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| —
| Recorded Autumn 1961 - Released December 1961 - Tony Middleton singing lead | Recorded in Autumn 1961 - Released in December 1961 <br> Tony Middleton on Lead Vocals
|- |-
| rowspan="2"| 1962 | rowspan="2"| 1962
| '''A:''' "The Actor" <br> '''B:''' “Three Tears In A Bucket” | '''A:''' “The Actor” <br> '''B:''' “Three Tears In A Bucket”
| style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| —
| style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| —
| style="text-align:center;"| Trans Atlas | style="text-align:center;"| Trans Atlas
| James Ancrum singing lead | James Ancrum on Lead Vocals
|- |-
| '''A:''' "]" <br> '''B:''' "Number One With Me" | '''A:''' “]” <br> '''B:''' “Number One With Me”
| style="text-align:center;"| 123 | style="text-align:center;"| 123
| style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| —
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| Selma | rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| Selma
| James Ancrum singing lead | James Ancrum on Lead Vocals
|- |-
| 1963 | 1963
| '''A:''' "Did I Remember" <br> '''B:''' "Tears Will Fall" | '''A:''' “Did I Remember” <br> '''B:''' “Tears Will Fall”
| style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| —
| style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| —
| James Ancrum singing lead | James Ancrum on Lead Vocals
|- |-
| 1964 | 1964
| '''A:''' "A Love To Last A Lifetime" <br> '''B:''' "You Blew Out The Candles" | '''A:''' “A Love To Last A Lifetime” <br> '''B:''' “You Blew Out The Candles”
| style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| —
| style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| —
| style="text-align:center;"| Coral | style="text-align:center;"| Coral
| James Ancrum singing lead | James Ancrum on Lead Vocals
|} |}


'''<big>Unreleased recordings</big>''' '''<big>Unreleased Recordings</big>'''


{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable"
Line 262: Line 272:
|- |-
| 1958 | 1958
| “Strange Love”
| "Strange Love"
| rowspan="7" style="text-align:center;"| Coed | rowspan="7" style="text-align:center;"| Coed
| Recorded on June 25, 1958 <br> Released in 1991 | Recorded on June 25, 1958 <br> Released in 1991
|- |-
| rowspan="2"| 1959 | rowspan="2"| 1959
| "Let Me Be The One" | “Let Me Be The One”
| Recorded on January 14, 1959 <br> Released in 1991 | Recorded on January 14, 1959 <br> Released in 1991
|- |-
| “Young Love”
| "Young Love"
| Recorded on October 11, 1959 <br> Released in 1990 | Recorded on October 11, 1959 <br> Released in 1990
|- |-
| rowspan="4"| 1960 | rowspan="4"| 1960
| "You Took The Joy Out Of Spring" | “You Took The Joy Out Of Spring”
| Recorded on May 4, 1960 <br> Released in 1991 | Recorded on May 4, 1960 <br> Released in 1991
|- |-
| "Learning 'Bout Love" | “Learning 'Bout Love”
| Recorded on May 4, 1960 <br> Released in 1991 | Recorded on May 4, 1960 <br> Released in 1991
|- |-
| "Let True Love Begin" | “Let True Love Begin”
| Recorded on December 19, 1960 <br> Released in 1991 | Recorded on December 19, 1960 <br> Released in 1991
|- |-
| "Keep Away From Carol" | “Keep Away From Carol”
| Recorded on December 29, 1960 <br> Released in 1991 | Recorded on December 29, 1960 <br> Released in 1991
|} |}

Revision as of 05:29, 2 October 2018

For other uses, see Crest (disambiguation).
The Crests
OriginNew York City, New York, United States
GenresDoo Wop, R&B, Rock 'n' Roll
Years active1954–Present
LabelsCoed Records, Joyce Records
MembersJ.T. Carter
Peter Lemongello, Jr.
Joe Rivera
D.R. Moyer
Past membersTalmadge Gough
Harold Torres
Patricia Vandross
Johnny Maestro
Websitewww.swinginsoiree.com/crests

The Crests were an American Doo Wop group, formed by bass vocalist J.T. Carter in the mid 1950s. The group had several Top 40 hits in the late 1950s and early 1960s on Coed Records. Their most popular song, “16 Candles,” rose to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in February 1959 selling over one million copies and earning a gold disc status. The group’s other hits include “Step By Step,” “The Angels Listened In,” “Trouble In Paradise,” “Six Nights A Week,” “A Year Ago Tonight,” among others. The Crests were the first interracially mixed Doo Wop group, consisting of three African American members (one female), one Puerto Rican, and one Italian American.

Career

Founded by J.T. Carter, the group included Talmadge “Tommy” Gough (1939-2014), Harold “Chico” Torres (deceased) and Patricia Vandross (1943-1993) (older sister of R&B singer Luther Vandross). Carter selected vocalist Johnny Mastrangelo (1939-2010) (shortened to Johnny Mastro and later to Johnny Maestro) as lead vocalist.

One fateful day in 1956, while singing in a New York subway, The Crests were discovered. The wife of the famous orchestra leader, Al Browne handed the group a card and told them to call her husband. Browne connected the group with Joyce Records where they recorded their first two songs, the Maestro penned, “My Juanita” and “Sweetest One.”

In 1957, they charted with their first release, “Sweetest One” on Joyce Records. Maestro's vocal quality & style became instantly recognizable, and a jukebox favorite of national teen audiences. His pleasing vocals along with J.T.’s application of the group’s vocal harmonies and choreography have The Crests their unique look and sound which when combined with great song selections with dance-easy beats made for plenty of hits.

After recording two more singles for Joyce Records, Patricia Vandross left The Crests in 1958 to finish her education.

Their next single after "16 Candles" on COED Records was “Six Nights A Week” which hit #28 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts and #17 on the R&B. Their next release “Flower Of Love” was bland compared to other Crests cuts and only attained a six-week run-up to #79.

From 1958-1960 the group was almost always on the road. In the late 1950s, The Crests performed on several national teen dance television shows, including “American Bandstand” and “The Dick Clark Show” (which Johnny Maestro & The Crests were one of the most frequent guests of, appearing on the show a total of seven different times).

After several years of making hits and touring with the group, Maestro left to pursue a solo career in 1961.

In 1961, The Crests recorded a new single, “Little Miracles,” with Tony Middleton, lead singer of The Willows, singing lead; it was their first single not to chart in the Top 100. Gough quit the group after the single, moving to Detroit to work for auto giant General Motors, and was replaced by Gary “Kit” Lewis (not to be confused with Gary Lewis of Gary Lewis & the Playboys fame).

Maestro recorded with other backup singers under the name “Johnny Maestro & The Crests,” producing a single for United Artists in 1962, two singles for Cameo Records in 1963-64, a single for APT Records in 1965, a single for Scepter Records in 1965, and three singles for the Parkway label in 1966.

Meanwhile, The Crests were caught up in a court dispute with Coed over ownership of the name. The group finally won and signed with Morty Craft’s Selma Records (Craft had more record labels than The Crests had singles).

James Ancrum then took over the lead, recording “Guilty” in January 1962 and charting only to #123. The group went back to touring when their 1963 Selma side “Did I Remember?” flopped. A 1964 sequel to “16 Candles” leased by Craft to Coral suffered a similar fate; its prescient title was “You Blew Out The Candles.”

In 1965, J.T. Carter and Mel Tillison were signed with Decca Records and chosen to be the potential Artists of the year to come. Carter wrote, “Closer To Your Heart” & “The Wild Ones” originally written for Jordan Christopher’s group “The Wild Ones.” Internal problems prevented Decca from securing the worldwide release of these recordings and the company folded, leaving all their artists in limbo.

Through the 1960s, The Crests toured on their name and signed no further record deals.

By 1968, Johnny Maestro had joined with The Del Satins as their lead singer and merged with The Rhythm Method in March 1968 to become The Brooklyn Bridge. In 1969, they had a #3 hit with “Worst That Could Happen.”

By then Torres was gone, he had moved to upstate New York and became a jeweler, but the group continued as a trio of Carter, Ancrum, and Lewis and had become a lounge act, disbanding in 1978. Carter went to sing with Charlie Thomas' Drifters for a year, then moved to Plainfield, New Jersey to teach voice and set up his own recording studio.

In 1973, Carter met his wife Leona, an accomplished classical pianist/composer. Leona Carter has been a part of The Crests since then.

Carter reformed The Crests in 1980, auditioning over 200 singers at his studio, finally settling on lead Bill Damon (a Maestro sound-alike), Greg Sereck, Dennis Ray and New York drummer, Jon Ihle. The group continued well into the 1990s and toured with a five-piece band including his wife Leona on Keys.

Since as far back as the 1980s, Aside from The Drifters, J.T. has worked with The Five Satins, Randy & The Rainbows, Bobby Valli (Frankie Valli’s brother) and many more. He has recorded an album with The Blue Notes and recorded all the background harmonies on Teddy Pendergrass’ CDs.

The 1984 John Hughes teen film “Sixteen Candles” took its title from The Crests’ song, which was re-recorded by The Stray Cats for the “Sixteen Candles” soundtrack.

In June 1987, for a concert in Peekskill, New York, Maestro, Carter, Torres, and Gough (The Original Crests) reunited as “The Crests,” which was organized by Carter.

From 1990-2010, Johnny Maestro invited J.T. to join him and The Brooklyn Bridge to record with them and to re-record some of their greatest hits.

From the late 2000s til the early 2010s, Carter’s group consisted of Carter, Carter’s wife Leona, Barry Newman & Terry King (formerly of The Drifters). They later became Carter, Newman, King & Richie Merritt (formerly of The Clovers & The Marcels) instead of Carter’s wife. Michael D’Amore also sang with this lineup for a time.

In April 2010, the Los Angeles-based rights-management firm Beach Road Music, LLC, acquired the Coed Records catalog, subsequently re-releasing The Crests' song “The Great Physician” on the 2011 compilation album “From The Vault: The Coed Records Lost Master Tapes, Volume 1.” “The Great Physician” was originally released in 1960 as Coed 527, under the pseudonym “Johnny Masters” in an attempt to boost Maestro as a solo performer.

Carter has had a new level of recognition in recent times and on November 12, 2013, he was recognized on the Pennsylvania State House Floor by Speaker of the House, The Honorable Sam Smith and State Representative Rosemary M. Brown for a lifetime in music and as the first African American to form an interracial vocal group in the United States.

In 2013, Carter also appeared on the 1st Annual Palisades Park Reunion concert with Cousin Brucie aka Bruce Morrow, broadcast live on SiriusXM satellite radio. Other performers included Neil Sedaka, Lesley Gore, Bobby Lewis and Ronnie Spector. Carter was also asked to return two years later for Cousin Brucie's 3rd Annual Palisades Park Reunion concert.

In January of 2014, Carter interviewed Joe Franklin on the Bloomberg Radio network.

In 2014, Carter also began production on “American Classics: The Stars, Music and Cars,” a TV show featuring the music and cars of the 1950s and 1960s, produced by Emmy Awards winner Ashley Russo.

In March of 2015, Carter was accepted as a member of The Recording Academy aka the Grammys.

In 2016, Carter continued his legendary career performing as J.T. Carter’s Crests, based on provisions of the Truth in Music Act. Carter’s new lineup included Carter back with Richard Merritt, plus Ken Boulden (formerly of Solid Gold) and one other member, who was replaced by Russell Gore, Jr. (former lead singer of The Original Tymes) after their first show. J.T. Carter’s Crests held their first concert in Upland, California on July 16, 2016, to a sold-out crowd and received standing ovations.

At age 76, Carter is still performing throughout the US and Canada and still appears with Charlie Thomas and his Drifters on occasion.

In March of 2018 at the age of 76, Carter appeared on the PBS Music special “My Music: Doo Wop Generations,” which was aired nationally. TJ Lubinsky, Bowzer and Little Anthony hosted the event. The event was structured to feature new young Doo wop talent, and had Peter Lemongello, Jr. in the role of the famed vocalist, Johnny Maestro. Over 20 million people tuned in.

J.T. Carter's Crests 2017 to Present

File:J.T. Carter's Crests.jpg
J.T. Carter's Crests in 2017 (Left to Right: J.T. Carter, D.R. Moyer, Ray Orta, Peter Lemongello, Jr.)

On August 4, 2017, J.T. Carter came together with a new group of “Crests,” consisting of 17-year-old lead, Peter Lemongello, Jr. (son of Peter Lemongello) and tenors Joe Rivera (formerly of Earl Lewis & The Channels) and Luis Mercado of The Fabulaires, to perform in an R&B music festival in Indian Head, MD the following day. After only 1 show, Mercado was replaced by D.R. Moyer who has sung with a number of groups including The Platters, The Dubs, The Paragons and The Jarmels. Former Jarmels member, Ray Orta was also called in as a fill-in replacement for Joe Rivera.

On December 12, 2017, J.T. Carter's Crests performed at The Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, New Jersey, along with over 40 other groups from the 50's & 60's, as part of T.J. Lubinsky's new PBS TV Special, "Doo Wop Generations" (part of the "My Music" series). The special aired nationally on PBS on March 3, 2018.

The group was featured singing "The Angels Listened In" on the PBS television broadcast, as well as "Step By Step" listed on the CD/DVD track listing.

On September 22, 2018, J.T. Carter's Crests appeared at The State Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey on the first ever "Alan Freed Brooklyn Paramount Reunion Jubilee of Stars." Also appearing on the bill were Charlie Thomas & The Drifters, Leon Hughes & The Coasters, The Flamingos, The Chantels, The Belmonts, The Knockouts & Kid Kyle. Every group featured one original member who actually played at the Paramount. The Crests left the stage with two standing ovations and received global publicity. At the end, J.T. Carter was presented an award as the last surviving original founding member of The Crests.

Death of Original Members

Patricia Vandross died of complications from diabetes in 1993.

Harold "Chico" Torres died sometime in the early 2000's in upstate, New York.

Johnny Maestro (born John Peter Mastrangelo, May 7, 1939, Manhattan, New York) lived in Islip, New York, until 2003. He died of cancer on March 24, 2010, at his home in Cape Coral, Florida. He was 70.

Tommy Gough (born Talmadge E. Gough, October 15, 1939, Sardis, Georgia) died of throat cancer on August 24, 2014 at his home in Flint, Michigan. He was 74.

Awards and recognition

The Crests were inducted into the United in Group Harmony Association (UGHA) Hall of Fame in 2000.

The Crests were inducted into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004.

The Crests were inducted into The Doo Wop Hall of Fame in 2008.

The Crests were inducted into The Doo Wop Music Hall of Fame in 2015.

On May 9, 2012, Johnny Maestro was honored by the House of Representatives of the United States of America. Congressman Jerrold Nadler of New York, whose district includes the neighborhood where Maestro was born and where he began his music career, introduced an Extension of Remarks in the House of Representatives. This posthumous honor is now a permanent part of the Congressional Record. The Extension of Remarks includes the original members of The Crests.

On November 12, 2013, J.T. Carter was honored by the Pennsylvania State House, Speaker of the House Sam Smith, and PA State Representative Rosemary M Brown, for his lifetime in the music industry and for being the first African American to form an interracial vocal group in the America. Carter was officially recognized on the state house floor.

In 2014, Carter was honored with a lifetime achievement award from The Lehigh Valley Music Awards in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

In 2016, J.T. Carter, Charlie Thomas of The Drifters and Ernest Wright of Little Anthony & The Imperials were honored in both House and Senate chambers at the State Capital in Dover, Delaware for their contributions to American Music, declaring them “Rock-n-Roll Royalty.” The three also met with Governor Jack A. Markell, who presented them a special Gubernatorial tribute. (148th General Assembly, State of Delaware Senate Concurrent Resolution No: 53, March 22, 2016), (State of Delaware, Office of the Governor Tribute No: 160201)

Discography

Year Title Chart positions Record Label Notes
US Hot 100 US R&B
1957 A: “Sweetest One”
B: “My Juanita” 		86 — Joyce Recorded in early 1957
Recorded in early 1957
A: “No One To Love”
B: “Wish She Was Mine” 		— — Recorded on May 22, 1957
Recorded on May 22, 1957
1958 A: “Pretty Little Angel”
B: “I Thank The Moon” 		— — Coed Recorded on June 25, 1958
Recorded on June 25, 1958
A: “16 Candles” (Originally the B Side)
B: “Beside You” 		2 4 Recorded on August 12, 1958
Recorded on June 25, 1958
1959 A: “Six Nights A Week”
B: “I Do” 		28 17 Recorded on January 14, 1959
Recorded on January 14, 1959
A: “Flower Of Love”
B: “Molly Mae” 		79 — Recorded on January 14, 1959
Recorded on August 12, 1958
A: “The Angels Listened In”
B: “I Thank The Moon” 		22 14 Recorded on March 24, 1959
Recorded on June 25, 1958
A: “A Year Ago Tonight”
B: “Paper Crown” 		42 — Recorded on October 11, 1959
Recorded on October 11, 1959
1960 A: “Step By Step”
B: “Gee (But I'd Give The World)” 		14 — Recorded on January 18, 1960
Recorded on January 18, 1960
A: “Trouble In Paradise”
B: “Always You” 		20 — Recorded on May 4, 1960
Recorded on May 04, 1960
A: “Journey Of Love”
B: “If My Heart Could Write A Letter” 		81 — Recorded on January 18, 1960
Recorded on May 04, 1960
A: “Isn't It Amazing”
B: “Molly Mae” 		100 — Recorded on May 4, 1960
Recorded on August 12, 1958
A: “I Remember (In the Still Of The Night)”
B: “Good Golly Miss Molly” 		102 —
Recorded on March 24, 1959
A: “Say It Isn’t So”
B: “The Great Physician” 		— — Recorded on January 18, 1960
Recorded on January 18, 1960
1961 A: “Model Girl”
B: “We’ve Got To Tell Them” 		20 — Recorded on December 29, 1960
Recorded on December 29, 1960
A: “What A Surprise”
B: “The Warning Voice” 		33 — Recorded on December 19, 1960
Recorded on December 29, 1960
A: “Little Miracles”
B: “Baby I Gotta' Know” 		102 — Recorded in Autumn 1961 - Released in December 1961
Tony Middleton on Lead Vocals
1962 A: “The Actor”
B: “Three Tears In A Bucket” 		— — Trans Atlas James Ancrum on Lead Vocals
A: “Guilty”
B: “Number One With Me” 		123 — Selma James Ancrum on Lead Vocals
1963 A: “Did I Remember”
B: “Tears Will Fall” 		— — James Ancrum on Lead Vocals
1964 A: “A Love To Last A Lifetime”
B: “You Blew Out The Candles” 		— — Coral James Ancrum on Lead Vocals

Unreleased Recordings

Year Title Record Label Notes
1958 “Strange Love” Coed Recorded on June 25, 1958
Released in 1991
1959 “Let Me Be The One” Recorded on January 14, 1959
Released in 1991
“Young Love” Recorded on October 11, 1959
Released in 1990
1960 “You Took The Joy Out Of Spring” Recorded on May 4, 1960
Released in 1991
“Learning 'Bout Love” Recorded on May 4, 1960
Released in 1991
“Let True Love Begin” Recorded on December 19, 1960
Released in 1991
“Keep Away From Carol” Recorded on December 29, 1960
Released in 1991

References

  1. Murrells, Joseph (1978). The Book of Golden Discs (2nd ed.). London: Barrie and Jenkins Ltd. p. 99. ISBN 0-214-20512-6.
  2. Archived May 8, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ "Blow out the candles for J.T. Carter | Milford PA | Local News". Pikecountycourier.com. 2014-01-02. Retrieved 2014-08-11.
  4. "Barry Newman JT Carter of the Crests and Bruce Morrow attend the... News Photo 171193065". Getty Images. 2013-06-22. Retrieved 2014-08-11.
  5. Roseanne Bottone (2014-07-25). "Bushkill doo-wop legend joins TV show celebrating classic music, cars". poconorecord.com. Retrieved 2015-08-17.
  6. Roseanne Bottone. "Music legends collaborating on a medley of memories". poconorecord.com.
  7. ^ Roseanne Bottone (2014-01-03). "J.T. Carter says glory years with the Crests remain popular". PoconoRecord.com. Retrieved 2014-08-11.
  8. Andrew Scott (2012-09-03). "J.T. Carter, an original member of doo-wop's the Crests, still living in harmony". PoconoRecord.com. Retrieved 2014-08-11.
  9. "Crests Legend and Originator, J.T. Carter to be recognized on the House Floor of the PA State Capital". PRLog. Retrieved 2014-08-11.
  10. "The Johnny Maestro Story" (PDF). Classicurbanharmony.net. Retrieved 2014-08-11.
  11. "J.T. Carter's Crests". EA Kroll Productions. Retrieved 2018-04-09.
  12. "J.T. Carter's Crests". Retrieved 2018-01-09.
  13. Dennis Hevesi (March 26, 2010). "Johnny Maestro, Brooklyn Bridge Singer, Dies at 70". The New York Times. Retrieved 2012-10-18. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |subscription= ignored (|url-access= suggested) (help)
  14. "Mr. Talmadge E. Gough". Retrieved April 28, 2015.
  15. "Passings: Tommy Gough of the Crests". Retrieved April 28, 2015.
  16. "Congressional Record – Extension of Remarks" (PDF). Gpo.gov. May 9, 2012. Retrieved 2012-10-18.

External links

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