Happy Daze was a Long Island-based club band during the 1970s and 1980s. Its founding member was Art Loria. For 13 years, the group performed all over Long Island during a time when the club scene was popular. They recorded "So Young" and "She Makes Love To Me" which is now considered a collectors item by some. They also provided back-up work and vocals on many tracks that Tiny Tim was involved in before his death. They were very popular and was noticed by many agents in the area. They were asked to be the "house band" and "opening act" for the Royal New York Doo Wop Shows that were produced at Radio City Music Hall in the 1980s. They had this spot for 6 years, usually doing 2 of these shows a year. This popular series of shows and usually was a complete sell-out. These shows featured many past popular revival acts such as Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge, The Moonglows, The Skyliners and many more. The group had shown it's ability to be the opening act and get the crowd warmed up. They would also then back up the other acts on the show. This versility led them to get bookings at such major venues such as Dick Clark's revival shows and the Jerry Lewis Telethon. "She Makes Love To Me" was featured in a Robert Bjorkland film in 1993.
Members
- Founding member, Art Loria went on to become very successful in the Doo Wop circuit performing with such groups as Larry Chance and the Earls, The Del Satins, The Belmonts, The Jive Five and The Doo Wop All Stars.
- Kenny Seymore, a member of Little Anthony and the Imperials was in the group in the early 1980s.
- Stan Zizka from the "Del-Satins" was in the group in 1977 - 1979.
References
- Alpine Entertainment
- Interview with Art Loria, founding member of group.
- BMI (Broadcast Music) protected artist / song list.
- Radio City Music Hall - Past events and archive history of past shows and productions.
- Doo Wop - "Then and Now" - article from All Music Guide / Raymer Inc.
