Friday, May 29, 2015

BAHS Rocks with Nick Racheotes & John Broderick!


From left, all from the Brighton-Allston Historical Society Board of Directors: Richard Salvucci, Presenter John Broderick, Joe Caniglia and Fran Gardinowhile BAHS VP Charlie Vasiliades converses with guests.

Brighton Center was alive on Thursday May 28 with a presentation by BAHS Executive Committee Officer and Webmaster John Broderick, and Board of Directors Member Dr. Nick Racheotes. This multimedia event was hosted at the Brighton-Allston Congregational Church for an audience that spanned the generations. John and Nick gave first-hand accounts of their interactions with the key musical players of the epoch. This they complemented with poignant photographs from the time, and music clips that had everyone swaying in their seats!

During their talk, John and Nick shared a glimpse of the evolving roles of women in the music scene in Greater Boston and beyond. These ranged from back-up singers and accompanying pianists to lead stars.

One of the local hit records discussed was "Happy, Happy Birthday Baby” by the Tune Weavers.  It was written by the founding member of the group, Margo Sylvia.  “Margo was the first and only Cape Verdean woman ever to write and record a hit song,” said John Sylvia, Margo’s husband and fellow band member.  “No one else has yet to do that again.” First released in 1957, the record went on to sell over two million copies and was later covered by Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton.

For more of John and Nick's stories, watch this space!

 In this slide, two of the four group members are women!
At left is presenter Nick Racheotes, sharing more ideas after the event with  BAHS Member Bruce Kline.