Farewell, Speedo

Earl Carroll, the doo-wop singer best remembered as the lead vocalist with The Cadillacs who recorded their legendary 1955 hit "Speedo," which became "Mr. Earl's" nickname, passed away on Sunday at a New York City nursing home at the age of 75.

Mr. Carroll had suffered a stroke and had battled against diabetes.

Here is the Cadillacs 1955 hit recording of "Speedo."

Rest in peace, Speedo.

Parmaley "Carl" Rainge, R. I. P.

On and off for some 20 years, starting in 1956, Parmaley "Carl" Rainge was a member of the rhythm-and-blues/doo-wop vocal group The Spaniels.  After he joined the group, they enjoyed success with recordings such as "Everybody's Talking," "You're Gonna Cry," and "Peace Of Mind."


Mr. Rainge passed away this past Sunday in Columbus, Tennessee after a long illness at age 74.

Johnny Maestro, R.I.P.

Johnny Maestro, lead singer of the rock n' roll/doo-wop vocal group Brooklyn Bridge, passed away on Wednesday night at age 70 following a battle against cancer.

Born John Mastrangelo in Brooklyn, New York, Mr. Maestro had earlier been the lead singer of The Crests and whom in 1958, recorded a doo-wop classic entitled "Sixteen Candles."  It was an well-produced record, and it put New York-based independent Coed Records on the pop music map.

In 1961, Johnny broke away to embark on what turned out to be an unsuccessful career on his own, before forming the Brooklyn Bridge in 1968.  "The Worst That Could Happen" was a #3 hit in early 1969.

Johnny was living in Cape Coral, Florida at the time of his passing.