The Royal Teens

The Royal Teens
Company type	Musical group
Industry	Music
Founded	1956 in New Jersey, United States
Defunct	1965
Headquarters	New Jersey, United States
Products	Singles ("Short Shorts", "Believe Me")

The Royal Teens emerged as an American rock and roll ensemble originating from New Jersey in 1956. The original lineup consisted of Bob Gaudio on piano, Tom Austin handling drums, Billy Dalton playing guitar, and Billy Crandall on saxophone. Their most notable achievement was the 1958 hit single "Short Shorts", which climbed to number 3 on U.S. charts. Their subsequent release, "Believe Me" in 1959, reached number 26. Despite their success with singles, the group never produced a full album and ultimately dissolved in 1965.

History

The phrase "Short Shorts" described extremely short cutoff denim shorts popular among teenage girls, a term said to have been created by Bob Gaudio and Tom Austin in 1957. The song's concept was inspired by spotting two girls sporting cutoffs near a local hangout frequented by teens.

Originally called "The Royals," the band appended "Teens" to their name to distinguish themselves from another group with a similar title. Their 1957 recording session at Bell Sound Studios included Gaudio, Austin, Dalton, Crandall, and vocalist Diana Lee. Initially issued on Power Records, the track’s popularity led to a licensing deal with ABC-Paramount Records and eventually reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

While touring, saxophonist Billy Crandall, who was only 14 years old at the time, had to be replaced by Larry Qualiano due to parental restrictions. Other band members managed to juggle touring schedules alongside their school responsibilities. Throughout their tours, they shared the stage with prominent artists such as Buddy Holly, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, and Frankie Avalon.

In addition, The Royal Teens performed their hit "Short Shorts" in the 1958 jukebox musical film Let's Rock, which also featured acts like Danny and the Juniors, Paul Anka, and Julius LaRosa.

Legacy

Keyboardist Bob Gaudio later became a member of the Four Seasons. In 1959, fourteen-year-old Al Kooper occasionally toured with The Royal Teens before going on to establish bands such as The Blues Project and Blood, Sweat & Tears. Kooper also worked as a session musician on several mid-1960s albums by Bob Dylan, notably crafting the iconic organ riff for Dylan’s chart-topping track “Like A Rolling Stone.” Vocalist Joe Francavilla (also known as Joey Villa) joined the group in late 1958; he had previously been part of the Three Friends, recognized for their minor hit "Blanche."

Joey and the Twisters

Francavilla teamed up with several former Royal Teens members to form Joey and the Twisters, who scored minor hits including "Do You Want to Dance" and "Bony Maronie" between 1961 and 1962. This band frequently played at New York City’s Peppermint Lounge, performing alongside contemporaries such as Joey Dee and the Starliters. Fronted by Joey Villa, the lineup featured musicians from Manhattan’s local doo-wop community.

Although they never released a full album, Joey and the Twisters put out multiple singles through Duel Records. Their repertoire included covers of Bobby Darin's "Jailer, Bring Me Water," Bobby Freeman's "Do You Want to Dance," and "Bony Maronie." They also composed "Peppermint Twist Time" as a tribute to their home venue.

Their national tour culminated with a show at New Orleans’ Dream Room and an appearance on Dick Clark's American Bandstand broadcast on New Year's Day in 1962. As interest in the twist dance style waned, the group disbanded. Joey Villa pursued a solo career afterward, while Bob Azzara, Louis Burgio, and Flip Cesario (who briefly played with The Royal Teens) went on to form the band Mardi Gras.

Personnel included:

Joey Villa – Lead Vocals
Bob Azzara – Piano
Louis Burgio – Drums
Frankie Natale – Saxophone
Rich Malfitano – Saxophone
Flip Cesario – Guitar

Billy Crandall

Billy Crandall became a member of the Knickerbockers in 1964, performing under the stage name Buddy Randell. He provided lead vocals on their 1966 hit "Lies", which reached the top 20 charts. Later in his career, he was involved with the Messianic ensemble Jerusalem Rivers until his passing in 1998.

Short Shorts

The track "Short Shorts" experienced a resurgence in popularity during the 1970s, notably featured in advertisements for Nair. The band reunited in 1974 on The Midnight Special, delivering a performance of "Short Shorts" to a pre-recorded backing track; this reunion did not include Gaudio, who had stepped away from live shows. Additionally, "Short Shorts" was used as the opening theme for Japan's Tamori Club on TV Asahi Corporation until April 2023.

21st century

"Short Shorts" was showcased in the Season 8 episode of The Simpsons titled "The Mysterious Voyage of Homer," concluding with characters from Springfield dancing to the song.

During the debut of Jersey Boys at the August Wilson Theater, Gaudio and Austin reunited; the production featured "Short Shorts" as part of its musical score. Austin conveyed his pride in having contributed to Gaudio's early musical endeavors.

Billy Dalton passed away from an apparent heart attack on October 8, 2011, and was laid to rest on what would have been his 71st birthday.

ABC Paramount Records

1958: "Short Shorts" / "Planet Rock" (initially released on Power Records)
1958: "Big Name Button" / "Sham Rock"
1958: "Harvey's Got A Girlfriend" / "Hangin' Around"
1958: "Open The Door" / "My Kind of Dream"

Power Records

1959: "Sittin With My Baby" / "Mad Gass"

Mighty Records

1959: "Leotards" / "Royal Blue"

Capitol Records

1959: "Believe Me" / "Little Cricket"
1960: "The Moon's Not Meant For Lovers (Anymore)" / "Was It A Dream?"
1960: "It's The Talk of the Town" / "With You"

External links