Vito & the Salutations

Artist Biography by AllMusic A doo-wop vocal group from Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA. The original members were Vito Balsamo (lead), Shelly Buchansky (first and second tenor), Lenny Citrin (baritone, bass), Randy Silverman (first tenor), and Frankie Fox (baritone, bass). The group is known for their wild, up-tempo doo-wop version of ‘Unchained Melody’ (number 66 pop) from 1963. The record, employing a exotic falsetto and an aggressive bass, was largely an east coast phenomenon, which was then undergoing a doo-wop revival spearheaded by Italian-American groups like Vito And The Salutations. The group’s first record was ‘Gloria’ a perennial east coast doo-wop favourite. Despite it being a hit previously for the Cadillacs and the Passions, ‘Gloria’ effectively launched the group. The English invasion in 1964 made it difficult for Vito And The Salutations to put out records in a neo-doo-wop sound, and the group broke up in 1966. Like many such groups they experienced periodic reunions, especially during the doo-wop revival scene of the 70s.