Bronx, NY—-Lehman Center for the Performing Arts presents GOLDEN OLDIES DOO WOP on Sunday, May 18th, 2025, at 5 PM. This unforgettable evening brings together some of the most iconic voices of the golden era, including THE PLATTERS’ former lead singer FRANK PIZARRO, Clyde McPhatter’s DRIFTERS featuring RONN DAVID MCPHATTER, THE COASTERS, Jay Siegel’s TOKENS, Bill Haley Jr’s COMETS, and BOBBY WILSON with a tribute to his father, Jackie Wilson. Also featured are the CHICLETTES, honoring legendary female artists through the decades. Hosted by CBS 101.1FM’s Brooklyn’s Own Joe Causi and Fever Records’ Sal Abbatiello, with music by Vinnie Medugno and his tribute to Gene Pitney.
FRANK PIZARRO, former lead singer of The Platters, was raised in New York City, where he developed his rich, soulful vocals singing in gospel choirs. Deeply inspired by the R&B and doo wop greats of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, he went on to share stages with legends like Barbra Streisand, James Ingram, and Tony Bennett. As frontman for The Platters, FRANK PIZARRO toured globally, performing signature hits like “Only You” and “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” (1959), and sharing the bill with groups such as The Temptations, The Four Tops, and Freda Payne. Today, he continues to celebrate the golden era of vocal harmony with his live show, Frankie & Friends.
THE DRIFTERS remain one of the most celebrated vocal groups in R&B history. Originally founded by Clyde McPhatter in the early 1950s, the group helped shape the sound of doo wop and soul across generations. Performing as part of this legacy is RONN DAVID MCPHATTER, son of Clyde McPhatter and Ruth Brown, whose powerful vocals and stage presence bring fresh energy to these enduring classics. With timeless hits like “Under the Boardwalk” (1964), “This Magic Moment” (1968), “Up on the Roof” (1964), and “On Broadway” (1964), they honor the group’s influential sound while keeping its spirit alive for new audiences.
THE COASTERS became one of the most entertaining vocal groups of the doo wop era, known for their clever lyrics and unforgettable harmonies. Formed in the mid-1950s by members of the Los Angeles group The Robins, they rose to fame with hits like “Yakety Yak” (1956), “Charlie Brown” (1956), “Poison Ivy” (1959), and “Young Blood” (1956). Collaborating with the legendary songwriting team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, THE COASTERS blended rhythm and blues with humor, carving out a unique space in early rock & roll. In 1987, they became the first vocal group inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
JAY SIEGEL’S TOKENS bring to the stage one of the most recognizable songs in pop history, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” a number one hit, released in 1961, that became an enduring classic. Emerging from Brooklyn in the 1950s, the group blended doo wop harmonies with folk and pop influences, later producing hits for other artists through their label Bright Tunes. Led by original member JAY SIEGEL, the group went on to record beloved tracks like “Tonight I Fell in Love” (1970) and “Portrait of My Love” (1994). With decades of experience and timeless vocal charm, Siegel continues to keep the spirit of The Tokens alive for audiences around the world.
BILL HALEY JR’S COMETS carry on the legacy of one of rock and roll’s founding pioneers, BILL HALEY, whose 1954 anthem “Rock Around the Clock” became the first massive hit of the genre. As the son of the original trailblazer, BILL HALEY JR leads the band in reviving the high-energy sound that launched a musical revolution. Known for hits like “Shake, Rattle and Roll,” (1960) “See You Later Alligator,” (1956) and “Rock Around the Clock” (1949), the group channels the spirit of the original Comets’ electrifying performances.
BOBBY WILSON, son of legendary soul icon JACKIE WILSON, has been recognized for carrying on his father’s unmistakable voice, style, and charisma. Often called “Mr. Entertainment,” BOBBY WILSON has earned multiple Top 10 hits on the Adult Contemporary charts and is a three-time Grammy-balloted artist. He began his career after serving in the U.S. Navy and went on to portray his father in the Las Vegas production Legends in Concert, introducing audiences to the legacy of hits like “Lonely Teardrops” (1959) and “Higher and Higher” (1967). His musical journey continues to celebrate the lasting influence of JACKIE WILSON’s groundbreaking career.
THE CHICLETTES pay tribute to the iconic women of pop, soul, and R&B with a high-energy performance that spans generations of unforgettable hits. Their dynamic set celebrates the music of artists like The Crystals, The Shirelles, The Supremes, Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, and Tina Turner, blending powerful harmonies with timeless classics. Over the years, they’ve shared the stage with legends such as The Drifters, Little Anthony and The Imperials, and The Stylistics. Known for their versatility and vocal precision, THE CHICLETTES continue to honor the lasting impact of female trailblazers in music history.
Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. is supported, in part, by public funds through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council and the Bronx Delegation. Additional funding is provided by the New York State Council on the Arts with support from the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. We are thrilled to share that Goya Foods has agreed to renew their sponsorship for this season which will help Lehman Center expand our reach to the community.
In addition, we have secured funding from the Howard Gilman Foundation to help grow our programming. The 2024-2025 season is also made possible through sponsorships by Con Edison, Havana Café, Friends of Lehman Center, and our cherished audience members.
Lehman Center for the Performing Arts is on the campus of Lehman College/CUNY at 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY 10468. Tickets for GOLDEN OLDIES DOO WOP on Sunday, May 18th, 2025, at 5 PM ($75, $70, $65, $55, $45) can be purchased by calling the Lehman Center box office at 718-960-8833; Para Español: 718-960-8835 (Monday through Friday, 10 AM–5 PM, and beginning 4 hours prior to showtime on weekends), or online at https://www.lehmancenter.org/events/golden-oldies. Lehman Center is accessible by the #4 or D train to Bedford Park Blvd. and is located near the Saw Mill River Parkway and the Major Deegan Expressway.
