Ray Dahrouge

Long before Bruce Springsteen drew attention to Asbury Park, Ray Dahrouge and his doo-wop group, the Darchaes ruled over the New Jersey coastal city. With Dahrouge's lead vocals accompanied by falsetto Tony Juliano, first tenor Louie Scalpati, second tenor Sal Capalungo, baritone Denny Testa and bass Sam Siciliano, Ray And The Darchaes had the clubs along the seaside jumping. Dahrouge and the Darchaes recorded two singles -- "There Will Always Be You" and "Little Girl Of Mine" b/w "Carol" before Dahrouge left to embark on a solo career in 1963. Although he never broke through to a national audience, he recorded a string of regional hits including "Steppin' Out", "Rendezvous With Destiny", "Lifetime Guarantee Of Love", "Stepping Out" and "I Can See Him Makin' Love To You". Forming a disco band, Street People, in 1973, Dahrouge continued to seek his commercial breakthrough. Although their debut single, "I Wanna Get Over", released in 1974, showed promise, Dahrouge and Street People were unable to maintain the momentum with their next three releases -- "Never Get Enough Of Your Love", "You're My One Weakness Girl" and "I Wanna Spend My Whole Life With You". Although their fifth single, "I Wanna Slow Dance With You", became a regional hit, their failure to follow-up with the forgettable, "Liberated Lady" b/w "Return From An Old Time Movie" led to their disbanding in 1977. ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide