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Biography
Originally fronted by John “Jay” Traynor, the band cut their teeth performing around several student venues at the University of New York during the late 1950’s. After several of these shows the band felt that they were ready to hit the big time, and auditioned for pop songwriting legends Leiber and Stoller. The “Hound Dog” hit makers saw potential in the group and got them signed to United Artists Records, however their first effort, 1961’s “Tonight”, stalled at number 120 on the Billboard Charts. However, the fickle nature of pop stardom actually worked in the band’s favour, and their follow up single, 1962’s “She Cried”, was a top five hit on the very same chart a matter of months later.
Unfortunately, the band couldn’t replicate the success of “She Cried”, try as they might, and after three dud singles Traynor left the group. Normally that would be the end of Jay And The Americans’ story, but it’s at this point that two members of The Empires joined the band to fill the void left by Traynor, guitarist Marty Sanders and singer David Black. Black agreed to change his stage name to Jay Black for the sake of the band’s name, and the first single they released with their new line-up, 1963’s “Only In America”, stormed into the charts at number 25, saving their career in the nick of time. Over the next two years they scored a further two top five hit singles in the form of 1964’s number three hit “Come A Little Closer” and 1965’s “Cara Mia”, which hit number four.
With a back catalogue made up of some of the finest pop hits of the 1960’s the band spent the rest of their career as a must-see live act, even though their singles were failing to chart. The band eventually split in 1973, but in 2006 its founding members reunited fronted by a third “Jay” by the name of John “Jay” Reincke. They are as good as any band with over half a century’s worth of performing experience would be, and with a back catalogue like theirs, they come highly recommended.
Live reviews
Jay & The Americans rock.
The lineup on stage has changed a little over the years, currently consisting of Jay Reincke, Howie Kane, Sandy Deanne, and Marty Sanders, but you won't feel like anything or anyone is missing as the gang rocks its way through an evening of classic hits like "Cara Mia," "Only In America," "Come a Little Bit Closer," and (of course) "This Magic Moment."
Their live show is amazing. They take care to develop a nice rapport with the crowd, engaging in banter, introducing each song with an amusing story, and just in general making sure the audience enjoys themselves throughout.
And all of them can still sing. Their harmonies are as tight in person as they are on recordings from fifty years ago. Though getting a little old, the guys still have amazing stamina, staying on stage for an hour and half without an intermission. And every performer gets a chance to take center stage and prove he's still got what it takes to thrill an audience.
The only downside of a Jay & The Americans concert is that it has to come to an end. But they manage to make that fun, too, continuing to entertain the crown even after the concert is over, making themselves available in the lobby to meet and greet their fans, posing for pictures with them and signing autographs.
It may have taken the group over three decades to reform, and even when they did it wasn't for a huge number of shows yet Jay And The Americans still pull a huge crowd to each one of their performances. A pure and unashamed pop outfit, their 60s sound has a nostalgic appeal to those around during its heyday and also for those who have discovered the music later on.
Although Jay Black is no longer part of the touring lineup, the four remaining musicians continue to tour under the pseudonym after Black was forced to sell it to pay back debts. They still remain charming towards their audience and clearly have a lot of passion for their past discography. It is the sole reason they continually tour despite their growing age. There is no better youth elixir than hundreds of people singing along to a song such as 'Cara Mia' or 'Come A Little bit Closer' in order to really enthuse and delight the musicians onstage.
sean-ward
These guys are GREAT. This may be the 3rd "JAY", but he sounds every bit as good, if not better, than the original JAYS. The members of the group are extremely talented. Learned a lot about their history during this concert. Its great to hear music that doesn't rely on synthesized equipment or other gimmicks to make it sound good. When a band can sound "like the record", and vocals be just as good as "back then", then its nothing more than pure talent. The crowd overwhelmingly loved this performance and the group was very gracious towards them. The backup band was great as well and watching them, you could see that they loved what they were playing. So, THANK YOU for bringing them to us here in Citrus County and allowing us to once again experience music the way it was meant to be heard. Live and done well.
gjoyce8
Great concert! They started with “Let’s Lock the Door”, one of my all-time favorites and went non-stop from there! They covered several Roy Orbison songs as well as a great cover of the Walker Bros” The Sun aint Gonna Shine Anymore “
Great vocals and tight harmony. Of course “Come a Little Bit Closer”, “Cara Mia” and “This Magic Moment” were very well done!
The only negative was the fact there were any empty seats for such a great performance! Their music and set list was as good as music gets. Great memories and a great example of how great music in the 60’s was!
aegrote1
Excellent show.
1. Easy to find.
2. Excellent “free” parking.
3. The Fox Theatre volunteers were very nice and helpful.
4. The theatre was very nice. Spacious, clean, and exceptionally well maintained.
5. Then the concert started exactly on time.
6. The music was amazing. These guys put on one of the best shows I’ve seen this year. The sound was excellent and encompassed there whole career.
I would love to return if the venue has more shows like this. Thanks Fox Theatre and Thank you Jay & The Americans.
Wing1500nut
We have followed the group for more than fifty years. They are better today than they ever have been.
What a great show. playing most of the songs they made famous.
They do a great job of explaining Jay #3
What a fab. voice. I think they could play
all night and never repeat one of their hits.
Its great the way they they meet the public
after the show in the lobby, taking pictures
and talking with everyone.
I suggest this show to all people over
fifty. Just s super time.
Davidd219
A fun if subdued JATA concert with the outstanding voice of Jay 3 in full display and the boys doing a very nice job of Hall of Fame back up vocals. Loved the stories from Sandy about the group's Brooklyn beginnings and stars they worked with and befriended along the way. Marty, Sandy and Howie are rock royalty and it's clear why.
I'd see them again for sure! It was
a terrific concert!
PES1
Was very disappointed with the concert as we were expecting " Jay Black" and not the one who performed . Have seen the other Jay Black several times, and this one does not hold a candle to the other one. As he made the statement, he is the 3rd Jay Black. This was the same consensus of others as we were leaving the concert, as many others we viewing their experience.
adb577
A totally AWESOME evening!!! Close your eyes and you think you're back in the 60s with Jay and The Americans. Jay Reincke, a true talent! The fact that they did a special tribute to Jay Traynor brought tears to my eyes. I saw him in one of his last appearances at the Warner Theater a few years back. Thank you for bringing back the Oldies Shows for us oldies!
dottie-lou-duncan
This is the second time I have seen Jay and the Americans in concert. I think they get better every time I see them. Great concert and a wonderful mixture of songs they sang.
They are real entertainers by telling stories about how their songs came about. Cannot wait to see them again.
wlseiferth
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