How many original members of Sha Na Na are still with the group?

Sha Na Na Alumni - Where are they now?

When did Sha Na Na get started?

Where did the name Sha Na Na come from?

Where is the group based?

Can I write directly to the members of the group?

Is there a Sha Na Na fan club I can join?

Are episodes of Sha Na Na's TV show available on videotape?

Where can I buy Sha Na Na merchandise?

Q.  How many original members of Sha Na Na are still with the group?

A.  You'll see a lot of familiar faces in Sha Na Na's current lineup, including Jocko Marcellino, Screamin' Scott Simon, and Donny York. They've been joined by several talented musicians including Reggie Battise, Buzz Campbell, Jim Waldbillig  and Paulie Kimbarow. 

Q.  Sha Na Na Alumni - Where Are They Now??

A.  As far as we know:

Lennie Baker retired at the beginning of "2000" and resides in his home state of Massachusetts on the Island of Martha's Vineyard with Tess, his Jack Russell Terrier.

Scott “Santini” Powell is now an orthopedic surgeon in the L.A. area.

Denny Greene studied law after leaving the group and has worked as a college professor around the country.

Johnny Contardo was working as a journalist in the L.A. area.

Rob Leonard is currently Professor of Linguistics and Swahili
(undoubtedly the only Swahili professor to have played at Woodstock!)
at Hofstra University on Long Island, New York.

Original bass singer Alan Cooper (singing At The Hop in the Woodstock film) went on to be a professor of theology at the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Jon “Bowzer” Bauman lives with his family in the L.A. area and still tours as a solo act singing and hosting shows.

“Dirty Dan” Mc Bride is staying busy in Hollywood as an actor, voice-over artist, singer and guitarist. He maintains an active website. Also beware of Danny of Sha Na Na imposters. Danny McBride was the ONLY Danny ever to be part of Sha Na Na.

Original lead guitarist, Chris Donald a.k.a. “Vinnie Taylor” and bassist David “Chico” Ryan have passed away (1974 and 1998 respectively). Their great talent and energy have been missed. Sadly there is Vinnie imposter out there tainting the memory of our friend. There was only ONE Vinnie Taylor and he rocked!

Three of the early Sha Na Na guitarists attained some notoriety. Henry Gross wrote, sang and had a hit: Shannon, Elliot “Ronzoni” Randell played lead on Steely Dan’s Are You Reeling In The Years and Elliot “Gino” Cahn went on to manage the rock group Green Day.

You'll find links to some of their web sites on the Links page

 

Q.  When did Sha Na Na get started?

A.  Sha Na Na began as an a capella group called the Kingsmen on the campus of  Columbia University in New York back in 1969.  The group originally performed a variety of songs, but the music of the '50s proved to be so popular that the members decided to stick to the oldies and Sha Na Na was born. 

Q.  Where did the name "Sha Na Na" come from?

A.  The name came from a line in the hit song "Get A Job," performed by the Silhouettes in 1957. 

Q. Where is the group based?

A.  The members of Sha Na Na live around the country. Jocko, Screamin' Scott, Donny, and Reggie live in California; and Jim lives in Minnesota.  

Q.  Can I write directly to the members of the group?

A.  Because Sha Na Na is often on tour or busy with recording projects, it's difficult for the members of the group to personally respond to fan mail. However, if you have any questions or comments about Sha Na Na, you can write to the e-mail address for this web site. 

Q.  Is there a Sha Na Na fan club I can join?

A.  There is a Sha Na Na Fan Group in Yahoo Groups. You can follow the link on the Links page to join or sign up for their mailing list. Also, be sure to check this web site frequently, because you'll find everything you want to know about Sha Na Na's concert dates, new album releases and other important information.

Q.  Are episodes of Sha Na Na's TV show available on videotape?

A.  Not at the present time. The group filmed 97 episodes of the show, which aired from 1977 to 1981; it can still be found running on a few local television stations around the country. You may want to try contacting your local stations or the national cable networks to learn if there are any plans to air the show in your area.  

Q.  Where can I buy Sha Na Na merchandise?

A.  You can purchase photos, cassettes, and compact discs at all of Sha Na Na's live performances. Cassettes and compact disks can also be purchased from  Pat Boone's site www.patsgold.com

And you can go to the Sha Na Na Shop and purchase t-shirts, hats and memorabilia