| The Chaperones started when five guys from Long Island came together – Tony Amato (lead), Roy Marchesano (1st tenor), Tommy Ronca (second tenor), Richard Messina and Nick Salvato (baritone). Tommy, Roy, and Richie went to Farmingdale High School on Long Island, Tony Amato was from Deer Park and Nick was from Bethpage. The group had a couple of different names prior to the Chaperones including the Sharptones and Fairlanes. The name “Chaperones” was chosen because dances and proms were popular at the time and the term was in Vogue and given to us by Steve Blain and Mickey Eisner producers of the Josie Label, an affiliate of Jubilee Records. |
Tommy Ronca
The Original Chaperones second tenor and founder since 1957. Tommy helped write, Cruise to the Moon and many other Chaperone hits. He currently lives in Maricopa, Arizona and is mostly retired. A majority of Tommy’s career has been in Las Vegas working with former partner and friend, Donnie Lee Moore of American Superstars Show fame. They worked as The Brothers mostly in Vegas, Reno and Lake Tahoe. Tommy also produced and directed many shows in the Las Vegas and Atlantic City areas. In the year 2000, Tommy hooked up with Nick in Vegas to keep the Legacy of The Original Chaperones alive. As a founder and original Tommy dedicates this website to all the former members the Chaperones throughout the years.
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Nick Salvato
Nick was the original baritone and has been with the group throughout all the years. It was his connection with Jubilee Records that helped the group get a record contract. Nick still performs with four other stand-in singers.
Tony Amato
Tony joined the Chaperones in 1959. At that time the Chaperones were still the Fairlanes and Tony had his own group called the Exquisites’ originally from Deer Park Long Island. Tony was a big asset to the Chaperones future as he became their lead singer. Tony sings lead on all the Chaperone hits. Tony also played guitar, this gave the group a whole new look. He worked with Nick Salvato for many years after Tommy and Roy left for the west coast and together they kept the Chaperones name and Legacy alive through the 70’s and 80’s. Tony died in 1990. His memory will live on forever, every time we hear “Cruise to the Moon” we will think of Tony Amato.
Richie Messina
The Original Chaperones Bass singer. He came into the group right after Dave Kelly left. Dave left right after the Chaperones first hit “Cruise to the Moon.” Richie stayed with the group for many years and is on all the other Chaperones recordings. Richie later became an Educator and Principal of a High School as he left the music industry.
Roy (March) Marchesano
Roy was the Chaperones first tenor and the original writer of the “Cruise to the Moon” song that he shared with every member of the group. When Roy and Tommy left for the west coast, Roy lived in Los Angeles. He wrote many hit songs including Dark Lady for Cher. Roy always loved his deep Doo-Wop roots from the early days. Roy died in 1994 leaving a legacy of wonderful music behind. His legacy will live on every time they play The Chaperones “Cruise to the Moon” on the air.
Johnny Contino
Johnny joined the Chaperones in 1965 taking Tommy’s place when Tommy left for Las Vegas. Johnny worked with Tony Amato and Nick Salvato (originals) for many years helping keep the Chaperones name alive. Besides singing with The Chaperones Johnny sang with The Charades also one of Long Island’s great early groups. Today, along with his wife Renee they have their own entertaining group, The Manhattan Harmony in South Florida. Johnny is a lead singer and second tenor, his experience in the industry added a big plus to The Chaperones for many years.
Vinnie Esposito
Cuzin’ Vinnie was one of the very early group members and Tommy’s cousin. In 1957 Vinnie along with his friend Danny Barret and Nick and Tommy formed The Sharp Tones. Vinnie is a first tenor and Danny a lead singer. Today, Vinnie still lives and acts in Summer Stock Musical shows on Long Island. He says, “Doo-Wop will always be in my life. It was my beginning. It was a great music and a fun time.”
Dave Kelly
Dave was the original bass singer on Cruise to the Moon and Dance with Me recordings. He left the group early due to family problems and Richie Messina took his place. Dave loved the Doo-Wop days and he says “living in Florida is great, but my heart will always be in New York and those street corner harmony days!”