Happy Daze (band)

Happy Daze was a Long Island-based club band during the 1970s and 1980s. Its founding member was Art Loria.

For 13 years, the group performed all over Long Island during a time when the club on Long Island and the whole New York Tri-State area scene was popular. They recorded "So Young" and "She Makes Love To Me" in 1982 on Dazzle Records which is now considered a collectors item by many in the industry. They also provided back-up work and vocals on many tracks that Tiny Tim was involved in before his death. The group was noticed by many major agents in the area, leading them to be asked to be the "house band" and "opening act" for the Royal New York Doo Wop Shows that were produced at Radio City Music Hall in the 1980s.These shows are on record to be on of the most successful long running engagments in the hall's history. They had this spot for 6 years, usually doing 2 or 3 of these shows a year. This popular series of shows and usually was a complete sell-out. These shows featured many past popular revival acts such as Johnny Maestro & the Brooklyn Bridge, The Moonglows, The Skyliners, The Coasters and many more major marquee Doo Wop acts.

From the groups inception in 1971, Art Loria and Bobbie Petrone remained as the 2 core members and usually went out as a 4 piece unit. This included Loria on vocals and guitar, Petrone on vocals and the Hammond B-3 while playing a left handed bass, a drummer and horn player or extra vocalist. On bigger shows, such as the Radio City shows, they added a horn section and and extra guitarist. The rotation of group members reads as a "who's who" in the Doo Wop, oldies circuit. Such members that were a part of Happy Daze from 1971 - 1984 include:

• Pete Perez = member of The Passions
• Lenny Cocco = Original Lead singer of The Chimes
• Jim Rosica = Original member of Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge
• Kenny Seymore = member of Little Anthony and the Imperials

The group had shown its ability to be the opening act and get the crowd warmed up. They would also then back up the other acts on the show. This versility led them to get bookings at such major venues such as Dick Clark's revival shows and the Jerry Lewis Telethon. They we also very active in the wedding and club date areas. The group often worked 5-6 nights a week at such local Long Island clubs such as: Kapps Lounge, Teddy's, Inn At The Crossroads, Hounds and Foxes, Strawberry's, Third Voyage. Often they rotated with a stable of bands that were popular at the time like: Rhythm Jesters, Patti and the Changing Times, Heatwave, Super Suds, et. The music that these bands were playing at the time was a mix of disco, top 40, and oldies. Happy Daze was known for its Doo Wop, oldies sound and was one important part leading to their popularity, longevity and loyal fan base.

In 1984 the scene was changing as stricter DWI laws were being implimented, club owners found in more economical to hire a D.J. instead of hiring a live band and people getting married were changing over from traditional live entertainment to the DJ. The times were certainly changing.

In 1984 Art Loria was asked to become a full time member of The Belmonts by Fred Milano and Warren Gradus. Loria's associaton with The Belmonts went back many years and he was a perfect fit as lead vocalist. After touring and performing all over the world with The Belmonts, Loria was asked to become a member of Larry Chance and the Earls in 1988. He recorded and toured with The Earls until 1994. Loria then devoted his career to the Doo Wop All Stars, also known as The Royal All-Stars. This was followed by a stint in The Del Satins. From 2000 to 2007, Loria along with his son Daniel Loria became fulltime members with Eugene Pitt and the Jive Five. Art and Danny Loria also performed as a revamped Happy Daze group from 2007 to 2011. Art and Dan ran owned an entertainment production company they started in 1992. Art Loria was killed in a tragic accident on October 23, 2010. His son Dan is still very active producing, promoting,performing, and recording. He is a member of the Screen Actors Guild member and can be seen in such films as DISCO: The Final Dance and The Seige that starred Denzil Washington. He also is active with the business he and his father started named Alpine Entertainment.

Bobby Petrone went to prform with such acts as The Chimes and Manhattan Music.

The single they recorded in 1982 "She Makes Love To Me" was featured in a Robert Bjorkland film in 1993.

Dan Loria is currently compiling a release of previously unreleased recorded, demos and live material

References

• Alpine Entertainment
• Interview with Art Loria, founding member of group.
• BMI (Broadcast Music) protected artist / song list.
• Radio City Music Hall - Past events and archive history of past shows and productions.
• Doo Wop - "Then and Now" - article from Allmusic / Raymer Inc.
• Goldmine Music - Interview with Eugene Pitt
• Obituarary - Dead Rock Stars Club /Naples, FL Naples Times
• Don K. Reed Doo Wop Shop - WCBS FM - Radio InterviewDoo Wop Musicians from New York Long Island Music Scene