Jay and the Americans
biography is a Trilogy
Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3
Remember the meaning of romance
Chapter 3
Jay Reincke • Howie Kane • Sandy Deanne • Marty Sanders
O.K. FAST FORWARD 30 YEARS OR SO. DAVID BLATT IS FORCED TO GO BANKRUPT DUE TO BACK TAXES CAUSED BY GAMBLING DEBTS. THE BANKRUPTCY COURT APPOINTED TRUSTEE ASKS DAVE, DO YOU HAVE ANY ASSETS. NONE HE REPLIES. THE TRUSTEE SAYS, I DISAGREE. YOU HAVE THE NAMES YOU HAVE BEEN PERFORMING WITH FOR THIRTY YEARS. HE LAUGHS AND SAYS, “NOBODY CAN USE THOSE BUT ME. NOBODY CAN SING THOSE SONGS BUT ME. A JUDGE WOULD NEVER TAKE THE NAMES FROM ME”.
The trustee says we’ll see about that and puts the names up for auction with the stipulation that the music must be represented in a proper manner similar to the manner in which they have been represented in the past. Trustee receives two bids, both substantial.
Long story short- the federal judge awards the name “Jay and The Americans” and “The Americans” to Sandy Yaguda and his son Todd. Sandy & Todd, fearing the name would fall into the hands of imposters as so many other groups names had, took pro-active action.
Now the story gets better. At the auction Sandy says where are the other bidders? They tell him the other bidder had pulled out because he lived in Illinois where a law had been passed prohibiting anyone from performing under a musical name without having at least one original member (the truth in music act). Which is now passed in many states. Sandy was curious. Who was the bidder? The trustee shows a letter from a Jay Reincke that states:
I have been singing “ Jay and the Americans” songs for thirty years with my band in Chicago and I can represent the music properly. I offer $114,000 for the name. Sandy thought either this guy is an idiot from AMERICAN IDOL, with a bankroll, or he’s really good.
Sandy drove home, legal papers signed and sealed and immediately called the phone number he had coppied off that fateful letter.
Hi, is this Jay Reincke? I’m Sandy Yaguda from --- and before he could say who he was, Jay said ---- I know who you are and It’s an honor to speak with you. Sandy thought ---- Is this guy for real!!
Sandy then told him he had purchased the name and was looking for a great singer with a big voice to be Jay #3. Are you any good. Are you working this weekend and if so where? Tell you what Howie and I will fly out to your next gig and check you out.
That weekend the two “Americans” flew to Chicago to see Reincke perform. It was a typical rowdy club. (the best kind) to see an act do their thing. The place was jumping with all types having a fun nite.
Jay took the stage and opened with “ Only in America”, we were impressed and hopeful. Next came a Gary Pucket song “ Young Girl”, again we were impressed. Next he sang “Come A Little Bit Closer” and he nailed it. Howie & I looked at each other but didn’t say a word. High anxiety. Then he sang “Cara Mia” and the whole place erupted just like it used to thirty years ago. I was done. Howie was done. We’d been here before. Same song, same reaction. We stood up with the rest of them and clapped for a long time but for a different reason. Jay then introduced us to the audience, first a hush, then a roar went through the room like they knew what we knew.
He flew to New York City the next week to meet Marty (the third original Americano) and some new players we thought would round out the musical entity that was evolving. It was like it was living and breathing all by itself. Nobody could have forseen nor planned this. It just kept happening.
We are now rehearsing and having a lot of fun. Music is always fun in the beginning. The singing and playing is getting better and tighter. The group is working on old and new material to record and play live in concert. It is most amazing to think that four kids from Brooklyn have survived, from 2 track recording & vinyl 45’s to downloading on I- Tunes.
I hope there isn’t a Chapter Four (You Break Up -- Won’t You Give It Just One More Chance)
Remember. "It’s all about enjoying the music" JAY AND THE AMERICANS
