one of the greatest du wop songs ever,johnny cantardo's false setto is way off the charts,perfection. the balance and play between him and bowser is a treat to enjoy. loved vito & the salutations when I hung out with my cousin in jersey in summer 1964,but this version transcends the song to new heights.
@cozy Cool Yes, Johnny is an exceptional tenor and Bowser an exceptional baritone. The other guys all had good voices in different ranges and that's why Sha na na is considered the best cover band.... ever.
@cozy Cool Yes but his attempt at a solo career went nowhere despite his talent. It's not only talent but timing. Music constantly changes and if you don't have the songs to keep up with it...you get left in the dust. He didn't have the right management or promotion as a solo artist. We know he had the talent.
You know why this is so great? The ENERGY alone. They were playing to the audience and it all just clicked. While millions watched the live audience got it first hand and the rest of us joined in. Few songs hit me like this one. There is a feel to it that most songs don't have. It's alive!!!
These guys don't just sing, they perform. That's not to everyone's taste, but after seeing how much energy they project in person, I'm impressed. Their TV show was nothing compared to their stage act.
Galya peeva she was in 1953 life look back at her own stuff life story ture life movie all about it take 50s years before New DVD releases review history books documentary about biography book club fun more information Hollywood studios bowl
These guys bring back so many great memories as a kid. The show is dated by today's standards but the music these guys pump out still rocks even after all these years. Can't believe how Bowzer and Johnny hold this piece together with the rest of the guys bringing in some great harmonies. Awesome. :o)
Does anybody else remember how great these guys were?! I saw them twice live at The Oakdale Theater in CT. One of the "Big Thrills" in my life was while sitting front row during a song Bowser told me to cut my hair.
If you were growing up in those days & years ya had it made❤ they don't make entertainment with this energy and street grace. And wars were ending and for the most part folks were just trying enjoy the simple life ❤
True talent. They are not only singing in perfect harmony...but doing all the moves too. Its hard enough to get it right standing still. How do I know?? I just do.
Thank you faerydancer for posting the video. It's always been one of my favorites that Sha Na Na did. And you are absolutely correct. The faster version of the song by the Salutations did preceed the Righteous Brothers, so one could say that the Righteous Brother's version was a parody of the original. I love Sha Na Na's version, and anytime I get to hear the sexy Johnny hit the falsetto, that's always a plus.
I love this version the best. I play it all the time. Johnny is off the charts great in his lead of this classic. I watch it just to hear him lol. Talk about a commanding performance. He just steals it. Of course he does that with everything he does.
@@Slenderbacaonplazzac I could have sworn a doo wop group did this fast version back in the late 50's/ early 60's. I looked but didn't find anything so you know what they say about that swearing thing. lol So apparently someone arranged this fast version for Sha na na or maybe one or more of the band members, did. Either way it's an ingenious version. :o)
@@jeanthirkill8735 Without a doubt but talent without proper management will never reach the peak it should. To me, this is what happened with Johnny. His IT factor was never in question. :o)
Also, with this particular one, I think it's all the energy and fun that was put into it. I usually end up watching it two or three times myself, even though I've seen it so much before.
I always watched their show , wAs entertaining and funny, bowser always had a funny line insult for one of the band , they did great 50s and 60s covers
Brilliant. I've been a fan of Sha Na Na since I was 4 (dad took me to see them in concert), nearly 30 years ago. I can't think of a song I've ever heard them do that shows off their respective talents as well as this one. It's great.
The TV show songs were Live lead vocals, with the rest lip synced. They recorded everything in the studio, then pantomimed on the tv studio stage. This was done by the producers in as much that SNN had little say on the technical decisions. When Bowser had a prominent bass part i.e., blue moon, that was also sung live. Sometimes the bass part was prerecorded and Bowser sang live over it. The songs were done in 1 or two takes. Any mistakes in lipsyncing were basically ignored. The funniest example of this is "Shout" when Lennie sat at the drums for the final portion of the song and started late for the final drum riff. What did the producers do? They added a laugh track to the miscue. My sources for much of this info are Donny York & Scott Simon
I love this rendition of a slow song done fast which isn't easy to pull off but they did it beautifully. The choreography isn't as easy as it looks either. They just have it down to a T. This is one of my fave's.
Faithful and excellent rendition of "Vito and the Salutations" version! Superb!!! Thanks! This particular SNN performance is one of my all time favs!!!! Made my day!
It's great to belong to a wonderful community such as the appreciation of this immensely joyable video. To the homophobe,only real men can appreciate the antics and talents of Sha Na Na! Funny thing, when the series originally aired, I seemed to couldn't wait for the program to end so I could watch something else. Now, at least 30 years later, I long for all the pleasure this series gave. Long live Sha Na Na!!
This is true. You can tell on a couple of these videos that the audio isn't live, though. Watch Bowser's mouth in this one, it's almost a dead give away. But still, the recordings sound awesome, so I still give them props. Johnny is a singing machine. I wish I had a voice like his.
A few members used to live on Cape Cod. I remember back in 1974 when two waitresses brought Lenny back from a club to our dorm where we lived while working at a restaurant. He hung out for a few hours. Had a few drinks, smoked a little pot, shot the breeze and then away he went!
@MommaJamma49 Somebody else told me that too. I can buy that. They were still great no matter what. I remember watching them as a kid growing up in Philly. Sha Na Na and Happy Days----GOOD STUFF!
rip dirty dan and chico! lol my mother dragged me to see these guys 4 times..........the Melody Fair in Buffalo, and then Darien Lake (now six flags) after the first time, I didnt need to be dragged! great stuff! have lots of posters, playbills and autographs, towel from Johnny, and drumsticks from Jocko....lol those were the days!
I love, Sha Na Na !! Bowser has powerful lungs. He is the greatest Bass voice I ever heard. I know because I learn from the best, "The Ghetto Brothers Band, aka "Street The Beat". I believe Bowers is still singing, hope hes not smoking. Love you guys...
I loved Johnny Contardo-one of the best voices in the business. Too bad he didn't pursue a solo career. He would have been huge as a solo artist. He graduated from a high school 2 towns from me!(In Mass.) My oldest girlfriend graduated with him and said he was in the school musicals-DUH!!!
@Boubala24 when I first watched this video it didn't click with me that this was the same song that the Righteous Brothers sang! I don't get to listen to the radio much so the Righteous Brothers version doesn't bother me, yet! LOL!! I do love this Version & Sha Na Na does a fantastic job as always!
You have to give Sha NA Na probs. It might not be there orginal music but they did it better then the orginal. These guys were incredible showmen.Great showmen.
When will they release this show on DVD? Shanana came to our screens in Nigeria in 1981 and everyone just loved it. Johonny Contardo was simply awesome. One of the best singing voices we ever heard.
Wow! I listened to Sha Na Na when I was a kid, but never SAW them. Hot performance! Those pants are incredibly tight! This was before spandes... And wouldn't they look great on Adam!
Don't remember this version (compared to Bobby Hatfield's), but it's really fun! Loved viewing the video for the showmanship! The entire coordination and vocals are amazing! (Those tight clothes! Yum!)
That's Jon Bauman. He's known as Bowzer. I LOVE him. My favorite part of doo-wop has always been the bass man and Bowzer is my number one favorite bass man!
I vividly remember seeing this version of "Unchained Melody" on the Sha Na Na Show because, shortly after it concluded, a news flash broke in to say that John Lennon had been shot.
![Lil Uzi Vert - Chill Bae [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/D7F42F_JM3U/mqdefault.jpg)
one of the greatest du wop songs ever,johnny cantardo's false setto is way off the charts,perfection. the balance and play between him and bowser is a treat to enjoy. loved vito & the salutations when I hung out with my cousin in jersey in summer 1964,but this version transcends the song to new heights.
I love this version Contardo and Bowser are off the charts They took this to a whole other level.
totally!!!!!!!!!!
Wonderful rendition!
@cozy Cool Yes, Johnny is an exceptional tenor and Bowser an exceptional baritone. The other guys all had good voices in different ranges and that's why Sha na na is considered the best cover band.... ever.
@cozy Cool Yes but his attempt at a solo career went nowhere despite his talent. It's not only talent but timing. Music constantly changes and if you don't have the songs to keep up with it...you get left in the dust. He didn't have the right management or promotion as a solo artist. We know he had the talent.
This is a copy of Vito and the salutations version
You know why this is so great? The ENERGY alone. They were playing to the audience and it all just clicked. While millions watched the live audience got it first hand and the rest of us joined in. Few songs hit me like this one. There is a feel to it that most songs don't have. It's alive!!!
These guys don't just sing, they perform. That's not to everyone's taste, but after seeing how much energy they project in person, I'm impressed. Their TV show was nothing compared to their stage act.
Sha na na's rendition of Unchained Melody is absolutely great! They're energy and harmony R out of the ballpark.
This is one of the classic songs of the '50's and Sha Na Na does a great job on it!
Galya peeva she was in 1953 life look back at her own stuff life story ture life movie all about it take 50s years before New DVD releases review history books documentary about biography book club fun more information Hollywood studios bowl
I love this group . Too bad they're not on tv anymore. One of the very few shows I'd ever rush to sit in front of the tv for
Wow what a harmonious high energy rendition. Can't beat Bowzer's bass voice.
These guys bring back so many great memories as a kid. The show is dated by today's standards but the music these guys pump out still rocks even after all these years.
Can't believe how Bowzer and Johnny hold this piece together with the rest of the guys bringing in some great harmonies. Awesome. :o)
Bowzer - wow! Johnny - wow! Simply amazing singing performance by both of them.🎼🎼
I Love this Show always watched it when it was on tv! Miss the show please play more shows! Sha Na Na is AWESOME 👍😎
This was one of my favorites. Johnny has such a beautiful voice. I love his high voice.
Bowzer is great
JC's facial expressions are priceless
Love this version!! Johnny and Bowzer are amazing!! 💗
Man Johnny could sing! Best falsetto in the business!
Does anybody else remember how great these guys were?! I saw them twice live at The Oakdale Theater in CT. One of the "Big Thrills" in my life was while sitting front row during a song Bowser told me to cut my hair.
Saw them there, too. Mid 1970's
I would never have envisioned unchained melody like this, but I love it!
If you were growing up in those days & years ya had it made❤ they don't make entertainment with this energy and street grace. And wars were ending and for the most part folks were just trying enjoy the simple life ❤
True talent. They are not only singing in perfect harmony...but doing all the moves too. Its hard enough to get it right standing still. How do I know?? I just do.
You can never dis these guys...
They always played to kick ass.....
This is the doo wop version, which was recorded by Vito and the Salutations in 1963! Sha Na Na is awesome here!
Always enjoyed their take
I'm a 15 year-old metalhead. Yet I like this song, and this band!
JUST TOO GOOD weren't they......yes they were...miss um, miss the days!
Thank you faerydancer for posting the video. It's always been one of my favorites that Sha Na Na did. And you are absolutely correct. The faster version of the song by the Salutations did preceed the Righteous Brothers, so one could say that the Righteous Brother's version was a parody of the original. I love Sha Na Na's version, and anytime I get to hear the sexy Johnny hit the falsetto, that's always a plus.
I love this version the best. I play it all the time. Johnny is off the charts great in his lead of this classic. I watch it just to hear him lol. Talk about a commanding performance. He just steals it. Of course he does that with everything he does.
That's Johnny...great voice!!!
I totally share your views and to me this rendition of unchained melody is the best.
@@Slenderbacaonplazzac I could have sworn a doo wop group did this fast version back in the late 50's/ early 60's. I looked but didn't find anything so you know what they say about that swearing thing. lol So apparently someone arranged this fast version for Sha na na or maybe one or more of the band members, did. Either way it's an ingenious version. :o)
Isn’t Johnny Fabulous???
@@jeanthirkill8735 Without a doubt but talent without proper management will never reach the peak it should. To me, this is what happened with Johnny. His IT factor was never in question. :o)
Also, with this particular one, I think it's all the energy and fun that was put into it. I usually end up watching it two or three times myself, even though I've seen it so much before.
Great harmony. I love them.
Sha Na Na did this song beautifully. Bouzer and Johnny are fantastic. Backing also Great. All these guys are fantastic!!!
This is flat out wonderful.
these guys are great. Vito and the Salutations would be proud.
5 part harmony with a big key change. Great stuff.
I never get tired of veiwing this one
That's the best version of "unchained melody" i've ever heard and seen. Awesome!
It’s a near exact cover of Vito & the salutations version. Check that one out!
This is so beautiful! Nice version. Good singers 👏👏👏
I always watched their show , wAs entertaining and funny, bowser always had a funny line insult for one of the band , they did great 50s and 60s covers
YES! I've been looking for this segment for 10 years! I LOVE YOU WHOEVER POSTED IT! Please keep this from being taken away! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brilliant. I've been a fan of Sha Na Na since I was 4 (dad took me to see them in concert), nearly 30 years ago. I can't think of a song I've ever heard them do that shows off their respective talents as well as this one. It's great.
you guys are great.
The TV show songs were Live lead vocals, with the rest lip synced. They recorded everything in the studio, then pantomimed on the tv studio stage. This was done by the producers in as much that SNN had little say on the technical decisions. When Bowser had a prominent bass part i.e., blue moon, that was also sung live. Sometimes the bass part was prerecorded and Bowser sang live over it. The songs were done in 1 or two takes. Any mistakes in lipsyncing were basically ignored. The funniest example of this is "Shout" when Lennie sat at the drums for the final portion of the song and started late for the final drum riff. What did the producers do? They added a laugh track to the miscue. My sources for much of this info are Donny York & Scott Simon
I love this rendition of a slow song done fast which isn't easy to pull off but they did it beautifully. The choreography isn't as easy as it looks either. They just have it down to a T. This is one of my fave's.
Faithful and excellent rendition of "Vito and the Salutations" version! Superb!!! Thanks! This particular SNN performance is one of my all time favs!!!! Made my day!
It's great to belong to a wonderful community such as the appreciation of this immensely joyable video. To the homophobe,only real men can appreciate the antics and talents of Sha Na Na! Funny thing, when the series originally aired, I seemed to couldn't wait for the program to end so I could watch something else. Now, at least 30 years later, I long for all the pleasure this series gave. Long live Sha Na Na!!
Just saw Johnny in Philly Sunday night and boy, can he still make the girls swoon :) He was absolutely incredible.
This is true. You can tell on a couple of these videos that the audio isn't live, though. Watch Bowser's mouth in this one, it's almost a dead give away. But still, the recordings sound awesome, so I still give them props. Johnny is a singing machine. I wish I had a voice like his.
I just watched it! What great fun! I wish I'd been there! Thank you!
Qué buenos eran estos tíos.
A few members used to live on Cape Cod. I remember back in 1974 when two waitresses brought Lenny back from a club to our dorm where we lived while working at a restaurant. He hung out for a few hours. Had a few drinks, smoked a little pot, shot the breeze and then away he went!
@MommaJamma49 Somebody else told me that too. I can buy that. They were still great no matter what. I remember watching them as a kid growing up in Philly. Sha Na Na and Happy Days----GOOD STUFF!
rip dirty dan and chico! lol my mother dragged me to see these guys 4 times..........the Melody Fair in Buffalo, and then Darien Lake (now six flags)
after the first time, I didnt need to be dragged! great stuff!
have lots of posters, playbills and autographs, towel from Johnny, and drumsticks from Jocko....lol those were the days!
Love this song and love Sha na na!
Very good performance. Great song.
Again....fabulous
This is one of my favorites by the group. Johnny is hot as always!!
OMG !!!! DID you see how JC was swiveling his hips???? Oh and he can SING too ...lol Thank you for posting these Faerydancer
Love It! and the Righteous Brothers too...Amazing cover!
I like this...heard this on xm radio and had to see who sang this...blows me away.
This is certainly not an easy song to sing with all those different parts! And they do it just great! Yay, Sha Na Na!
Great, my kids like this also... In love with Johnny
Wow the memories. I cant believe I stumbled across this. My dad and I used to set and watch this when I was little, many years ago
This means more then anything now my dear mom and dad have past. They shared the true gift of voice and music with me= priceless!
Yes, it sure is, with Johnny Contardo on lead. Love this one, as I do most of their songs.
I love this, great version.
I love, Sha Na Na !! Bowser has powerful lungs. He is the greatest Bass voice I ever heard. I know because I learn from the best, "The Ghetto Brothers Band, aka "Street The Beat". I believe Bowers is still singing, hope hes not smoking. Love you guys...
A member of Vito and the Salutations taught me about singing harmony, but I have to give the edge to Sha Na Na.
This is a supreme version of "Unchained Melody" !!
Takes "divergent thinking" to another level. The Righteous Brothers are on some other planet.
Great performance. Sadly saw it on TV not live 💗💗💗
I loved Johnny Contardo-one of the best voices in the business. Too bad he didn't pursue a solo career. He would have been huge as a solo artist. He graduated from a high school 2 towns from me!(In Mass.) My oldest girlfriend graduated with him and said he was in the school musicals-DUH!!!
@Boubala24 when I first watched this video it didn't click with me that this was the same song that the Righteous Brothers sang! I don't get to listen to the radio much so the Righteous Brothers version doesn't bother me, yet! LOL!! I do love this Version & Sha Na Na does a fantastic job as always!
You have to give Sha NA Na probs. It might not be there orginal music but they did it better then the orginal. These guys were incredible showmen.Great showmen.
best version of this song I've ever heard
My now 11 years olds Doo Wop epiphany was watching these guys on Woodstock. Judy Collins to The Who to Sha Na Na and she never looked back.
When will they release this show on DVD? Shanana came to our screens in Nigeria in 1981 and everyone just loved it. Johonny Contardo was simply awesome. One of the best singing voices we ever heard.
I live in the era when Sha na na when were Kings. He goes! XX
always had my eyes on Johnny b4, just watched again for the 100h time and saw it too bless him xx
i luv them! theyre so good! i crack up when the bass sings! johnny rocks!
has been on 2 weeks now, I called in from the UK yesterday, he really is the nicest guy ever and Im totally head over heels xxx
i grew up watching these guy's.priceless
JUST WATCHED AGAIN fantastic. xx
More choreography, talent at all levels and just plain fun...sigh...
Wow! I listened to Sha Na Na when I was a kid, but never SAW them. Hot performance!
Those pants are incredibly tight! This was before spandes...
And wouldn't they look great on Adam!
You got that right!! Wow, the man knows how to walk up to a mikestand!! that's for sure!! not to mention THE VOICE!!
i think the Sha Na Nas are the only band that can sing unchained melody at this speed and beat and actually make it sound GOOD! lol their awsome
God, Johnny Contardo's voice is the bomb!!!!
I loved this when I first it and still do. Ha ha loved that quick shot of the "Bowzer" picture at the end!
They're fantastic ...
lots of memories Thanks
Fantastic!
MEU DEUS QUE VOZ É ESSA jOHNNIE SIMPLESMENTE THE BEST !!!!!!!
I agree! They do a great job! Sha Na Na Rocks!!
ohmygoodness...Johnnies voice !
This rendition of unchained melody is best. It's fun cute and adorable.
I love Vito and the Salutations but I have to give this one to Sha Na Na
Easily
In my opinion Sha na na version is unquie , fun enjoyable and adorable. Therefore best version
Don't remember this version (compared to Bobby Hatfield's), but it's really fun! Loved viewing the video for the showmanship! The entire coordination and vocals are amazing! (Those tight clothes! Yum!)
I listen to mostly hard rock but this is awesome.
@Lisam8907
I've watched and listen to about as many different versions as I could find on youtube and without question THIS is the best version!
johnnys voice...i heard he gave singing lessonss if i had taken , I dont think i wold learn anything. i would be so star struck to sing a note
That's Jon Bauman. He's known as Bowzer. I LOVE him. My favorite part of doo-wop has always been the bass man and Bowzer is my number one favorite bass man!
I vividly remember seeing this version of "Unchained Melody" on the Sha Na Na Show because, shortly after it concluded, a news flash broke in to say that John Lennon had been shot.