Saturday Night Doo-Wop

The Passions!

Source from: http://joetroiano.wordpress.com/2010/11/27/the-passions-just-to-be-with-you/

THE PASSIONS–“JUST TO BE WITH YOU”

November 27, 2010

Hi’  The Passions were one of the best vocal groups to come from New York City in the late ’50s.  The group featured one of the best lead vocalists of the era Jimmy Gallagher.  Members included

Albie Galione, Vinny Acierno and Tony Armato.  On a spring night in 1958 The Passions were formed.  They practiced very hard and were introduced to the Mystics’ manager, Jim Gribble, who signed them to a management contract.
On October 5, 1959 The Passions made their Billboard Hot 100 debut with the doo-wop classic “JUST TO BE WITH YOU”, on Audicon Records.  The single remained on the pop chart for 10 weeks and climbed to #69.  Much more than its chart position, the record became a doo-wop classic, a timeless hit and remains a standard today in the doo-wop genre.
On March 14, 1960 The Passions follow-up with “I ONLY WANT YOU” and “THIS IS MY LOVE”.  Although either side could have charted and been a hit, neither side reached the Hot 100.  “I Only Want You” did chart on the Bubbling Under The Hot 100 chart at #113.  They would not chart another Hot 100 hit.
The Passions appeared on Alan Freeds first Brooklyn Fox show and hit “Big Beat” TV show.  They appeared on “American Bandstand” and were on a national package tour with Dion & The Belmonts, Isley Brothers, The Skyliners, Chubby Checker and The Mystics.  They also appeared on Clay Cole’s variety show.
The Passions continue to perform, their line up of  Albee Galione, Louis Rotundo, Lenny Trerotola and Wayne Smith sing their hits along with other great songs from the “Golden Era Of Rock And Roll”.  Turn on your favorite oldies station and you are sure to hear The Passions with Jimmy Gallagher on the lead singing the great oldies classic “Just To Be With You”.