The Seven (band)

The Seven
Company type	Rock band
Industry	Music
Founded	1969
Defunct	1971
Headquarters	Syracuse, New York, United States
Products	Music albums and singles

Adapted from the English Wikipedia article The Seven (band), available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 29 November 2025

The Seven was a rock ensemble hailing from Syracuse, New York, recognized for regional successes such as their renditions of "Heat Wave" and "Tell Her No". Their musical approach blended rock with influences from jazz and funk.

Background

Emerging from Upstate New York, this group developed out of The Upsetters and included musicians previously associated with Jeff & The Notes and Jimmy Cavallo & The Houserockers. Following the departure of guitarist John Latocha, Bob Canastraro joined the lineup, prompting a rebranding to The Magnificent Seven. Subsequently, Chuck Wheeler replaced Canastraro, and the band abbreviated its name to The Seven. Active during the years 1969 to 1972, they achieved notable regional acclaim, performing at venues such as The Place, Campus Inn, Captain Mac's, Ungano's, The Bitter End, and The Shack. Their sound was characterized by robust rhythms, brass instrumentation, and Latin undertones, often likened to bands like Blood Sweat & Tears and Santana.

Career

By early 1970, The Seven had appeared at prominent locations including New York City's Bitter End and Buffalo's Gilligan's. They produced their debut single featuring two original tracks—"Song" and "Rachel"—alongside cover versions of "Heat Wave" and "Tell Her No." Released in January 1970 under Thunderbird Records (catalog number TH 534), the B-side "Heat Wave" achieved regional success, remaining on WOLF Radio's charts for seven consecutive weeks.

Their album the song is SONG the album is ALBUM was unveiled in May 1970 on Thunderbird (THS 9006) to favorable critical reception. Around this period, Tommy Forest was recruited by Frank Sgroi to join as lead vocalist. With Forest on board, they premiered at Ungano's club for a three-night stint featuring songs like "Rachel" and "Girl, Girl." Industry commentators commended their dynamic intensity and vocal delivery.

The group's rendition of "Tell Her No" also gained traction regionally in mid-1970, sustaining a ten-week presence on WOLF's chart. Plans for a UK tour opening for The Moody Blues and recording a follow-up album were halted when lead guitarist Chuck Wheeler exited due to disputes over unpaid royalties. Efforts to find a replacement were unsuccessful, culminating in the band's dissolution in 1971.

Their last recording effort, "Junkyard," remained incomplete but was subsequently included in the History of Syracuse album compilation.

Later years

Following The Seven's breakup around 1971–1972, Tommy Forest became a member of the Wilkesbury Brigade, marking his final significant musical role.

Utilizing his expertise in audio engineering, Chuck Mellone played a key role in launching WCNY-FM radio station in December 1971. He later moved to Los Angeles where he worked as a studio engineer for A&M Records, collaborating with artists like Hoyt Axton, Glen Campbell, and New Riders of the Purple Sage.

In September 2010, John Latocha and Chuck Sgroi performed alongside the State Street Band supporting Jimmy Cavallo.

Nick Russo passed away on October 1, 2010, at age 69. Chuck Mellone died at age 68 in Malibu, California, on April 7, 2011.

Members

Bob Canastraro (member during Magnificent Seven era)
Tommy Forest
John Latocha – guitar (formerly with the Upsetters)
Tony Licamele – drums
Chuck Mellone – organ and band leader
Al Ruscito, Jr. – spokesperson for the group; trombone and trumpet
Nick Russo – vocals and percussion
Chuck Sgroi – bass guitar
Frank Sgroi – saxophone
Chuck Wheeler – guitar

Discography

Singles
Artist	Title	Catalogue Number	Release Year
The Seven	"Song" / "Heat Wave"	Thunderbird TH 527	1970
The Seven	"Tell Her No" / "Song for My Father"	Thunderbird TH 534	1970
The Paris Sisters, The Seven*	"I Love How You Love Me" / "Rachael"*	Original Gold OR 508	Unknown

Albums
Artist	Title	Catalogue Number	Release Year	Formats #
The Seven	the song is SONG the album is ALBUM	Thunderbird THS 9006	1970	8-Track: TH8 9006 Cassette: THC 9006

Compilation Appearances by Various Artists
Compilation Title	Catalogue Number	Year Released	Credited As	Featured Track(s)	Format #
The History Of Syracuse Music - Volume I	Eceip PSLP 1005		The Magnificent Seven	"Tell Her No"	LP
The History Of Syracuse Music - Volume II	Eceip PSLP 1003		The Seven	"Take It (The Way You Want It)"	LP
The History Of Syracuse Music: Volume III & IV	Eceip ECEIP PSLP 1007		The Seven	"Heatwave", "Junkyard"	LP
History Of Syracuse Music Volume V	Eceip PSLP 1011		The Seven	"Something Times Something Equals Seven" "Song"	LP
The History Of Syracuse Music - Volumes X & XI	Eceip PSLP 1018	1980	The Seven	"Heatwave"	LP
The Syracuse History Of Rock-n-Roll	WSEN 92.1 2D329	1991	The Seven	"Heatwave"	CD

External links