Singer-songwriter Jonny Meyers, grew up in Queens listening, imitating and eventually becoming friends with members of legendary doo-wop group The Belmonts. He put this obituary for Freddie Milano together and sent it to me for inclusion in the Brown Paper Tickets blog. I agree that Mr. Milano is an unsung hero who has influenced many genres of popular music. His passing is truly sad news….

With great sadness, rock-n-rollers worldwide mourn the loss of Fred Milano, backup tenor and founder of the Dion & The Belmonts. Freddie passed from complications due to lung cancer on New Years Day, 2012. His contribution to rock-n-roll history is best known by the seamless harmonies that defined the Bronx, New York doo-wop sound in hits such as “A Teenager in Love” and “Where or When,” which reached #5 and #3 respectfully in the 1959 Billboard charts.

When Dion left the group in 1960 for a solo career. Freddie continued on, reaching the Billboard Top 30 with “Tell me Why” in 1960 and “Come on Little Angel” in 1962. The Belmonts continued to make records and to perform up until Freddie’s recent passing. He is survived by his wife of forty-three years, his son and daughter, and his ten grandchildren.

Here’s a link to his obituary in the New York Times.

A YouTube Tribute to Freddie Milano!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3prNARmXA8]
Performing with Dion and the Belmonts on American Bandstand.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAPEfdjvTqE]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNYdcwunG7g]
Other Classic Freddie Milano moments!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-v3L9D0A0M]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyPnB_QKCM]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8FLkdkUeH8&feature=related]