The Four Graduates (2) (Paterson, N.J.)
Personnel :
Bob Miranda (Lead)
Tom Gullano (First tenor)
Ralph DeVito (Baritone)
Dave Libert (Bass)
Discography:
Biography :
The group formed in 1961 in Patterson, New Jersey, and called themselves the Four Graduates. Bob Miranda (lead), Tom Giuliano (first tenor), Ralph DiVito ( baritone), and Dave Libert (bass) began singing together in the army at Fort Dix New Jersey. Developing a versatility that enabled them to sing barbershop as well as jazz and doo wop, they became proficient enough to work in local clubs and begin doing background work on recording sessions.
In late 1962 they met Bob Crewe, who had just produced the huge hit "Sherry" for the Four Seasons. He used the Four Grads on a variety of sessions, including some by the Seasons. They signed with Rust (distributed by Laurie) in 1963 and, produced by Lor Crane , cut a rhythm version of THE INK SPOTS' 1944 ballad hit (#16) "A lovely way to spend an evening". At Rust the Tokens met the quartet and were impressed with their sound, especially the stylistic possibilities they heard in the group's recording of " Lovely Way." (The Tokens were fond of reworking oldies in a new tempo).
