Peter DeAngelis

Co-founder, with Robert Marcucci, of Chancellor Records, Peter DeAngelis was one-half of one the most successful management/production teams of the 1950s and '60s. Collaborating with Marcucci, DeAngelis penned more than 100 tunes, including hits for Dean Martin, Eddie Fisher, Mike Douglas, and Bobby Rydell. Their work with Frankie Avalon and Fabian in the late '50s and early '60s yielded a treasure trove of hits, including Avalon's chart-topper "Venus" and Fabian's smash hit "Young and Wonderful." Born and raised in south Philadelphia, DeAngelis was equally skilled at writing large symphonic works and pieces for chamber orchestras. He and Marcucci launched Chancellor with money borrowed from Marcucci's father in 1957. The label was aided by support from Dick Clark's American Bandstand, which provided national attention for its artists. The success of Avalon and Fabian's records represented the high point for Chancellor. When the two artists began to focus on acting in youth-oriented films, the label suffered. Although it released a Top Ten hit, "Party Lights" by Claudine Clark, in 1962, the single marked the last time that a recording issued by Chancellor reached the charts. DeAngelis was the consummate talent scout, providing the inspiration for the lead character in the 1980 film Idolmaker. ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide