Bell Notes, The

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

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