Candi & The Backbeat

Candi & The Backbeat (initially called Candi) was a Canadian pop band with lead vocalist Candy Pennella (Candita Pennella). They started out as an Italian wedding band before releasing their debut self-titled album, "Candi", in 1988 on the I.R.S. Records label. Band members included Nino Milazzo on bass & background vocals, Paul Russo on drums & percussion, and Rich Imbrogno on keyboards. The band is best known among U.S. audiences for the freestyle classic "Dancing Under a Latin Moon," a major dance hit which also made number 68 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1988.

In 1990, at the 20th Juno Awards Candy Pennella was nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year, losing to Rita MacNeil. [http://theenvelope.latimes.com/extras/lostmind/year/1990/1990junos.htm "Past Winners Database: 1990 20st Juno Awards"] , "The Envelope" of the "Los Angeles Times"; URL accessed May 24, 2006.] She was nominated for the same award the next year, losing to Celine Dion. [http://theenvelope.latimes.com/extras/lostmind/year/1991/1991juno.htm "Past Winners Database: 1991 21st Juno Awards"] , "The Envelope" of the "Los Angeles Times"; URL accessed May 24, 2006.]

Included in the "Candi" album was "Under Your Spell", nominated for the "Single of the Year" at the 1990 Junos. "Under Your Spell" and "Missing You", from the same album, where both nominated for "Best Dance Recording" at the same award show.

The band, under the new name Candi & The Backbeat, released the album "World Keeps On Turning" in 1990. The title track from the album was nominated for the "Best Dance Recording" at the 1991 Junos.

After the promotion of the album, they decided not to continue with the project. Candy ended up marrying her drummer and currently teaches highschool in the Toronto area.

"Candi" album

Track listings (minutes:seconds):

Side one:
#"Under Your Spell" (3:49)
#"Missing You" (3:56)
#"Shine On" (3:58)
#"Independent" (5:32)
#"Love Makes No Promises" (4:50)Side two:
#"Dancing Under a Latin Moon" (4:29)
#"Dance With Me" (3:38)
#"Luck Night" (4:29)
#"Pleasure Island" (4:36)
#"Closer Than Ever" (3:52) featuring Eugene Hunt

"World Keeps On Turning" album

Side one:
#"The World Just Keeps On Turning"
#"Friends Forever"
#"What's In A Love"
#"Dream Train"
#"Good Together"Side two:
#"Time For A New Life"
#"Getting Closer"
#"Someone Like You"
#"Find Love (Don't You Wanna)"
#"Saving All The Love"

References