The original band started out playing pop music when vinyl recordings were pressed into 45s.
Jay and the Americans has survived, in one form or another, and is still performing sell-out shows right into the age of iTunes.
The band got its start in the early 60s as four teenagers in a Brooklyn basement.
Now led by “Jay No. 3” as he’s known, Jay Reincke, along with original JATA members Sandy Deane, Howie Kane and Marty Sanders are coming to Chilliwack on Feb. 23.
Best known for the tune, This Magic Moment, the band is considered among the greatest vocal groups in rock and roll history, and were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002.
Jay and the Americans’ first record was Tonight from West Side Story, and what followed were hits like She Cried, Only in America or Come A Little Bit Closer.
In 1968, they recorded an album of their favorite oldies called Sands of Time, which included This Magic Moment, which was originally done by the Drifters. The single went to No. 9 in January 1969.
It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold record.
Jay and the Americans also played a key role in starting the Rock and Roll revival with their album Wax Museum (1970), where they paid tribute to many music greats with their versions of Hushabye and Walkin’ in the Rain.
Their claim to fame is putting out a prolific 12 Top 10 albums from 1962 to 1971.
They have toured with such legendary artists as Roy Orbison, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones.
Now fans still describe their voices, led by Jay No. 3, as “powerful” and “amazing.” The show is chock full of the hits, and peppered with anecdotes and humour.
Rock.It Boy Entertainment presents Jay and the Americans, live on Thursday, February 23 at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. Tickets $45.50 604-391-SHOW or www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca.