Here’s a class solely devoted to the discovery of the amazing number of Italian performers in American music. From crooners to rockers and composers, we’ll listen, watch, and discuss the longstanding heritage of the great Italian influence on pop music culture. Did you know that most of the white doo-wop groups were nearly all Italian? Or that one of the premier songwriters of “The Great American Songbook” was also Italian? Almost all of these artists changed their names to hide their ethnicity, including Tony Bennett, Frankie Avalon, and Connie Frances. However, we’ll peel the onions, chop the tomatoes, and find out who they were. Join us for some nostalgic fun!

Tony Moon has spent 60 successful years in the music business. Beginning in 1960, he joined the L.A. group Dante and The Evergreens, which was managed and produced by Lou Adler and Herb Alpert. He later moved to Nashville, becoming the guitarist and conductor for Brenda Lee. Tony also began playing on recording sessions and was Nashville's first rock independent music producer, working with five major labels. He scored several big hits for The Vogues, including "5 O' Clock World." Tony has won several awards as a songwriter and music publisher. His songs have been released by artists as diverse as Porter Wagoner, Willie Nelson, Vickie Carr, Pearl Jam, and The Beatles. He currently administers several Music Publishing Companies and a New York Entertainment Company.