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Mighty Mike and the Dynamites


Cincinnati, 1968-72

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The greater Cincinnati area had one successful preteen band in Gary and the Hornets. so Mighty MIke and the Dynamites said  "hey there's room for more..." and so they quickly became a Cincy favorite.

The band was mentored by Fred Cavallon, a high school aged musician who played trumpet in the Dynamics. The original  members were Tina Soldano (vocals), Mike Soldano (guitar), and Joey Soldano (drums). In the spring of 1968, with the group together for a short time, they recorded a 45, covers of the pop hits "Downtown" and "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying"  with Fred's help. This was the only record they made.

By the fall of 1968, the band was doing well, getting some nice bookings as part of the A. Jaye booking roster.

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Above pic from September 1969

In 1969 the band added Ted Karbowski on organ. Fred Cavallon didn't seem to be involved any more. The band continued to play locally until 1972. In 1971 they had a different organist, Joey Carlottam and Tina was no longer singing.  Mike Soldano seems like he was a guitar prodigy, but there's no mention of him anywhere on the internet. Maria Soldano is deceased.

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The band's second cover shot for Cincinnati Teen Ager, March 1971. L-R: Mike Soldano., Joey Saldano, Joey Carlotta (leaning on tree), and Marai Soldano, still playing the go-go girl!
March, 1971:

Discography:
Downtown / Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying - Dynamation, Inc no #, May 1968