Delco Press Club partners with Broadcast Pioneers to set the stage for the announcement of “The Golden Boys”

Legendary entertainer Frankie Avalon speaks to an audience full of members of the Delaware County Press Club and Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia at McCalls Country Club in Upper Darby and answers questions about his past, present and future in a Zoom interview from his home in California. (PEG DEGRASSA – DAILY TIMES)

UPPER DARBY — For their latest year-end program, the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia have teamed up with the Press Club of Delaware County to host a special program at McCall’s Golf Club featuring Tommy Cono, the “Voice of the Tribute,” in person and Frankie Avalon, live from LA via satellite on the big screen.

The well-attended event included live performances by the singers as well as an exclusive interview with Frankie Avalon, who answered questions from hosts and members of the Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame, retired broadcast journalist Pat Ciarrocchi, former CBS3 news anchor, and radio and television personality Tom Lamaine, longtime CBS3 meteorologist.

The audience also had the unique opportunity to ask Avalon questions.

Cono and Avalon teamed up to treat the audience to a duet of a new version of Avalon’s hit “Beauty School Dropout,” the popular song from the soundtrack to the musical film “Grease.”

“Of all the songs I’ve made over the years, this song is the most internationally recognized,” Avalon said in a Zoom interview. “I’m excited to bring it to a new generation.”

Avalon returned to the recording studio earlier this year after a 45-year hiatus to record the song with Cono on video.

The revival of the Golden Boys

In a surprising twist during the recent Broadcast Pioneers/Delco Press Club luncheon at McCall’s, Avalon and Cono made the first-ever public announcement that they are reviving the Golden Boys, with Cono paying tribute to the late Bobby Rydell.

Avalon, 83, made it clear that Cono would not replace his friend Bobby Rydell in “Golden Boys,” but rather would take on the role to pay tribute to the late Rydell.

The Golden Boys were a former touring group consisting of Philadelphia-born 1960s teen idols Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell and Fabian Forte, formed in the 1980s.

The three former teen stars toured for 38 years, played sold-out concerts and captured the hearts of fans around the world until Rydell passed away far too early in 2022.

The Golden Boys of Bandstand toured the world under the direction of Dick Fox. Fox brought the three former teen idols together in one show.

Following Rydell’s death in 2022, Lou Christie was inducted into the show as the third “Golden Boy.” However, after seeing Cono’s work with Rydell and Avalon, it was a group decision to bring Rydell’s music back to the show through the talent of young tribute artist Tommy Cono.

The legendary Avalon, which appeared in many beach party films with Annette Funicello in the 1960s, landed in the US Billboard charts 31 times from 1958 to the end of 1962, including the number 1 hits “Venus” and “Why” as well as the mega hit “Bobby Sox to Stockings”.

The late Bobby Rydell had worldwide hits with “Wildwood Days,” “Wild One,” and “Volare.” In 1963, Rydell’s popularity increased even further after he appeared in the musical film “Bye Bye Birdie.” Fabian Forte rose to national fame after appearing several times on American Bandstand. Eleven of his songs reached the Billboard Hot 100.

The new child

27-year-old New Jersey native Tommy Coniglio, known by his stage names “Tommy Cono” and “Tommy C,” is an attractive and talented up-and-coming musician and high-energy entertainer who is already garnering national attention and attracting tens of thousands of fans.

He has recorded, co-produced and released his music, which is a mix of classic and original material. The singer’s voice takes audiences decades back in time with tributes, imitating the signature sound of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin, Frankie Valli, Elvis Presley, Len Barry, Del Shannon and others.

The Voice of Tribute singer has performed with some of the most famous oldies music groups and singers, such as The Duprees, The Skyliners, The Tymes, Tony Orlando and others.

Cono, who has been singing and entertaining since he was a child, began performing at Joey M’s LaPiazza Cucina, 3813 Pacific Ave., Wildwood, where he still performs every Saturday night and packs the house.

“I’ve been performing since I was a kid and I’ve always enjoyed it,” said Tommy C. “I love being on stage and knowing that my performance brings back memories of the good old days for the audience.”

Cono is also an official spokesperson for the Bobby Rydell Foundation.

He performed a video duet of “Sway” with Rydell in 2022 before the legendary singer passed away. Cono said he was actually the last person to record with Rydell before his death.

Attendees at the recent lunch had the opportunity to watch the music video for the recording “Sway” by Bobby Rydell and Tommy Cono.

“I was a huge fan of Bobby when I was young and I had the honor of recording two songs with him before he passed away,” said Cono.

Joey Montello, owner of Joey M’s and a longtime entertainer himself, is Tommy C’s manager and mentor.

He is also a long-time friend of Frankie Avalon. Montello walked up to Avalon and said, “You have to hear this kid’s tribute to Bobby.”

He sent Tommy’s video duet with Rydell to Avalon.

Montello said Avalon was as impressed with Tommy C’s voice and stage presence as the manager expected, and that led not only to his recent duet on the re-release of “Beauty School Dropout” but also to discussions about the resurrection of the Golden Boys, which will feature Tommy C paying tribute to Rydell in a trio.

“To be able to stand alongside an icon like Frankie Avalon at 27 is an incredible feeling,” said Tommy C, who is not only a high-profile entertainer but also a firefighter and EMT in New Jersey. “I felt the same way when I recorded with Bobby Rydell. I have to thank my friend and mentor Joey M for giving me these opportunities. I also want to thank Joey M, Linda Hoffman-Rydell, Frankie, Fabian and all my fans for the wonderful opportunity to be part of the Golden Boys.”

In an emotional thank you, Avalon, who now lives on the West Coast, said he misses the people of Philadelphia, where he grew up, and hopes the current generation of singers will have the same stamina as the Golden Boys.

“I think we have something to be proud of,” Avalon told the audience, which included members of the Delco Press Club and Broadcast Pioneers. “It’s incredible to think that this all started over 65 years ago. I hope the next generation of entertainers will have the same great fans that we have. For me, it’s been a great time, thanks to my generation sticking with me all these years.”

What you should know

• To watch the official music video for “Beauty School Dropout,” the duet between Frankie Avalon and Tommy Cono, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6tS8tDHF6c. The two legendary entertainers put a fresh spin on a beloved song in a video shot and edited by Tony Avalon and produced by Joey M’s Golden Kids LLC.

• Cono, who was also the special entertainer at the Delaware County Press Club’s 2023 Christmas Dinner, continues to gain national and international recognition. For more information on his upcoming appearances, how to book him, and where to hear his music and get his releases, visit https://www.thevoiceoftribute.com.

• For information about membership in the Press Club of Delaware County or upcoming programs, visit http://thepressclubpa.org. The Press Club’s new 2024-25 season begins in September. For more information about membership in the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia and its programs, visit http://broadcastpioneers.com.