Demensions

The Demensions Biography by Craig Harris Although their biggest hit -- a cover of Harold Arlen and E.Y. "Yip" Harburg's "Over the Rainbow" -- broke into pop's Top 20 back in 1960, the Demensions continued to thrill New York and New Jersey audiences with their ultra-warm vocal harmonies for many years. Formed on the street corners of Brooklyn, NY, the Demensions were one of the most visible vocal groups of the early '60s. In addition to performing regularly at Palisades Park in New Jersey, the quartet appeared on the nationally broadcast American Bandstand and the New York-aired Clay Cole Show. The group's talents were heralded by influential disc jockey Cousin Brucie of New York radio station WINS, who was the first to air "Over the Rainbow" in 1960. Although they attempted to repeat the single's success with "My Foolish Heart" in 1962, it barely broke into the Top 100 and became the Demensions' final chart entry. Entering the recording studio for the first time in nearly 30 years, the Demensions recorded an album, Beyond the Rainbow, in 1992. Dedicated to the memory of founding member "Uncle" Phil del Guidice, the album included new renditions of "Over the Rainbow" and "My Foolish Heart," featuring original lead vocalist Lenny Dell.