Sha Na Na facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sha Na Na
Sha Na Na in 1972
Background information
Origin	Columbia University New York City, New York US
Genres	Rock and roll, doo-wop
Years active	1969–present
Associated acts	Johnny Casino and the Gamblers in the feature film Grease
Members	Donny York Gene Jaramillo Jocko Downtown Michael Brown Rockin' Randy Screamin' Scott Simon Tim Butler Ty Cox
Past members	See Members

Sha Na Na is an American rock and roll and doo-wop music group. They perform songs and dances that bring back the feeling of 1950s hit songs. Sha Na Na started in 1969 and has been both celebrating and having fun with the music of that time.

The group first became famous after playing at the Woodstock Festival. This was possible with help from their friend, Jimi Hendrix. Later, they hosted their own TV show called Sha Na Na. This show was very popular from 1977 to 1981.

Sha Na Na often said they were "from the streets of New York." Their members usually wore shiny gold jackets or cool leather jackets. They also styled their hair in classic 1950s looks like the pompadour or ducktail. The group's name comes from the fun, repeated sounds in the song "Get a Job" by the Silhouettes.

Today, the band still includes original members Donny York and Jocko Marcellino. Screamin' Scott Simon joined in 1970 and is also a long-time member. Other current band members are Tim Butler on bass, Randy Hill on guitar, Ty Cox on drums, and Michael Brown on saxophone.

Sha Na Na's TV Show

Sha Na Na had their own TV show called Sha Na Na. It was a variety series that aired from 1977 to 1981. This show was one of the most watched programs during its time. Pierre Cossette produced the show, and LBS Communications first shared it.

The show featured the group performing popular songs from the 1950s and 1960s. They also did funny comedy skits. The band changed their tough stage act for TV to a more comedic and lighthearted style. But the main part of the show was still their 1950s song and dance routines.

Each episode usually started with a concert scene. Then, it moved to different street or ice cream parlor settings. Here, Sha Na Na and their guests would perform several songs. They often included a funny song like "Alley Oop" or "Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah." The show would end with a slow song, back in their concert style.

Many other actors and comedians appeared on the show. These included Avery Schreiber, Kenneth Mars, and Philip Roth in the first season. Pamela Myers and Jane Dulo (who played the grumpy Lady in the Window) were on the show for its whole run. Soupy Sales and June Gable joined in later seasons.

Famous guests on the show included music stars like Jan & Dean, Fabian, Chubby Checker, and the Ramones. Other guests were Ethel Merman, Frank Gorshin, Billy Crystal, Danny and the Juniors, and Rita Moreno.

The members of Sha Na Na during the TV series were Jon "Bowzer" Bauman, Lennie Baker, Johnny Contardo, Frederick "Dennis" Greene, Danny "Dirty Dan" McBride (who left after the third season), Jocko Marcellino, Dave "Chico" Ryan, 'Screamin' Scott Simon, Scott "Santini" Powell, and Donald "Donny" York. Each member had a chance to sing a solo. They were introduced by their nicknames or first names at the start of each show.

Sha Na Na in Movies

The group appeared as themselves in two documentaries. These were Woodstock (1970) and Festival Express (2003).

Sha Na Na also had a role in the 1978 movie Grease. This film was based on a musical from 1971. In the movie, Sha Na Na played a 1950s band called Johnny Casino and the Gamblers.

On the Grease soundtrack, they performed several songs. These included "Those Magic Changes" and "Born to Hand Jive" from the original musical. They also sang covers of early rock and roll hits. These were "Hound Dog" and "Blue Moon" (originally by Elvis Presley). They also covered "Tears on My Pillow" by the Imperials and "Rock & Roll Is Here to Stay" by Danny & the Juniors.

Interestingly, the song "Sandy" sung by John Travolta in the movie was co-written by Sha Na Na's own Screamin' Scott Simon.

Meet the Members

Here are some of the people who have been part of Sha Na Na over the years.

Current members

• Donald York, also known as "Donny" (1969–present): He is an original singer.
• Gene Jaramillo (2006–present): He plays guitar.
• John Marcellino, also known as "Jocko" (1969–present): He is an original drummer and singer.
• Michael Brown, also known as "Downtown Michael Brown" (2005–present): He plays saxophone and sings.
• Randy Hill, also known as "Rockin' Randy" (2008–present): He is the lead guitarist.
• "Screamin'" Scott Simon (1970–present): He plays piano and sings.
• Tim Butler (2006, 2009, 2011–present): He plays bass guitar.
• Ty Cox (2013–present): He plays drums.

Former members (a selection)

• Alan Cooper (1969–1970, 1971): An original bass singer.
• Bruce C. Clarke, also known as "Bruno" (1969–1973): An original bass guitarist.
• Danny McBride, also known as "Dirty Dan" (1975–1980).
• David Ryan, also known as "Chico" (1973–1998).
• Elliot Cahn, also known as "Gino" (1969–1973): An original rhythm guitarist.
• Henry Gross (1969–1970): An original lead guitarist.
• Joe Witkin (1969–1970): An original pianist.
• Johnny "Kid" Contardo (1971–1983): A singer and dancer.
• Jon Bauman, also known as "Bowzer" (1970–1983): A bass singer.
• Lennie Baker (1970–1999): A saxophonist and singer.
• Scott Powell, also known as "Captain Outrageous" or "Tony Santini" (1969–1981): An original singer.

Jon "Bowzer" Bauman, April 2000

More About Some Members

Vinnie Taylor (born Chris Donald), who played lead guitar, passed away in 1974.

Bass player Dave "Chico" Ryan passed away in 1998. He also played with Bill Haley & His Comets for a tour in 1979.

Guitarist Danny "Dirty Dan" McBride passed away in 2009.

Reggie Battise, a bass guitarist, was also a dancer in movies like Staying Alive (1983). He passed away in 2010.

Founding member Robert Leonard is now a professor of linguistics at Hofstra University.

The group's first guitarist, Henry Gross, became a solo artist. He had a big hit song called "Shannon" in 1976.

Alan Cooper, who sang "At the Hop" in the Woodstock film, became a professor. He teaches about Jewish studies.

Jon "Bowzer" Bauman was a very recognizable member. He would flex his muscles and entertain the audience. After Sha Na Na, he hosted some game shows. He still performs today.

Elliot Cahn, an original rhythm guitar player, later became the first manager for the band Green Day.

Joe Witkin was the original keyboard player. He left the band in 1970 to finish medical school. He later became an emergency room doctor.

Scott Powell is now a specialist in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. He was known as "Santini" on the TV show. He left the band in 1980 to study medicine. He works with US national soccer teams.

Frederick "Denny" Greene left the group to study law. He later became a professor at the University of Dayton. He was known for his great dancing. He passed away in 2015.

Bruce "Bruno" Clarke became a professor of English at Texas Tech University.

Richard Joffe became a lawyer in New York City.

Dave Garrett ran a music equipment company in the 1970s. He is now a businessman in New York City.

See also

In Spanish: Sha Na Na para niños