The Academics
The Academics (New Haven, Connecticut)
Personnel :
Dave Fisher (Lead)
Billy Greenberg (Tenor)
Marty Ganter (Second Tenor)
Ron Marone (Baritone)
Richie"Goose"Greenberg (Bass)
Discography :
1956 - At My Front Door / Darla My Darlin' (Ancho 100)
1957 - Heavenly Love / Too Good To Be True (Ancho 101)
1958 - Drive In Movie / Somethin' Cool (Elmonts 1001)
1958 - Girl That I Love / I Often Wonder (Acho 104 Unreleased)
Biography :
The Academics began singing as teenagers. They all went to Hillhouse High School in New Haven. They took their name from their high school nickname. New Haven attorney, Joel Alderman, who was also a news reporter at radio station WELI-AM in New Haven liked their sound and agreed to manage them. Alderman also managed the Starlarks and had recorded that group on his own Elm label. Alderman brought the Academics to WELI disc jockey Carl Loucks who was impressed with their sound and encouraged them to record.
They were taken in to the studios of WELI to record two songs that Marty Ganter had written – “Too Good to be True” b/w “Heavenly Love” The songs were released on a new label Joel Alderman formed called Anchor Records. Thanks to Carl Loucks and Jim Gallant, host of a daily TV show called Connecticut Bandstand, “Too Good to be True” became the #1 record in New Haven.
After “Too Good To Be True,” was released, Charlie Luth replaced Goose Greenberg in the group. The Academics’ second record on Ancho was “Darla My Darlin” [led by Ronnie Marone] b/w “At My Front Door” [led by Dave Fisher]. The Academics’ final release was “Something Cool” [led by Dave Fisher] b/w “Drive in Movie” [led by Marty Ganter], released on the Elmont label in mid August 1958. All the Academics records did well in the Connecticut area but failed to chart nationally.
Following the release of the Academics third record, Vinnie Giardina replaced Dave Fisher, who left to attend Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. At Wesleyan, Fisher formed the folk group, the Highwaymen who recorded “Michael Row the Boat Ashore” and “Cotton Fields.” Dave Fisher passed away on Mat 7, 2010. In 1989, two unreleased Academics’ masters from 1960 (“I Often Wonder” b/w “Girl That I Love”) were located and issued. The Academics continued singing over the years, appearing with many well-known performers including Connie Francis, the Five Satins, the Platters, and Paul Anka.
http://www.doowopy.de/index.php?id=175&L=2
http://www.classicurbanharmony.net/Academics.htm
Songs :
Somethin' Cool I Often Wonder Heavenly Love
Darla My Darlin' At My Front Door Too Good To Be True
Drive In Movie Girl That I Love
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