Song:Peppermint Twist Part 1
Album:Hey, Let's Twist: The Best Of Joey Dee & The Starliters
The 1961 number one hit Peppermint Twist obviously came out the Twist dance craze but also Joey Dee's popularity in New York City. He had a second top ten hit with Shout so he's not a one hit wonder. He was born Joseph DiNicola June 11, 1940 in Passaic, NJ. Joey Dee & The Starliters released singles as early as 1958. His big break came when agent Don Davis discovered him in a New Jersey club and booked him for one show in the Peppermint Lounge in New York City. They stayed for over a year. They became so popular that there were lines around the block. A lot of young musicians went through the band including Jimi Hendrix (as Jimmy James), Eddie Brigati, Gene Cornish and Felix Cavaliere of The Young Rascals and The Ronettes. Roulette Records producer Henry Glover signed Dee and Peppermint Twist reached number one in early 1962. Dee also starred in the film Hey, Let's Twist and he released several albums while he was hot. Of course things cooled off and Dee was finished by 1964. This Rhino comp has all his hits. Joey Dee has recorded occasionally over the years and still tours the oldies circuit today. Here's Joey Dee & The Starliters performing Peppermint Twist in 1962.
Hello Mr Pozen. This is the first time I have gone up on your blog. I was wondering if you had any information on my father. He is now deceased and my parents divorced when I was young. I was told that he also played with Joey D. and the Starlighters. His name was Morris Pettiford. Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteThanking you in advance for your assistance.
M Pettiford
I would guess that a lot of guys went through that band. I didn't see him listed in Allmusic so my guess is he may not have been significant enough for there to be much info about him. I am familiar with jazz bassist Oscar Pettiford but I don't know if there is any connection. He moved to Europe before his death in 1960 at age 37.
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