Our Guests - on "The Brooklyn Mike Show"
JOHN "DONTE" CASSESE
Italian/American Entertainer "Graziana Maria Lazzaro"
A dream come true for an Italian Immigrant to have the honor of singing the National Anthem at Shea Stadium not once but twice, a thrill she will never forget with the over-whelming applause of the 57,333-seater stadium. She remembers the crowd applauding at the line and note “O’er the land of the free”, a rush that she will never forget.
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She performed as the opening act for the Shirelles, the Duprees, the Drifters, the Platters, Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge, Al Martino, Don Cornell and Pat Cooper. A humbling experience for Graziana and pleasure to share the stage with such high caliber performers. King Broder her booking agent at the time, quoted her talent, “when she sings, everyone listens” such warmth in her voice you will fall in love.
Singer "John 'Donte' Cassese" of Donte & The Whiteheads
Donte & The Whiteheads
Original member of The Capris, John "Donte" Cassese is still performing today with new recordings in a group called,- Dante & The Whiteheads
SUSAN CASSESE
Singer "Susan Cassese" of Donte & The Whiteheads
Donte & The Whiteheads
Under Construction
GARY WHITEHEAD
Singer "Gary Whitehead" of Donte & The Whiteheads
Donte & The Whiteheads and The Whitehead Brothers
Singers, composers, and legends "Ronnie and Gary Whitehead" started singing at a very early age in church in addition to singing on gospel radio stations every Sunday. The Whitehead Brothers were known for singing on local television and Ronnie recorded his first single at the early age of 13. Ronnie writes and plays all kinds of instruments while Gary did singing in the background teaching others how to sing. Additionally, while both brothers entertained and singing for thousands of people, they sang with well known musical artists around the world such as other legends like James Brown, Ike & Tina Turner, and the legendary Michael Jackson among many others. The Whitehead Brothers also traveled around the world with the U.S.O. entertaining the troops. The legendary Ronnie and Gary Whitehead still continue with their passion singing together to this day. So we are HONORED to have had these two awesome individuals and legends Ronnie & Gary Whitehead on our show that we call family and friends. So tune-in and listen to this podcast interview while we play their newest song “You’re A Rose” being released and hitting the world for the first time on TBMSRadio.com!
RONNIE WHITEHEAD
Singer "Ronnie Whitehead" of Donte & The Whiteheads
Dante & The Whiteheads & The Whitehead Brothers
Singers, composers, and legends "Ronnie and Gary Whitehead" started singing at a very early age in church in addition to singing on gospel radio stations every Sunday. The Whitehead Brothers were known for singing on local television and Ronnie recorded his first single at the early age of 13. Ronnie writes and plays all kinds of instruments while Gary did singing in the background teaching others how to sing. Additionally, while both brothers entertained and singing for thousands of people, they sang with well known musical artists around the world such as other legends like James Brown, Ike & Tina Turner, and the legendary Michael Jackson among many others. The Whitehead Brothers also traveled around the world with the U.S.O. entertaining the troops. The legendary Ronnie and Gary Whitehead still continue with their passion singing together to this day. So we are HONORED to have had these two awesome individuals and legends Ronnie & Gary Whitehead on our show that we call family and friends. So tune-in and listen to this podcast interview while we play their newest song “You’re A Rose” being released and hitting the world for the first time on TBMSRadio.com!
Bass Singer "John 'Donte' Cassese" of The Capris
All of the original members were Italian Americans from the borough of Queens, New York. The Capri's name was taken from the Lincoln Capri in 1958, they recorded two songs for Planet Records, "Indian Girl," and "There's a Moon Out Tonight. WINS 1010's disc jockey Murray the K played the song often, and it hit the top of the charts. Realizing that their manufacturing and distribution capacity could not meet the demands of a hit record, Greene and Lost Nite sold their interest to Old Town Records, which had the capacity to meet the needs of the 1961 number three national hit. In 2007, The Capris were inducted into the Cleveland Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame
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Original member of The Capris, John "Donte" Cassese is still performing today with new recordings in a group called,- Dante & The Whiteheads
"Second Tenor Singer Frank Reina of The Capris"
All of the original members were Italian Americans from the borough of Queens, New York. The Capri's name was taken from the Lincoln Capri in 1958, they recorded two songs for Planet Records, "Indian Girl," and "There's a Moon Out Tonight. WINS 1010's disc jockey Murray the K played the song often, and it hit the top of the charts. Realizing that their manufacturing and distribution capacity could not meet the demands of a hit record, Greene and Lost Nite sold their interest to Old Town Records, which had the capacity to meet the needs of the 1961 number three national hit. In 2007, The Capris were inducted into the Cleveland Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame
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For a time, the Capris toured and performed in major venues all over the United States and in 1982, Santo, Mike Mincieli, and Frank Reina – joined at the time by Tommy Ferrara of The Del-Satins and Tony Danno, recorded There's a Moon Out Again, an album of 12 songs, including nine compositions by Santo. The Capris are still performing today with Frank Reina (original member )
"Actor from the HBO series The Sopranos"
Joseph R. Gannascoli was born on February 15, 1959 in Brooklyn, New York who portrayed Vito Spatafore on the hit series The Sopranos. Gannascoli has starred in 42 episodes as a mob captain who is gay. In one of the most famous SOPRANOS shows, Vito Spatafore is outed having been spotted dancing in leather chaps at a gay bar with another man. It was Gannascoli’s idea to create the gay character on The Sopranos, and it became one of the most intriguing story lines in the show’s history.
During the last season of The Sopranos Vito Spatafore was whacked on the final show in a cruel and violent death. Since then, Gannascoli has created three clever products: An enticing crime novel, A Meal To Die For; a gourmet line of 3 Italian marinara sauces called A SAUCE TO DIE FOR (one sauce is roasted garlic and eggplant with olive oil from Umbria, Italy); and a special cue stick for Billiards named A CUE TO DIE FOR. If you are a fan of THE SOPRANOS you will understand the significance of this item!!!!
Joseph R. Gannascoli has appeared in many films including his legendary role in GOODFELLAS.
He is a gourmet chef. He learned the culinary arts and then opened a restaurant. In many interviews he has proudly proclaimed himself a world famous chef.
"Italian/American Singer"
Romina Perri born in 2009 in the USA is the daughter of two immigrants with roots from Calabria, Italy. Romina sings in English, Italian, Polish, Spanish and Latin. She has performed in the Big Apple in many theaters and stages. She sang Italian and American National Anthems at: - Red Carpet 5th Ave NY Columbus Day Parade with over 1,000,000 people in attendance. Romina auditioned on the famous TV Show, "America’s Got Talent". Romina released her first CD with 11 cover songs and her first original song. She shared the stage with many legendary artists. Romina even received a hug from Andrea Bocelli at Valentine’s Day and a kiss from Eros Ramazzotti. She performed in her first European Tour 2019, performing in Poland and many cities in Italy. Some of her performances were broadcasted by RAI Italia. Romina says, "I love to sing, because when I perform, I make people happy and smile".
"The Mystics" The Entire Group
Al Contrera, George Galfo, Phil Cracolici, Bobby Ferrante, & Albee Cracolici all from Brooklyn, New York. The Mystics who started their career in the entertainment industry in 1958 as a member of the Overons which evolved into The Mystics. The Mystics appeared with the group on several TV shows in the 50’s and 60’s including the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand. The doo-wop
Mystics group released their hit song, "Hushabye" in 1959 which spent sixteen weeks on Billboard Hot 100 and nine of those weeks in the top 40. The MYSTICS have withstood the test of time & continue to bring to their music to their fans ... To be part of the audience is an experience within itself ... a trip down memory lane for all ages! ...Let us go back in time to 1959. The key words here are doo-wop and harmony – light, simple & ever so beautiful. It was the late 50’s & the words were heard on the airwaves and fans sung along “Hushabye, hushabye – oh my darling don't you cry, Guardian angel from above – take care of the one I love”.
RAY CIANCAGLINI
Former "Boxer" & Author of "Second Impact - The Ray Ciancaglini Story"
Ray Ciancaglini, a native of Geneva, New York, is a former professional boxer and award winning concussion awareness activist. His personal life story was featured nationally by ABC News which has been the subject of two New York Associated Press and New York News Publishers Award-winning stories.
Ray was instrumental in getting the Concussion Management Awareness Act passed into New York State Law. Ray was a former highly regarded boxer (middleweight 1966 - 1974) who authored the book "Second Impact".
GEORGE GALFO
"Founder & Singer of The Mystics"
George Galfo, born in December in Brooklyn, New York. George was the original founding member of The Mystics who started his career in the entertainment industry in 1958 as a member of the Overons, that group evolved into The Mystics. As The Mystics original second tenor, George appeared with the group on several TV shows in the 50’s and 60’s including the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand. The doowop Mystics group released their hit song, "Hushabye" in 1959 which spent sixteen weeks on Billboard Hot 100 and nine of those weeks in the top 40.
PHIL CRACOLICI
"Founder & Singer of The Mystics"
Phil Cracolici, started singing in 1956 with friends and soon after, formed The Overons with his brother Albee & nephew George Galfo,, which later became known as The Mystics. Phil is the original lead singer of the group’s 1959 #1 hit “Hushabye”, as well as their highly-regarded follow-up “Don’t Take the Stars”.. Prior to joining his nephew George in 2011, he was with the Brooklyn Reunion (along with The Classics & The Passions) performing throughout the NY area and on PBS-TV specials. Phil has been inducted into The Doo Wop Music Hall of Fame, Los Angeles, CA.- March 14th, 2015
MIKE MARINO
"Comedian & Actor"
Mike Marino is known to millions of his fans worldwide as the New Jersey’s Bad Boy – he is one of the most loved comedians of our time. He has performed in every major comedy club, theatre, casino and event center from New York to Los Angeles and around the world. In the Fall of 2008, Mike was inducted into the New Jersey Comedy Hall of Fame and in 2015 he won the USO Bob Hope Comedy Award for his many performances for the military. He has also been featured on numerous talk shows and has hosted some of the most prestigious award shows including The Beverly Hills Film Awards, Hoboken Film Festival, Montreal Quintus Film Festival and countless corporate events.
ANITA SALVATE
"Actress aka Patty and Patty"
Anita Salvate is a renowned and well known actress (aka Patty Martucci) is the author of the one-act play, "Patty and Patty". Played many roles whose credits include: Theatre, TV, & Film that include, The Sopranos, SNL, MTV’s Nickelodeon, Raging Bull, Cowboy Way, & many others. Anita has been heard on WNYC’s Kids America’s , Mystery History Show as various historical characters for syndicated cities across the U.S. She appeared in the Shortened Attention Span One Act Festival at the Player’s Theatre in NYC, where she performed “Patty” in Patty and Patty - A Conversation.
MARILYN MATARRESE
"Actress aka Patty and Patty"
Marilyn Matarrese is a renowned and well known actress (aka Patty Scardino) co-writer of "Patty and Patty". Marilyn is an actress, singer and hand model whose credits include:
Film: Thirsty, Coffee to Go, MIAMI OR BUST - A Hoboken Bet, Lbs., Four Deadly Reasons, The Observer, The Hollow Tree, The Old Man and the Seymour.
Theatre: Off-Broadway: Belle Stark in The Peccadillo Theater Company's Revival of Clifford Odets' Rocket to the Moon, Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, The Bonus Army, A Taste of Honey at The Cherry Lane Theater, Revenge in the Mob, Christmas Rappings (An Oratorio); ‘night Mother at the Edinburgh Fringe
CRISTINA FONTANELLI
"Opera Singer & Actress"
Cristina Fontanelli has become a well-known personality through her recordings, her appearances on TV, radio, in concert, nightclubs, and opera, and through her acting debut on network television. She has appeared as PBS-TV/NY affiliates host for Andrea Bocelli’s “Live From Central Park” also starring Celine Dion and Tony Bennett; for the “Il Volo Takes Flight” special; Vienna Boys Choir and Qi Gong PBS-TV Specials. In November of 2014 Cristina was chosen by the Italian government as a world-wide representative of the Puglia region to sing in Bari, Italy.
BLAISE 'BIAGIO' BENEVENGA
"Singer & Entertainer"
Biagio is a renowned Italian/American singer and entertainer known worldwide for the modern beat twist to many of the Italian music classic hits. Fans love his interaction and crowd participation performances. Biagio has appeared on countless Italian/American Festivals around the world! A true gentleman with a heart of gold and good friend.
CHRIS PRIDMORE
"Co-Host of 100 Proof Living - a Criminal"
Chris spent his career in sales and leadership with some of the largest healthcare corporations in the world. Through a broken season, he became desperately addicted to alcohol and made some destructive life choices. With a strong faith, grit, courage and commitment to a plan, his story has become one of recovery and hope. Chris is a New York State Certified Recovery Peer Advocate in an Emergency Room setting, a volunteer Ambassador with Shatterproof, Owner of Riser Business and Media, LLC and is enjoying a revitalized career in healthcare diagnostics.
BRIAN YATES
"Co-Host of 100 Proof Living - a Cop"
Brian has worked over 20 years in law enforcement. He has also spent several years working in dignitary protection in the Middle East. Brian is currently in Law Enforcement in Iowa. He has a BA in Organizational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University and a MA in Theological Studies from Liberty University. Brian is passionate about the value of human life and breaking stigma associated with law enforcement.
CAITLIN MEATH
"100 Proof Living - Community Ambassador"
Caitlin is a New York State Certified Recovery Peer Advocate, team member of Connections Rounded Recovery and a Peer in the Ontario County Drug Court. She has an ongoing commitment to schools, community organizations and supplemental support efforts. She has tremendous passion for her community. She is seen as an innovative leader. Her skills and drive have been forged through the fire of personal tragedy, struggle and victory.