It’s a lesser celebrity encounter, I’ll admit, but somehow I think it’s a rather cool one. For those who remember the cartoon series The Archie Show and got a kick out of their song Sugar, Sugar– which actually climbed all the way to Billboard’s #1 spot for four consecutive weeks – you might think it’s cool too. I know President George W. Bush would, because he professes that Sugar, Sugar is one of his very favorite songs. So who exactly is Ron Dante? His name is surely not commonly known in conjunction with The Archies – because as far as anyone knew, they were merely a fictional, cartoon band. But there was a definite and distinct voice behind them and it belonged to Ron Dante.
Dante sang not only on behalf of Archie, but performed the female lead vocals for Betty and Veronica (on the song Jingle Jangle). As a session performer, Dante also would often sing vocals for other ‘fake’ acts and release singles under a seemingly random band name. Case in point: The Cuff Links, who scored a #9 hit called Tracy the same year, was entirely vocalized by Dante – even though it sounded as if it were several band members harmonizing. Sugar, Sugar wasn’t the last #1 hit to feature Ron Dante either. He sang back-up vocals for Barry Manilow on Mandy in 1974.
I was happy that Ron Dante made an appearance at the Hollywood Show on October 9, 2010. He was a nice guy and was only charging $10 for a signed photo, and taking a photo with the fans for free. He wasn’t my ‘candy girl’ – but at those prices, he sure had me wanting him.
Celebrities of the Fall 2010 Hollywood Show will continue…
You’re funny Brad.
Bev
April 28th, 2011