I still have all the charts every issue of Record World, Cashbox and Billboard I judiciously bought every single copy, every single week. They're from New York, but are seen on the album cover in Malibu catching a wave on the beach. The groups initial run lasted from 1968-1971, during which they were unable to find any other success outside of "Tighter, Tighter" making them one-hit wonder. Some user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. Because of this and their rocky relationship with Levy, the band broke up in 1971 after making only one record album titled Alive N Kickin. Pepe Cordona reinvented the band in 1976 and they continue to perform at weddings, parties, clubs and other small venues in the northeast. Ultimately he decided to keep it for himself and it became a No. We dont have any upcoming events for this artist right now. Alive and Kicking was a pop/rock septet from New York led by singers Pepe Cardona and Sandy Toder, who scored a number seven hit in 1970 with "Tighter, Tighter," a song co-written and produced by Tommy James. We were very disgruntled. Learn more about this vendor for your event. Alive N Kickin' also included, among others, keyboardist Bruce Sudano - who would go on to produce singers ranging from Michael Jackson to Dolly Parton and marry disco queen Donna Summer -. The original band consisted of lead singers Sandy Toder and Pepe Cardona (the bands founder and leader), Bruno Sudano (organ, who later founded the band Brooklyn Dreams and also married Disco singer Donna Summer), Woody Wilson (bass guitar), Johnny Parisio (guitar) and Ron Pell (drums). Cardona: You know, I didnt know if any of the songs we had written for that album were better than Just Let It Come, but one things for sure, Just Let It Come wasnt the best choice. "Tighter, Tighter" (1970) "Just Let It Come" (1970) "Tighter, Tighter" is a song written by Bob King and Tommy James.Tighter, Tighter" is a song written by Bob King and Tommy James. A top country songwriter, Barry talks about writing hits for Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean. Famous songs that lent their titles - and in some cases storylines - to movies. Alive N Kickins follow-up singles, Just Let It Come, Good Ole Lovin Back Home, and London Bridge did not gain much popularity. In 1976, the four founding members of Alive N Kickin reunited and paraded with a new bassist, Richie Incorvaia. John Alexander Alive 'N Kickin') perform "Tighter, Tighter" and "Jordan." The Impressions sing "Can't You See?" and "Check Out Your Mind." In 1968, a group of teenagers from Brooklyn, New York decided to form a band. August 9, 2018 @ 2:22 pm. The tumor was removed in April 2020, but it had spread to his stomach. With guitar styles ranging from rock, blues, jazz and funk to pop and soul, Alive N' Kickin' will blow your mind! A new version of Last.fm is available, to keep everything running smoothly, please reload the site. Three years later in 1976, I put the band back together again, but this time with no aspirations of having a hit or anything And you know what, 50 years later I have Alive N Kickin and I dont look back. A new version of Last.fm is available, to keep everything running smoothly, please reload the site. In a Songfacts. Formed in Brooklyn, New York in 1968 while all the members were still in their teens, the original lineup consisted of Vito Albano (drums), Dave Shearer (guitar), Bruce Sudano (keyboards), Woody Wilson (bass), and lead singers Pepe Cardona (d. July 28, 2020) and Sandy Toder. 35.9K monthly listeners. Learn how and when to remove this template message, List of 1970s one-hit wonders in the United States, "Alive 'N Kickin' Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More", "Longtime City Island resident and musician Pepe Cardona sings his last tune", "Pepe Cardona of Alive 'N Kickin' Has Died", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alive_N_Kickin%27&oldid=1140053506, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from August 2015, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 18 February 2023, at 05:21. The band gained some popularity when they began recording for Tommy James on the label he was signed to, Roulette Records. They later modified their name to Alive 'n Kickin'. Original members included Toda and Cardona (vocals), Bruce Sudano (keyboards), Woody Wilson (bass), Dave Shearer (guitar), and Vito Albano (drums). Profile: American songwriter and bass guitarist, born in 1949 in Brooklyn, NY. It is led by singers Pepe Cardona and Sandy Toder, they are known for their 1970 hit "Tighter, Tighter", which peaked number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Since 1997, we've connected planners with vendors for over half a million events. anytime you like and we'll deduct your contribution from that months server fundraiser total. Sites: alive-n-kickin.com, Wikipedia Members: Bruce Sudano, Pepe Cardona (2), Sandy Toder, Vito Albano, Woody Wilson (2) Variations: Viewing All | Alive 'N Kickin' Cardona took the time to answer some questions for this newspaper. Alive N Kickin was one of those one-hit wonder bands in the 70s music period. BROWSESONGLISTS| Information displayed on this page is courtesy of. He's the only original member left. Home Reporter: Where were you the first time you heard Tighter, Tighter on the radio? I remember listening to it on WABC and then for some reason switching over to WMCA and they were playing it too. Thats quite an accomplishment. 1) "Tighter, Tighter," Alive N Kickin' (1970); Written by Tommy James https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFMj37o43LY Alive N Kickin' was recording for the Roulette label, and labelmate Tommy James had written and was going to produce a song for them to record. Alive and Kicking was a pop/rock septet from New York led by singers Pepe Cardona and Sandy Toder, who scored a number seven hit in 1970 with "Tighter, Tighter," a song co-written and produced by Tommy. In 1970, they released their eponymous debut album. 69, and the groups next two singles, Good Ole Lovin Back Home, and London Bridge, failed to chart in 1971. They still perform for parties, dance events and weddings. Sign up free 0:00 0:00 Company About Jobs For the Record Communities For Artists Developers Advertising Investors Vendors Useful links Support Free Mobile App Our US based team of Account Specialists are here to help every step of the way. A second charting single Just Let It Come, didnt fare as well, only reaching No. This 1970s singlerelated article is a stub. They are best known for the soulful romantic pop ballad, "Tighter, Tighter" (1970). Incorvaia had already passed away. "Tighter, Tighter" was released in June 1970, reaching No. Other Alive N Kickin Hit Songs: Junction Creek, Jordan, Kentucky Fire, Sunday Morning, Mississippi Mud, Hitter Man, Mother Careys Chicken, You Gave Me Something & Good Ole Lovin Back Home. More on the bands history below. HOME| Mixcloud Archive of The excitement of hearing your song on the radio overrode everything. Alive N Kickin is still active, although Pepe and Johnny Parisio are the only remaining original members, while the rest of the lineup consists of new members. Starting at $4,000 per event. 7 on the Billboard chart. Brooklyns own Alive N Kickin is celebrating a half century of performing its unique brand of rock n roll. The group officially formed in 1968 when the six members were still teenagers with a friendship based on their love of music. After increasing difficulties with producer Morris Levy and the labels insistence on trying to make more singles so quickly, Alive N Kickin broke up in the fall of 1971. It was great for us and to tell you the truth, we werent privy to any of the background of Morris Levy and how he did business. Incorvaia had already passed away. Will travel up to 500 miles. Everybody dropped out. The six original members formed the band when they were teenagers in 1968 in guitarist Dave Shearer's basement. They toured with some of the biggest names in Rock, including Chicago, Frank Zappa, Seals and Crofts, Mott The Hoople and Rare Earth. How well do you know the 007 theme songs? It reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1970. He had completed the musical track for the song, which was to be his next solo release, when at the last minute he brought in Alive N Kickin' and had them do the vocal track instead. Ill never forget it. They gained some popularity when they began recording for Tommy James on the label he was signed to, Roulette Records. Jeff Miller - Keyboards The bands music is still well-liked by followers of traditional rock and roll. Bruce Sudano, later of Brooklyn Dreams and husband of Donna Summer, was a member. Alive & Kicking (a.k.a. Par-Baked Crusts. Billy Joel's "My Life" was used as the theme song to the 1980 TV show Bosom Buddies, which starred a young Tom Hanks as a guy who lives in a hotel for women by dressing up as a girl. After two years of dealing with struggles as a young band, they finally got signed with Roulette Records where they started recording for Tommy James (of the sixties rock n roll group, Tommy James And The Shondells). Billboard Hot 100 Chart and No Show more Show more Elaine. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the rock and roll group Alive N Kickin was very well-liked. Alive & Kickin' Par-Baked Crusts are game-changers. Brooklyn's own Alive N Kickin' is celebrating a half century of performing its unique brand of rock 'n' roll. Alive 'N Kickin'. To listen to a song clip, click any song title that has a speaker icon. In 1976, most of the original line-up reformed where they continued to perform with a changing line-up over the years. The song was written by Bob King and Tommy James of Tommy James and the Shondells. Request Free Quote. [2] It sold over one million copies and received a gold disc awarded by the R.I.A.A.[2]. It was 40 years ago that Alive N Kickin' was formed, and with the help of Tommy James recorded a song by the name of "Tighter And Tighter". Alive and Kicking was a pop/rock septet from New York led by singers Pepe Cardona and Sandy Toder, who scored a number seven hit in 1970 with "Tighter, Tighter," a song co-written and produced by Tommy Read Full Biography Overview Biography Discography Songs Credits Related Share on facebook twitter tumblr Related Artists Similar to Shaun Cassidy The band broke up without much fanfare. Today the band has a new and revised line-up once more, although Cardona and Parisio have remained a constant presence within the band. As a gesture of friendship to the group, he wrote "Tighter, Tighter" for them. It went to #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 that year (and stayed for a total of 16 weeks on the chart), selling over a million copies and receiving a gold disc. Like Tommy James, they were signed to Roulette Records, which didn't exactly nurture the band - their names weren't even listed on the album. "Not just a band but an experience!" CONTACTUS| Screen name: Alive-N-Kickin Member since: Jan 19 2010 Active over 1 month ago Level of commitment: Just for Fun Years together: 9 Gigs played: Over 100 Tend to practice: OURTOP40| The major hit for the group came as the pressure of performing drove James to near collapse. ARTICLES| A monthly update on our latest interviews, stories and added songs, This was written and produced by Tommy James after his group The Shondells dissolved. Alive 'N Kickin') is a veteran male-female pop/rock group that became famous during the early 1970s. Read Full Biography. Cardona: Alive N Kickin broke up shortly after London Bridge bombed. Two singles were almost immediately released to ride on the good fortune of the hit song, but after a lack of success with "Just Let It Come" and "London Bridge", and after increasing difficulties with their producer Morris Levy and the label's insistence on trying to make more singles so quickly, the band quietly broke up in the fall of 1971. The band started their recording sessions for their debut album. Alive N Kickin formed in 1968 in the basement of original guitarist Dave Shearer, when they were teenagers. The group reunited in 1976, and is still active, specializing in parties and weddings. It is led by singers Pepe Cardona and Sandy Toder, they are known for their 1970 hit "Tighter, Tighter", which peaked number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.[1]. Cardona: Well, we were signed to Roulette for two years. Listen to your favorite songs from Alive 'N Kickin'. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Band Members Include: Pepe Cardona - Lead Vocals, Elaine Tuttle -. Alive & Kicking began as a session band recording for Tommy James before signing with Roulette Records. Cardona: We recorded it in February, 1970, and it was released in May. Alive N Kickin - Tighter, Tighter lkb105 1.76K subscribers Subscribe 998 129K views 10 years ago Alive N Kickin performing their hit "Tighter, Tighter" with special guests, original. If Tommy had continued to be a part of our process of getting a follow-up single, or perhaps writing us a follow-up single, even after Just Let It Come bombed, we might have had another hit. 7 on the U.S. Member Since 2005. It was at Marine Park and I was totally surprised by it. RSSFEEDS| Select album: Copyright 2018 Alive N Kickin. There was also Mississippi Mud.. Home Reporter: What was it like to be signed to Roulette Records? Any of the other songs on that album, Kentucky Fire might have been a good one. It was like a mini-Woodstock with the people stretched out on the lawn. Cardona: Yeah, Jordan was a good one. Sign up to get unlimited songs and podcasts with occasional ads. They are best known for the soulful romantic pop ballad, "Tighter, Tighter" (1970). Alive N Kickin. Alive & Kicking debuted on the Pop/Rock charts in the summer of 1970 with "Tighter, Tighter," which became a Top 10 hit in both Canada and the U.S and soon after went gold. Alive 'n Kickin' Formed 1968, Brooklyn, NY, United States Members Pepe Cardona (vocals), Sandy Toder (vocals), John Parisio (guitar), Thomas Woody Wilson (bass), Bruce Sudano (keyboards), Vito Albano (drums, percussion) Related Artists Brooklyn Dreams, The Yo Yo's Also Known As Alive and Kicking Genres Pop Rock, Pop Soul Share Tweet Written and produced by Tommy James of the Shondels, "Tighter" earned them a Gold Record which they received onstage at Madison Square Garden. All user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. Feel free to use our Facebook page to discuss & ask any questions you have about this artist, a fellow PsycheHead is sure to have the answer. James did offer Alive N Kickin the opportunity to record another song he had written, Tighter, Tighter, which he also produced for the group. He said if we didnt want to do it he would get somebody else to do it. History of Sci-Fi Monsters, Heroes and Villains, Learn About the Very Wild and Interesting Psychedelic Era. Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. Alive and Kicking(later known as Alive N Kickin) is a Brooklyn band, led by singers Pepe Cardona and Sandy Toder, known mainly for their 1970 hit single Tighter, Tighter which reached number seven in the United States Billboard Hot 100 chart, and whose chorus was borrowed from Janis Joplin's previous breakthrough single "Piece of My Heart". The band released two more singles Just Let It Come (peaking at #69 on The Billboard Hot 100) and London Bridge, but neither had the success of their first hit. Alive and Kicking was a pop/rock septet from New York led by singers Pepe Cardona and Sandy Toder, who scored a number seven hit in 1970 with "Tighter, Tighter," a song co-written and produced by Tommy James. Gold disc awarded by the R.I.A.A. [ 2 ] it sold over one million and... Group Alive N Kickin was one of those one-hit wonder bands in the 70s period... James of Tommy James and the groups next two singles, good Lovin! 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