NYS Music 2023

Tag: LIMEHoF

  • In Focus: Rocking Nostalgia, A Celebration of the Long Island Club Scene, at LIMEHOF

    On October 8th, music fans gathered at the LIMEHOF to celebrate “A Celebration of the Long Island Club Scene” from the 1980s. The evening’s centerpiece was a book signing by Jay Jay French, the iconic guitarist of Twisted Sister, who had recently authored his memoir, Twisted Business: Lessons from My Life in Rock and Roll. However, this evening was much more than just a book signing.

    Jay Jay French initiated the event, greeting fans, signing his book, and sharing captivating rock ‘n’ roll anecdotes. Fans had the opportunity to connect with the legendary musician, acquiring signed memorabilia that would serve as treasured mementos.

    After the book signing, Joe Rock from WBAB moderated an enlightening Q&A session for the crowd. The panel consisted of luminaries from the Long Island music scene, including Ken Neil and Mark “The Animal” Mendoza, the original and current bassists of Twisted Sister, Joe Franco, one of the original members of The Good Rats, Randy Jackson and Felix Hanneman of Zebra, and Mark Fowler of the Stanton Anderson Band. These musicians, each with their unique stories and experiences, painted a vivid picture of the vibrant Long Island club scene in the 1980s.

    An eye-opening revelation of the evening linked Goodfellas mobsters to Speaks, a popular club in Island Park. Panelists shared stories of the mob’s role in the local music scene, illuminating Long Island’s club circuit history rarely discussed.

    Jay Jay French recounted a remarkable tale of Twisted Sister’s last show at Hammer Heads, where fans were given the freedom to destroy the venue. Instead of harming their career, it propelled them to fame, with other Long Island clubs eager to host them for more wild performances. The Long Island club scene had a reputation for wild audiences, and Twisted Sister embraced it.

    Following the enlightening Q&A, the audience enjoyed a musical extravaganza with all the panelists taking part. Jay Jay French, the charismatic frontman of Twisted Sister, took the lead in performing several hits. The exception was when Randy Jackson of Zebra stepped up to the microphone to deliver a powerful rendition of Zebra’s classic “Tell Me What You Want,” much to the delight of the crowd. The setlist was a dynamic mix of rock classics, including “All the Young Dudes,” “Crosscut Saw,” and captivating covers of Lou Reed‘s “Vicious” and “Walk on the Wild Side.”

    The night ended with an exciting performance of Lou Reed’s “Sweet Jane,” making it a fantastic conclusion. The audience at the LIMEHOF marveled at the incredible talent and the captivating history they had just experienced.

    Update: Dee Snider, the frontman of Twisted Sister, has just revealed that he will host a book signing for his debut novel, “Frats,” at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame located at 97 Main Street in Stony Brook. The event is scheduled for October 14th, commencing at 6pm. While the book signing is open to the public without charge, please note that entry to the museum will necessitate the purchase of a general admission ticket

  • The Illusion to be Inducted Into Long Island Music Hall of Fame

    The Illusion, one of the original bands that helped create the famed “Long Island sound,” has announced it will be inducted into the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF).

    The Illusion

    Set to take place on Oct. 7 starting at 7 p.m., Illusion band members John Vinci, Mike Maniscalco, Rich Cerniglia, Chuck Alder, and Mike Ricciardella will be inducted into the history and family of Long Island’s musicians & entertainers. The group will also perform together publicly for the first time in 51 years! Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music Hall of Fame is dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations.

    During a time when it was considered inconceivable for record executives (and concert promoters alike) to give a band from Long Island the time of day, The Illusion came onto the scene. They were a force to be reckoned with, wowing crowds with crazy stage shows, custom-made clothes, five-part harmonies, and untouchable musicianship.

    In time, The Illusion would get the attention of hit writing producer Jeff Barry, who signed them to his label Steed Records and penned their first hit “Did You See Her Eyes?” which shot up the charts reaching number one in 15 cities. The Illusion would go on to release a total of three albums for Barry’s label, with the first selling over 200,000 copies.

    The Illusion would go on to share the stage with such acts as Jimi Hendrix, The Who, The Allman Brothers Band, Chicago, The Temptations, Richie Havens, Alice Cooper, and countless others. Acts and artists like Kiss, Aerosmith, The New York Dolls, and Billy Joel, not only followed the Illusion but would go on to cite the band as one of their major influences.

    The Illusion induction is set to take place Saturday, Oct. 7 starting at 7 p.m. at LIMEHOF’s Stony Brook Museum. This event is open to the public with limited tickets available for purchase.

    https://youtu.be/3Uc5aLnYlJU?si=WJDalzQ6hW8j5-I3

  • The Fat Boys Inducted Into Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame

    The iconic hip-hop group The Fat Boys was recently inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) at its newly opened museum in Stony Brook. Kool Rock-Ski (Damon Wimbley), the last surviving member of The Fat Boys, accepted the induction in person from hip-hop legend and LIMEHOF inductee Erick Sermon of EPMD. Public Enemy’s DJ Johnny Juice (also a LIMEHOF inductee) was also on hand to show support and speak about the group.

    “It’s definitely an honor on behalf of the group, two members who are no longer here,” Kool Rock-Ski said. “To accept this on their behalf is huge because they brought so much to the culture. Their legacy lives on with an award like this. We got to the pinnacle of our success—and we got there the hard way, by doing a lot of hard work. We did a lot of hard work.”

    The Fat Boys rose to fame in the 1980s, when they pioneered their influential beatbox style of hip-hop music. The group was from East New York in Brooklyn and included “Prince Markie Dee” (Mark Morales), “Kool Rock-Ski” (Damon Wimbley), and “Buff Love” (Darin Robinson). They would heavily influence hip-hop culture through beatbox, comedic charisma, and rhymes. The trio released seven studio albums, four of which went gold by RIAA. In addition to their music, they went on to star in three feature films: Krush Groove, Knights of the City, and Disorderlies. 

    The Fat Boys had several successful singles which included “Stick ‘Em,” “Can You Feel It,” “The Fat Boys Are Back,” “Wipe Out,” “Fat Boys,” and “Jail House Rap,” to name a few. Throughout their career, they participated in several tours, one of which was Fresh Fest. Despite having eventually broken up as a group, each of the three members maintained a strong brotherhood. The Fat Boys is credited as having had a strong influence on the development and growing popularity of hip-hop.

    “The Fat Boys introduced the beatbox, to the world and the song they made was funky to me,” said EPMD’s Erick Sermon, himself a LIMEHOF inductee, when he officially inducted The Fat Boys on stage. “I’m honored to do this because my memories of my kitchen on that ledge were playing The Fat Boys album.” 

    Kurtis Blow, another LIMEHOF inductee, has a personal connection to The Fat Boys, as he produced their first two albums.

    “The Fat Boys being inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is so well deserved,” Blow said in a written statement that congratulated the group on this honor. 

    “These young men were talented and passionate about their craft at a very young age. Producing The Fat Boys was one of the highlights of my career. Rest in peace, Buffy (the Human Beatbox Master) and Prince Markie Dee (Mark Morales). I will never forget you, and you are greatly missed. Continue to carry the torch, Kool Rock-Ski!”

    LIMEHOF has long recognized the unique talent and contributions that Long Island artists brought to the hip-hop genre. Notable hip-hop inductees include LL Cool J, Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Eric B. & Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Kurtis Blow, Whodini, Salt-N-Pepa, and EPMD. Earlier this year, LIMEHOF held an event to honor the 50th anniversary of hip-hop which had a strong participation and turnout from Long Island artists.

    “This historic induction—coupled with our recent 50thAnniversary of Hip-Hop Concert—cements Long Island’s legacy as one of the most important regions in the country for contributing to hip-hop’s long-term success,” said Ernie Canadeo, LIMEHOF Chairman. 

    “Inducting The Fat Boys into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a tribute to their enduring influence—recognizing their role in shaping the genre and inspiring generations,” said Tom Needham, LIMEHOF Vice Chairman and longtime host of the “Sounds of Film” radio show, and who organized the induction event.

    At the induction ceremony, Kool Rock-Ski announced that he is working on a documentary film about The Fat Boys and intends to hold the premiere at LIMEHOF when it’s released.

    For more information about events and future inductions, please visit the LIMEHOF website.

    About LIMEHOF

    Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties, was created as a place of community that inspires and explores Long Island music and entertainment in all its forms.

    In 2022, LIMEHOF opened its first Hall of Fame building location in Stony Brook Village. To date, the organization has inducted more than 120 musicians and music industry executives and also offers education programs and scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.

  • Robin Wilson Will Be Inducted Into Long Island Music HOF

    Known for his work as lead vocalist for the alternative rock band the Gin Blossoms and guest lead singer for The Smithereens, Robin Wilson will now be an inductee into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame on Aug. 25. As a part of LIMEHOF’s August-September induction schedule, Wilson joins the Fat Boys as the newest members of the prestigious organization.

    Robin Wilson
    Gin Blossoms at the Huntington Beach Food Art & Music Festival 2014

    Wilson has had a lengthy career in the music industry, first joining the Gin Blossoms in 1988 as a guitarist, eventually changing places with Jesse Venezuela, the original vocalist at the time. Releasing two major label albums with the band, New Miserable Experience and Congratulations, I’m Sorry, the success flooded in with RIAA Platinum certifications, sold-out tours, and overall support for Wilson and the rest of the group.

    In 1997, the Gin Blossoms would break up until 2002, but his career in between stayed moving, becoming the lead singer and songwriter for Gas Giants during the time away.

    Currently residing in Long Island, Robin’s induction ceremony into the LIMEHOF begins Friday, August 25th at 7 pm and will include a performance with special guests on the Exhibit Hall stage.

    Tickets can be found online at www.limusichalloffame.org, by calling 631-689-5888, or take a visit to the Hall of Fame. Prices are $40 for the general public and $35 for LIMEHOF members.

    LIMEHOF’s full August and September schedule, including the Fat Boys induction information, is complete and can be found below.

    August-September LIMEHOF Schedule

    8/6 1-2 pm Induction: The Fat Boys

    8/6 3-4 pm – HooDoo Loungers

    8/13 3-4 pm – Who Are Those Guys

    8/20 2-3 pm – Pamela Betti Band

    8/25 7-10 pm Induction Ceremony: Robin Wilson (from Gin Blossoms and Smithereens)

    8/27 3-4 pm – Shecky & the Twangtones

    9/3 3-4 pm – Joseph James

    9/10 3-4 pm – My World/Johnny Juice

    9/17 3-4 pm – Songwriters of Long Island Showcase

    9/24 3-4 pm – Medicine Fish

    “Hey Jealously” by the Gin Blossoms

  • New York Musical Icon Tony Bennett Dead at 96

    New York’s own Tony Bennett, one of the most awarded singers of his generation, has passed away at age 96. His death marks the end of a recent battle with Alzheimer’s Disease and a life filled with chart-topping hits and almost every musical accolade possible, including 20 Grammys, a Lifetime Achievement Award and two Primetime Emmys. His signature jazzy singing style and notable duets with contemporary superstars allowed Bennett to forge a career that lasted nearly 70 years in total.

    (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

    Anthony Dominick Benedetto was born in Long Island City in Queens on August 3, 1926, the son of Italian immigrants. He and his older siblings grew up in poverty in New York, in the face of The Great Depression. Although his father passed away when Tony was only 10 years old, he helped him develop a love for arts and music like Al Jolson and Louis Armstrong. With the help of an uncle who worked in vaudeville. Tony Bennett was already performing live at 13 years old, singing at various Italian restaurants in Queens. He attended New York’s School of Industrial Art but dropped out at age 16 to help support his family. He never gave up on his dream of being a singer though, continuing to amass gigs as a singing waiter at restaurants as well as a a successful run at a Paramus, NJ night club.

    In 1944, Bennett was drafted into the US Army during the latter stages of World War II and even spent time on the front lines at one point in Germany. Upon discharge, he studied at the American Theatre Wing on the GI Bill. Here, he was taught the bel canto singing discipline which would allow to sing him for as long as he did. It was at this time that he also first started to develop his atypical approach of imitating, as he sang, the style and phrasing of other musicians.

    Pearl Bailey gave Tony his big break in 1949, asking him to open for her at a show in Greenwich Village. This led to a deal with Columbia Records where Bennett’s career first started out as a commercial pop singer. His first big hit was “Because Of You,” a ballad with a lush Percy Faith-led Orchestra. It reached #1 on the charts in 1951 and stayed there for ten weeks.

    Bennett continued to score more number ones in the early part of the 50s with songs like his rendition of “Blue Velvet” and “Rags To Riches.” He even had a short-lived television variety show in 1956, The Tony Bennett Show, which served as a replacement to The Perry Como Show. As the age of rock and roll ushered in, Bennett adapted accordingly with more jazz-oriented long form recordings like Cloud 7 and the critically acclaimed The Beat Of My Heart which featured icons like Art Blakey and Candido Camero. He even became the first male pop vocalist to sing with the Count Basie Orchestra.

    Bennett was also a notable advocate for civil rights. He participated at the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches and performed at a rally the night before Martin Luther King’s “How Long, Not Long” speech. His career and popularity took a noticeable dip in the ’60s and ’70s where he tried, unsuccessfully, to record contemporary rock songs. He bounced around between different labels and even started his own record company called Improv which was out of business by 1977.

    After a near fatal overdose and an ongoing battle with the IRS, Bennett hired his son as manager in an effort to turn his career around. He was able to get his expenses under control, moved him back to New York, and began booking him in colleges and small theaters to distance him from a “Vegas” image. By 1986, Tony Bennett was re-signed to Columbia Records, this time with creative control, and released his first album to reach the charts since 1972, The Art Of Excellence.

    He continued to stay relevant throughout the ’80s and ’90s thanks to the guidance of his new management which regularly booked him on TV shows like Letterman and Late Night With Conan O’Brien. In 1993, Bennett played a string of benefit concerts organized by alternative radio stations around the country, introducing a whole new generation to composers like Cole Porter and Gershwin. He even made an appearance at the MTV Movie Video Awards alongside the Red Hot Chili Peppers, cementing the gap between his and the current generation. His 1994 appearance on MTV’s influential Unplugged is heralded as one of the better episodes and may have marked the peak of Bennett’s popularity.

    Bennett continued to tour extensively throughout the 90s, including a memorable appearance at Glastonbury in 1998, with his financial worries long a thing of the past. He was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1997. Tony Bennett is also a member of the Long Island Music Hall of Fame.

    The latter part of his career may have produced one of his more successful recordings of all time in Duets: An American Classic, which was released in 2006 as part of a celebration of Bennett’s 80th birthday, receiving two Grammy awards and resulting in a slew of corresponding concerts and TV specials. A sequel, Duets II, was released five years later featuring collaborations with artists like Aretha Franklin, Willie Nelson and Lady Gaga. His recording of “Body and Soul” for the album with Amy Winehouse is reportedly the last one she made before her death.

    In 2021, Tony Bennett announced his retirement from concerts and released his final album Love For Sale, another collaboration with Lady Gaga. With this, he broke the record for longest span of top-10 albums on the Billboard 200 chart for any living artist. He also broke the Guiness World Record for the oldest person to release an album of new material, at the age of 95 years and 60 days. Fittingly, his last live performances were also with Lady Gaga in 2021 that was later aired as a television special. Bennett is survived by by his wife, Susan Benedetto; his two sons, Danny and Dae Bennett; his daughters, Joanna Bennett and Antonia Bennett; and nine grandchildren.

  • Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Museum Awards Annual Music Scholarships

    Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) Museum has awarded five of its annual music scholarships to graduating Long Island students, including their Pat DeRosa Memorial Scholarship. The museum is based in Stony Brook, and the students were given their scholarships in a ceremony held there.

    From left to right: LIMEHOF 2023 music scholarship winners Jacob Leshnower, Alexis Pabebianco, Chris Hummel, Coleman Schubert, and Luca Alexandru.

    LIMEHOF is an organization founded in 2004 that is dedicated to the celebration and preservation of Long Island’s rich musical and entertainment history. Their first Hall of Fame location was opened in 2022 in Stony Brook Village. LIMEHOF, which encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings Counties, has inducted more than 120 musicians and music industry executives.

    For the Distinction in Music scholarship, winners include: Chris Hummel of Harborfields High School; Jacob Leshnower of Half Hallow High School East; Alexis Pabebianco of Mineola High School; and Luca Alexandru of Syosset High School. Coleman Schubert from Babylon Junior-Senior High School was this year’s winner of the Pat DeRosa Memorial Scholarship, created to honor the memory of Pat DeRosa.

    We are immensely proud of our scholarship winners who have been granted the opportunity to pursue their passion for music through higher education. Their talent, dedication, and commitment to their craft inspire us all. We believe that their journey will not only shape their own futures but also contribute to the rich musical legacy of our community and beyond.

    LIMEHOF’s Educational Programs Director, Tom Needham

    Pat DeRosa was named by the Guinness Book of World Records as the ‘Oldest Professional Saxophone Player’ in 2018. DeRosa passed away earlier this year at the age of 101, continuing to play through 2022. He was born in Brooklyn, picking up the saxophone when he was 12. After playing with the Glenn Miller Army/Air Force Band during his service during WWII, he played in The Latin Quarter and the Copacabana among other NYC venues.

    The scholarship honoring him was to be awarded specifically to a high school senior seeking to continue their music studies on the saxophone or on a woodwind instrument. For this scholarship, a 95 or above in Music and a 90 overall average is necessary to qualify. In addition, an essay should be written by the student to explain why they’d like to continue their studies.

    More information on the scholarships can be found here.

  • Honoring Hip Hop Legends: Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame’s 50th Anniversary Show

    The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame hosted a Hip Hop 50th Anniversary Show on Sunday June 11th. The show paid tribute to some influential artists and pioneers of hip hop. This event showcased the genre’s history, highlighted the achievements of renowned musicians, and provided a platform for insightful discussions. With the unveiling of an LL Cool J statue and a panel discussion featuring industry legends, the celebration was a memorable tribute to the cultural impact of hip hop.

    Jazzy Jay, Son of Bazerk, Jazzy Jay, MC Glamorous, Aj Woodson

    The event began with the unveiling of a stunning statue honoring the iconic rapper and actor LL Cool J. Created by sculptor Sherwin Banfield, the statue captured LL Cool J’s charisma, influence, and contributions to the hip hop industry. This immortalization of LL Cool J served as a powerful symbol of his lasting impact as one of the genre’s most influential figures. Banfield also has a monument dedicated to The Notorious B.I.G. located in Dumbo, Brooklyn.

    Sherwin Banfield unveils LL Cool J statue

    The 50th Anniversary Show featured a thought-provoking panel discussion that brought together several esteemed hip hop pioneers. Ralph McDaniels, a renowned video music director and host of the legendary “Video Music Box” program, joined forces with DJ Jazzy Jay, a trailblazing DJ, and Keith Shocklee, a member of the influential production team The Bomb Squad. They were joined by MC Glamorous, Dinco D, Aj Woodson, Johnny Juice, and members of Son of Bazerk, Tony Allen, and Cassandra Jackson.

    The panelists reminisced about their experiences on Long Island and discussed the evolution of hip hop. Their wisdom provided attendees with a unique opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of hip hop’s cultural significance and its enduring impact on music and society.

    The audience was treated to a energetic performance featuring some of the industry’s most celebrated artists after the panel discussion. DJ Jazzy Jay, a true turntable virtuoso, took to the stage followed by DJ Johnny Juice, MC Glamorous, Aj Woodson, Dinco D. A Son of Berserk reunion set was another highlight creating an electrifying atmosphere.

    Son of Bazerk

    The 50th Anniversary Show was meant to include the induction of the legendary hip hop group, the Fat Boys. However, due to unfortunate circumstances, Damon “Kool Rock-Ski” Wimbley was unable to attend, leading to the postponement of their induction. The organizers of The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame recognized the Fat Boys’ immense contributions and ensured that their induction would take place at a future event.

  • The Fat Boys to Join the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in June

    Hip Hop group The Fat Boys will join the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame on June 11, a part of the LIMEHOF Hip Hop 50th Anniversary Event at their Stony Brook museum. Group member Kool Rock-Ski will be accepting the award on behalf of the group at this free, open-to-public event.

    Starting in Brooklyn in the 1980s, Kool Rock-Ski would be accompanied by Prince Markie Dee and Buff Love, making up one of the first major rap groups to release full-length albums. Over their career came seven albums, four of which went RIAA-certified gold.

    Their project Crushin’ would go platinum, with big thanks to the highly successful single “Whiplash” in a collaboration with the Beach Boys.

    Fellow LIMEHOF inductee and hip-hop legend Kurtis Blow assisted in the group’s success in their first few years, producing two of their first pieces of work. Chart-topping singles “Jail House Rap,” “Can You Feel It?,” “Fat Boys,” “Stick ‘Em,” and many more hits follow the trio’s career.

    NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 16: Fat Boys on June 16, 1989 in New York, New York. (Photo by Paul Natkin/WireImage)

    The Fat Boys have also made appearances in multiple Hollywood movies including Krush Groove and Knights of the City, while also being a part of many hip-hop documentaries over the years.

    The group’s induction comes during the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and will celebrate not only the Fat Boys but other LIMEHOF members who will be in attendance. To kick off the event, the organization will unveil the LL Cool J statue, featured at the Stony Brook museum location.

    Besides Kool Rock-Ski, other rap figures including Son of Bazerk, DJ Jazzy Jay, DJ Johnny Juice of Public Enemy, and more plan to attend and even perform at the June 11 event starting at 1:00 pm.

    Ernie Canadeo, the LIMEHOF Chairman, is thrilled to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of rap with some of its most prominent figures, calling it a tribute to the major pieces of Long Island music history.

    “We are honored to pay tribute to the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop with a live concert performed by some of hip hop’s most influential artists, all from Long Island…it is a testament to Long Island’s prominent and continuing role in hip-hop’s legacy.”

    – Ernie Canadeo

    Throughout its history, LIMEHOF continues to support Long Island’s rap scene, holding inductions in the past for LL COOL J, Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Eric B. & Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Kurtis Blow, Whodini, Salt-N-Pepa, and EPMD.

    With the Fat Boys becoming the next rap talents to have their names in the Hall of Fame, free general admission tickets are now on sale at limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/.

  • Roger Earl Inducted Into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame

    A surprise came for East Setauket resident and musician Roger Earl, as he is now the newest of the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame. Drummer of the band Foghat, who celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2021, Earl has received eight Gold, two Platinum, and one Multi-Platinum record across his lengthy career, and still has many other projects in the works.

    Originally a surprise birthday party for the rock n’ roll artist turned into an induction ceremony, something that completely blew Earl away. Taking place at the LIMEHOF Museum in Stony Brook, it was a night that the Foghat artist will never forget.

    “I was absolutely blown away. I had no idea and to see so many people here… I didn’t know I had that many friends… It was terrific, very moving, overwhelming and I’m just humbled by it.”

    -Roger Earl

    The idea of the party came up thanks to his wife and manager Linda Earl, who went on to convince Roger that he was going to be inducting someone else at the museum that night.

    Following the induction ceremony Foghat’s band members, including, Earl took the stage and played a few songs, truly making it a night the band and Earl would remember for the rest of their lives.

    Born in London, England in 1946, Earl grew up in a musical family from the start, as his father would play the piano at local pubs. His older brother Colin Earl played the keyboard, something that Roger initially wanted to play, but instead began playing the drums at the age of 12.

    Earl, like his father, started playing at pubs by his house, up until the point where he would join the band Savoy Brown when he was 20 years old. From 1967-1970, Earl recorded five albums with the British blues band and went on several major tours.

    roger earl foghat

    It would be in late 1970 when Earl and Lonesome Dave Peverett left Savoy Brown to form their own group, Foghat. They would recruit Tony Stevens and Rod Price to the band as well, and rock n’ roll history was made.

    They would move from England to Long Island in 1973 and during the 70s they would release hits such as “I Just Want to Make Love to You,” Fool for the City,” “Slow Ride,” and many more chart toppers.

    In the mid-1980s, Lonesome Dave took a break from the band and moved back to England, but they would end up getting back together as the full band in 1993.

    An incredibly sad time hit for Foghat and Roger Earl in 2000, as Lonesome Dave passed away in February of that year, yet Earl continued his career, knowing that would be the way Lonesome Dave would do it.

    Since the 2000s, the band has consistently put out new music, gone on extensive tours, and still prepares for a fresh album to come out in 2023. Earl’s reputation in the music industry continues to thrive, and his induction into the LIMEHOF is another huge accolade in a highly successful career.

  • LIMEHOF Announces 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop Concert

    The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall Of Fame (LIMEHOF) will celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop with a special concert and panel discussion event on Sunday, June 11th at 2 p.m. at the venue’s home base in Stony Brook Village.

    The event will feature legendary stars Son of Bazerk, Kool Rock-Ski (of The Fat Boys), A.J. Rock (of J.V.C. F.O.R.C.E.), DJ Jazzy Jay, DJ Johnny Juice (of Public Enemy), Dinco D and Milo in de Dance (both of Leaders of the New School), and special guest Ralph McDaniels (of Video Music Box), as well as other surprise hip-hop guest artists.

    “We are honored to pay tribute to the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop with a live concert performed by some of hip hop’s most influential artists, all from Long Island. It is a testament to Long Island’s prominent and continuing role in hip-hop’s legacy.”

    Ernie Canadeo, LIMEHOF Chairman

    Although the Bronx often receives the most credit for the origins of hip-hop, Long Island was very influential in its development. Most Long Island hip-hop performers went to the city to perform. Through the years, LIMEHOF has paid tribute to the hip-hop community by inducting artists from Long Island including LL COOL J, Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Eric B. & Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Kurtis Blow, Whodini, Salt-N-Pepa, and EPMD.

    DJ Jazzy Jay, DJ Johnny Juice, Kool Rock-Ski, and Son of Bazerk will be performing live at the event. There will also be a panel discussion moderated by Tom Needham, LIMEHOF Vice Chairman and longtime host of the “Sounds of Film Radio Show,” who will be joined by members of JVC Force, Leaders of the New School, DJ Johnny Juice and Ralph McDaniels.

    Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall Of Fame (LIMEHOF) is a 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties, was created as a place of community that inspires and explores Long Island music and entertainment in all its forms. In 2022, LIMEHOF opened its first Hall of Fame building location in Stony Brook Village. To date, the organization has inducted more than 120 musicians and music industry executives, and also offers education programs and scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.

    For more information about tickets to the LIMEHOF Hip-Hop 50th Anniversary Concert, please visit LIMEHOF’S website.