Johnny Marino
Cleveland, 1964
The greaser sound was still in full swing for Cleveland singer Johnny Marino, who released 2 45s in 1964 and them seemingly disappeared. Johnny was the featured singer at Cleveland's Chateau Supper Club. He must have done well, because he attracted the attention of Cleveland's hottest record producers, the Jimmy Testa/Donna Kohler team for hist first 45, and Carl Maduri for his second 45, the leadoff single on Maduri's Sunburst label.
The first 45 is in the pop "teener" style and was released on Testa's one shot Valentine label, predating his Tema operation by nearly a year. Kohler wrote both songs.
The second 45 was recorded with the help of local jazz pianist Joe Howard, who worte the songs with Ken Baker. It's likely that Howard recruited the musicians, including his own band. This pedigree doesn't sound like they would come up with a rockin' winner, but they did in "Resort Town", a drivin' mover that holds up next to similar, later Sunburst releases.
Discography:
Again I'm In Love / Where - Valentine no #, RCA master R4KM-6740/1, July 1964
When The Summer's Over / Resort Town - Sunburst 101, Sept 1964