The Cuff Links--Tracy (1969)

     Am not sure what it was about 1969/70 and studio musicians, but some of pop's more enduring hits came as studio "creations" rather than from artists who made it by what would be considered normal means. I wrote a blog last year about Tony Burrows and his contributions to a host of singles during this period. Another musician who had success under other names was Ron Dante.
     Ron had success as a writer of jingles for television and radio as well as a session singer. He was approached with two singles which would change his career. The first was "Sugar Sugar" written by Jeff Barry and Andy Kim for Don Kirshner's fictional group, "The Archies", the other was "Tracey" written by Paul Vance and Lee Pockriss. "Sugar" came out first and was a huge hit, as it started down the charts, "Tracy" began it's ascent, reaching number 9 in the fall of 69. As a group was assembled to take The Cuff Links on the road, Dante chose not to be a part of the group. They had two more songs on the charts, "When Julie Comes Around", and "Run Sally Run" which did not feature Dante, but his replacement on the road version of The Cuff Links, Joe Cord.
     Dante actually made his name in music circles during the 70's, as he produced all of Barry Manilow's albums from 1973 to 1981. He continues to record and tour today. You can find him now at:http://www.rondante.com/.