Central New York Musicians

If you were growing up in Syracuse in the early 60’s, there was one Disc Jockey who stood out from all the others. His name was Bud Ballou. Bud’s non-stop joking and his “on air” patter became his trademark of success. Bud’s name also became synonymous with The Beatles. Very early on he was so captured with their sound, that he made them a featured part of his radio show. He was one of only a few people who traveled with The Beatles through St. Louis, Los Angeles, and Montreal…...

You know him as Jumpin’ Joe Whiting, but he could just as easily been called Mr. Rock ‘n’ Roll. For over 20 years now, Joe Whiting has been a driving force on the local music scene. His partnership with guitarist Mark Doyle led first to the formation of “Free Will, “then later “Jukin’ Bone” (R.C.A. recording artists), on to the Doyle-Whiting Band, and most recently “Back Bone Slip.” Joe’s put together a compilation CD which traces his recorded musical history from 1970 to the present. Titled “Buried Bones,” it features…...

There are some people who don’t need long, drawn out introductions. Benny Mardones is one of them. The people of Syracuse and Central New York know who Benny Mardones is. He is the only artist of the 1980’s to have made the Top 20 twice with the same record — “Into the Night”. Originally a hit in 1981, it was back on the charts in 1989 after being re-discovered by radio stations across the country. In the early 1980’s, the rock press referred to Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, and Benny…...

Ronnie James Dio is no stranger to Central New York. Raised in nearby Cortland, N.Y. Ronnie was lead singer for “Elf,” a band that enjoyed considerable success in the U.S. as well as Europe. Ronnie then joined forces with guitarist Ritchie Blackmore to form “Blackmore’s Rainbow.” After that stint, he went on to “Black Sabbath.” Today Ronnie James Dio is on his own. He’s released a new album “Holy Diver” (Warner Bros. Records) and is touring the world in support of that album. We spoke with a local boy who…...