Sometime around 1966 three friends and I put together our first band,  The Dawgz. The lineup was Jim Depasque on Rhythm Guitar and vocals, Ken Hutton on Lead Guitar and vocals Bobby Shepherd on Drums and me on Bass Guitar and Vocals. We made quite a name in the Central Jersey CYO and school dance scene. The peak of our time together was a night at the Hullabaloo Club in  Rahway NJ (at least I think that’s where it was)!

   Check out my Kay Bass and Silvertone amp.

     My Dad gave me a great piece of advice while helping me put the B15 into the Ford Falcon station wagon to go play my first of many New Year's Eve gigs. After the amp was in the car he said one thing to me, "Smile at the girls". Brilliant!

So, after dropping me off at Cranford Junior High my mom and dad scooted off to a party. On their way back to pick me up they were stopped at a red light and ever so gently rear ended by a cop car. Two slightly inebriated  cops stumbled out of the cruiser gave a quick look at the Falcon and apologised profusely to my mom and dad and then wished them a Happy New Year. No damage to either car and it gave my mom and dad a funny story to tell for many New Years Eve gatherings thereafter.

That's how it all began.

From St. Cecelia's CYO in Iselin NJ to the Big Stage at the Hullaballo Club in Rahway to the Newport Jazz Festival.

Throw in a few movies, original recordings, jingles and a bit of arranging. It's still a fun ride!

L to R Me, Ken Hutton, Bobby Shepherd and Jimmy DePasque