Sha Na Na

The group performed a song-and-dance repertoire based on 1950s hit songs that both revived and parodied the music and the New York City street culture of the 1950s.Billing themselves as "from the Streets of New York",[4] members were frequently outfitted in gold lamé or leather jackets and sported pompadour or ducktail hairdos.[25] Subsequently, the group appeared in the 1978 movie Grease, and, from 1977 to 1981, the group reached perhaps the height of its success with its own hit syndicated television show Sha Na Na, featuring guest musicians such as James Brown, the punk rock band the Ramones, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Bo Diddley, the Ronettes, and Chubby Checker.The initial act had three up-front performers in gold lamé and the other nine in "greaser" attire (rolled up T-shirt sleeves, leather jackets, tank tops).Guests included Jan & Dean, Fabian, Chuck Berry, Chubby Checker, The Ramones, Ethel Merman, Frank Gorshin, Dusty Springfield, Barbara Mandrell, Stephanie Mills, Billy Crystal, Kim Carnes, Danny and the Juniors, Connie Stevens, Isaac Hayes, Rita Moreno, Del Shannon, Andy Gibb, Barbi Benton, and others.In chronological order: Vinnie Taylor (1949–1974) (born Chris Donald), who replaced Billy Schwartz as the lead guitarist in 1971, died of a drug overdose in 1974.[4] Bass guitarist Reggie Battise was a dancer in the feature film Staying Alive (1983) and White Men Can't Jump (1992), as well as the TV series Moonlighting.Alan Cooper, the lead singer in the group's performance of "At the Hop" in the Woodstock film, went on to pursue an academic career.[33] Jon "Bowzer" Bauman replaced Alan Cooper and became a recognizable member of the group as he taunted audiences while he flexed his muscles, burped, and spat in the direction of the bass player.Starting in 1999 he worked to establish trademark protection for American musicians, under legislation titled Truth in Music Advertising.Elliot Cahn, the group's original rhythm guitar player and musical arranger, later became the first manager of Green Day.[34] Joe Witkin, who was replaced by Screamin' Scott Simon, was the original keyboard player and singer of "Teenager in Love" on their first album.[citation needed] Screamin' Scott Simon died from sinus cancer in Ojai, California on September 5, 2024, aged 75.[41] Besides having many of their songs featured on TV series and movies, Sha Na Na—and especially their omission from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—is a reoccurring source of humor on the Comedy Bang!