It all really started for The Cleftones over forty-seven years ago at a student election campaign in Jamaica High School, in Queens, NY. Since that time, The Cleftones have had numerous achievements and accomplishments in the field of entertainment. Reflecting back over the years, certain highlights come to mind...

The Cleftones remember their experiences at the Apollo Theater. Their first appearance was in 1956. One year later, they knew they had truly arrived when they received their first standing ovation at this famous venue. The Cleftones are very proud of their fourteen separate appearances at the Apollo.

Another truly magical experience was their relationship with Alan Freed at the Brooklyn Paramount during the Rock 'n' Roll Revolution at the mid-1950's. Alan was The Cleftones' biggest hero at that time and being able to work with him and perform on so many of his shows will always be a career highlight. In 1958, they had the honor of appearing with Mister Rock and Roll himself at the New York Paramount on a show that broke the attendance record set by Frank Sinatra! What a thrill!

The Cleftones' touring days back in the 50's and 60's provided them with a geographic and social education never to be forgotten. They traveled in buses with many budding young Rock 'n' Roll artists such as Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly & The Crickets, The Platters, Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers, Little Richard, and The Drifters. The Cleftones were continuously on the road for up to seven weeks straight. These tours gave them a chance to see America and meet all kinds of people from all over the country. The tours also became social ground-breaking events. The promoters and the artists refused to perform before segregated audiences, thus integrating many venues across the country for the first time.

A far cry from their touring days by bus, The Cleftones have had the honor of performing at many of the great venues in the world including Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, and Nassau Coliseum. The group has also appeared at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., The Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles, CA, The Wembley Convention Center in London, and at numerous other engagement sites in Las Vegas, Reno, and Atlantic City, as well as in the Caribbean.

The Cleftones are truly proud of all of their recordings beginning with "You Baby You," "Little Girl of Mine," "Can't We Be Sweethearts," "For Sentimental Reasons," and "Heart and Soul," to name just some of their many releases. In fact, they were one of only a few recording groups to have hits in the 50's and 60's.

The Cleftones have played a part in many landmark shows and events as Rock 'n' Roll has evolved over the years. From performances at the Apollo Theater and experiences with Alan Freed in the 50's to Murray The K and TV appearances on Dick Clark's American Bandstand in the 60's, they have never stopped. From Madison Square Garden with Richard Nader during the Rock 'n' Roll revival of the 70's and 80's, to their most recent performance on the PBS TV Special Doo Wop 50, the group's presence and impact have been a significant factor.

The Cleftones also have an impressive list of movie credits. Their music has been featured in big screen hits such as American Graffiti, A Bronx Tale, Goodfellas, and Hairspray, to name but a few.

As the group enters its 50th year, The Cleftones present their fans with something new...their FIRST LIVE CD, which captures the nostalgia, passion, and enthusiasm of their trademark style by presenting exciting new renditions of their timeless hits, plus inspiring original versions of R&B, Rock 'n' Roll, and Doo Wop classics.

This CD is the result of requests by fans, who, after seeing The Cleftones, desired to relive the fun and excitement of their LIVE SHOW. The Cleftones hope that this CD lives up to the expectations of their fans.