The sounds of music changed drastically in the mid and late fifties and continued to evolve during the early sixties.
Two artists by the names of Buddy Holly and Gene Pitney had a tremendous influence on the development of the music that many refer to as, “Back in the day.”
As part of this year’s Tyrone-Snyder Township Public Library’s seventh annual library concert fundraiser, the sounds of both Buddy Holly and Gene Pitney will be brought back to life by one of the best Holly and Pitney impersonators you will see any time.
Jerry Connelly was born in Scotland and then came to the United States in 1958. Jerry was raised in Ferndale, Michigan, which is a small town located outside of Detroit.
Jerry will be the first to tell you that he was drawn to music at an early age.
“I spent a great deal of my time listening to my transistor radio (does anyone remember those?) and the music of the time,” stated Connelly.
The music of the fifties, sixties and seventies is really Jerry’s niche.
“Jerry’s terrific impersonations of both Gene Pitney and Buddy Holly brings both entertainers back to life for us,” said Chuck Banas, library concert chairman. “Jerry’s show of these great artists is a great tribute to both of these special entertainers.”
“Jerry called me this past Tuesday evening at home and we were able to spend some time on the phone talking about his tribute to Gene Pitney and Buddy Holly. It was a real pleasure speaking with Jerry. He is down to earth and is also genuinely excited about coming here to Tyrone to be part of our seventh annual show. I was able to go to his guestbook and read comments from many of those who have attended his tribute show all across America. The comments were very, very positive,” added Banas.
Jerry has performed his tribute and other shows all across the United States and Canada. He has opened shows for The Reflections, Jack Scott, Ronnie McDowell, Johnny Tillotson, The Shangri-Las, Little Peggy March, Sonny Geraci and The Outsiders, The Marcels and has toured with Chris Montez.
In addition to performing, Jerry also produces his own show under the name of “The Original Tribute to the Stars”.
Banas was quick to point out, “We are very sure that everyone in attendance at our show will be thoroughly pleased with their trip back into time with the realistic delivery and impersonation of Gene Pitney and Buddy Holly performed by Jerry Connelly.”
The library also announced today that another prize will be awarded during the Saturday, April 19 fundraising concert. Tastefully Simple, a local business here in Tyrone, will have a basket of gourmet foods that some lucky member of the audience will be able to take home that evening.
“This is a very nice donation made by Tastefully Simple,” said Banas.
Tickets for this year’s concert are still on sale and may be purchased at the following ticket locations in Tyrone: Bressler’s Food Mart & Sports, Kopp Drug and the Tyrone-Snyder Township Public Library. Tickets may also be ordered over the telephone by calling the special ticket number at 686-1017.
The show is set for Saturday evening, April 19 at the Tyrone Area High School auditorium – just four weeks away. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the show will start promptly at 7 p.m. Afterwards the library will again provide those in attendance with the meet and greet where pictures, merchandise and autographs of all those performing in the show will be available.
More information and bio sketches will appear in next Saturday’s Daily Herald.
