Over our long 55+ year career (Johnny Angel and the Halos) we have performed in clubs, bars, Concert Halls, Festivals, on Television, live radio shows, at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Stadiums, National Anthem for the Pirates, Penguins and Steelers, on the street corner and even at Heinz Hall. Speaking of Heinz Hall, I want to reminisce about one of my favorite appearances at the Hall. We were asked to work with Marvin Hamlisch and the Pittsburgh Pops Symphony Orchestra and do a medley of Neil Sedaka songs, a tribute to Neil who was coming to Heinz Hall. By the way, today, March 13 is Neil Sedaka’s birthday! What an honor to perform with Marvin Hamlisch, the Pittsburgh Pops Symphony Orchestra and to celebrate the music of the great Neil Sedaka. We sang songs like
“Laughter In The Rain”, “Calendar Girl”, “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” to mention a few. It was such a sensational feeling to sing with your band and a full orchestra behind you. And then the craziest thing happened … we finished our segment and were leaving the stage … and Mr. Marvin Hamlisch said “Gentlemen. where are you going?” … and panic registered on our faces. We are at Heinz Hall with the Symphany orchestra and a jam-packed house and Marvin stopped us dead in our exit and said … “I always wanted to sing DooWop, acapella with a group … can we sing a song together?” It was unrehearsed, cold turkey, instant a cappella with the Legendary, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award winning composer and director … Marvin Hamlisch! Well, we sang “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” a cappella … they brought out a Motocycle jacket and sunglasses for Mr. Hamlisch … we huddled around a microphone … and began to chirp … it was fantastic and a memory I’ll never forget. I have another cool memory of my friend Marvin Hamlisch but will save it until August, for his birthday. Halos, Hamlisch, Heinz Hall … and Happy Birthday Neil Sedaka!