Johnny Contardo

Johnny Contardo is best known as former lead singer with the musical group, Sha Na Na. In 1978, he appeared with Sha Na Na in the blockbuster hit movie musical "Grease" as Johnny Casino and the Gamblers. His song, "Those Magic Changes", was featured in the movie and on the soundtrack for "Grease".

Johnny's early years

Johnny Contardo (born December 23, 1951) was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. His first singing experience was at the age of 6, in a Boston church choir.

His mother took him into night clubs when he was a teen, to perform in front of an audience. She discovered that he had stage presence and personality, in addition to his singing talent.

After graduating from Brookline High School in 1969, Johnny attended the Boston Conservatory of Music, studying voice, acting, and dance.

At age 19, Johnny took a minor role in Boston production of the musical "Hair". After six months, he played the lead role in the production. He then received an offer to be understudy for the lead role on Broadway, and an offer to join Sha Na Na.

In Sha Na Na and the following years

Johnny joined Sha Na Na in 1971. The television show "Sha Na Na", aired from 1977 to 1981.

The show was comprised primarily of 1950s song covers, and featured musical and non-musical guests, and comedy sketches. Johnny performed many ballads, doo-wop, and rock and roll songs on the program, showcasing his vocal range, including his rich tenor and titillating falsetto notes.

In 1983, he left the group and began a solo career. He appeared in a minor role in the movie "Scarface", released two albums and did live performances.

Eventually, he left the business and worked in advertising for a number of years. He taught voice lessons, as well.

Current status

In 2005, Johnny returned to show business at the urging of his fans. He rehearsed in his garage, then made his comeback in a show in Florida, with headliner Frankie Avalon, who had also appeared in "Grease".

Johnny's comment about his return to the business was, "My fans are unbelievable. They pushed me to do this. When I got on that stage again, it was like I never left Sha Na Na."

In June 2007, Johnny did a reunion performance with Jon "Bowzer" Bauman. He sang a few songs and a duet with Bowzer at Bowzer's Rock 'N' Roll Party Volume VI, held in Connecticut.

As of July 2008, Johnny is performing as a solo artist in concerts around the U.S. He holds an occasional Meet and Greet, which consists of a performance, followed by a gathering of his fans. At these events, there are photo opportunities, a chance to get Johnny's autograph, and to talk with him.

Contardo also enjoys cooking and runs a catering business in California.

Awards

Johnny received a Grammy nomination, as well as a Platinum Album, for the soundtrack from the movie "Grease". He also received a Gold album for "The Golden Age of Rock n Roll".

Movie appearances

*1972 - "Dynamite Chicken" (with Sha Na Na) - as himself
*1978 - "Grease" (with Sha Na Na) - as Johnny, of Johnny Casino and the Gamblers
*1983 - "Scarface" - as Miguel Echevierra

References

* [http://johnnycontardo.com/ Official site]
* [http://www.johnnycontardo.com/jcoccopy.jpgOrange Coast article]
* [http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/homepage/article_1563628.php OCRegister news article and video interview]
* [http://www.bowzerparty.com/#jun9 Jon "Bowzer" Bauman's site]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf6kxSLyNLQ&mode=related&search= Johnny and Bowzer reunion music video]
* [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0176196/ IMDb]
* [http://www.rockandrollgourmet.com/ Rock and Roll Gourmet]

External links

* [http://www.johnnycontardo.com/video.html Performance videos, 2005-2007] (requires Adobe Flash)