Guest
Larry Chance grew up in South Philadelphia before relocating to the Bronx, New York with his family in 1955. In 1957, he formed the High-Hatters with some neighborhood friends, and the group would evolve into the Earls in 1960. Their first release on the Rome label in 1961 was a rocking version of the Harptones' “Life Is But A Dream“, which became a top 10 hit in New York. “Lookin' For My Baby“, Never“, “Eyes“, and their signature hit, “Remember Then“, were strong sellers and fan favorites in 1961-63. By 1974, the group consisted of original lead singer Larry Chance, Ronnie Calabrese, who had first joined in 1964 and returned to the lineup in 1973, and Tony Obert, who had joined in 1973. The unit also included guitarist Jimmy Fracassi, and drummer Bobby Tribuzio, who both joined the Earls in 1963. Beginning in the early 1970s, Boston-area disc jockey, concert host and producer, historian and enthusiast, Little Walter DeVenne began documenting the pioneers of vocal group harmony, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll using Super 8 movie film, reel to reel tape recorders, and whatever means were available to him. Concerts in New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and other locations were preserved. Sadly, Walter died in 2021, and the films were feared lost or destroyed. Through the efforts of Walter’s friend and longtime disc jockey, Mike Bollea, many of these recordings have been preserved. Through Mike’s generosity and a desire to see Walter’s historic films shared with fans and devotees of this music, we present the Little Walter’s Time Machine Official Archives series, remixed and synched by Todd Baptista, from the original source material. Copying, reuploading, distributing, selling, or any unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. This color footage of the Earls was shot at the Academy of Music in New York in 1974. The 10-minute performance showcases five of their early hits, “Never“, “Life Is But A Dream“, “Lookin' For My Baby“, “Remember Then“, and “Eyes“.
