The Heartaches
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1962 |
| Headquarters | Jersey City, New Jersey , United States |
| Products | Music recordings, live performances |
Number of employees | 4–5 (varied lineup) |
The Heartaches were a doo-wop ensemble originating from Jersey City, New Jersey, active between 1962 and 1989.
The Vydells
Initially formed in 1962 under the name The Vydells, the group consisted of Joe Calamito, Tom D'Alessandro, Russ Capo, Louis Francischini, and Charles Romano, all aged between 13 and 15. They built a local following by performing at record hop events hosted by WMCA DJ Toby Clare and Jack Spector, sharing stages with groups such as The Broadways and The Duprees.
Joanne and the Heartaches
In 1963, after adding lead singer Joanne Lucas and tenor Robert Taglierini (who replaced Russ Capo), the ensemble adopted the name Joanne and the Heartaches. Joe Calamito, Tom D'Alessandro, and Charles Romano remained part of the lineup. They recorded under Catamount Records, an early label specializing in a cappella music. Although there were intentions to sign with Roulette Records in 1966, these plans were disrupted by the onset of the British Invasion.
Between 1963 and 1967, following Joanne Lucas’s departure, Gerri O'Neil assumed lead vocal duties while Joanne Bevacqua joined as a second female vocalist. This five-member formation—comprising Gerri O'Neil, Joanne Bevacqua, Joe Calamito, Tommy D'Alessandro, and Charlie Romano—produced recordings for Catamount and Sky Disc Records. In the 1970s, Catamount released The Heartaches - Lampost Love Songs, featuring vocals from both Joanne Lucas and Gerri O'Neil.
The Heartaches
After a decline in live performances during the late 1970s, the group resurfaced in 1981 as The Heartaches, including original members Joe Calamito and Tom D'Alessandro alongside Raul Vicente and Phil Granito. Transitioning to an all-male quartet without female leads, they incorporated guitar into their sound and coined the term "Rockapella" to describe their style. Aquarian Magazine highlighted their distinctive "Rockapella" approach in 1981, emphasizing the blend of four-part vocals with guitar accompaniment.
In 1983, The Heartaches won the inaugural vocal competition organized by doo-wop promoter Richard Nader, securing two performances at Madison Square Garden. Throughout the 1980s, they experienced moderate commercial achievements: opening for various artists, contributing to the children's album The Pickle That Ate Chicago, providing backing vocals for a Sassoon jeans advertisement as well as for British hit "It's Not Over" by Choppers, and collaborating with country artist Jan Chamberlin. The group signed a one-year production deal with RCA Records in 1985 but were released from the contract within the same year. They continued performing until their disbandment in 1989.
Discography
- "I'm So Young" b/w "A Lover's Call" (Catamount, 1966)
- Lamp Post Love Songs (Catamount LP-906)
Further reading
- Abraham J. Santiago and Steven J. Dunham, Acappella Street Corner Vocal Groups: a brief history and discography of 1960s singing groups, Mellow Sound Press, 2006