The Bell Notes formed in the East Meadow area of Long Island in New York.
The group were regular performers in The Bronx in the 1950s and performed at a bar owned by the father of Ray Tabano, who became a founding member of Aerosmith. Ray and future Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler occasionally played between Bell Notes sets.
Local Long Island disc jockey Alan Fredericks saw the group play at a record hop on Long Island and recorded I’ve Had It with them in 1958. As a result, The Bell Notes eventually signed with Bob Shad, who was starting up a new label.
Released on Time Records, I’ve Had It became a nationwide hit in the US in March 1959, peaking at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The group released four further singles in 1959 – Old Spanish Town, That’s Right, You’re a Big Girl Now, and White Buckskin Sneakers & Checkerboard Socks – but only Old Spanish Town – a mid-tempo romantic ballad – charted, peaking at #76.
In 1960, The Bell Notes signed with Madison Records and released two singles – Shortnin’ Bread and Friendly Star.
The band broke up in 1962.
Carl Bonura
Vocals, saxophone
Ray Ceroni
Vocals, guitar, harmonica
Pete Kane
Piano
Lenny Giambalvo
Bass
John Casey
Drums