 HOW HER MUSICAL INTEREST BEGAN
Christine Vitale became interested in vocal groups of the 1950s when she discovered the
Doo-Wop Shop on WCBS FM in the early 1980s. Hungry for greater diversity and deeper insight
into the roots of this music, she began to read everything she could find on it,
developing and cultivating, and refining her taste.
WAYS IN WHICH SHE DEVELOPED IT
At about this time she discovered, became an active volunteer member, and by 1988, an
employee of, the still-strong United In Group Harmony Association (UGHA), the unique
nonprofit organization founded in 1976, by its President, Ronnie Italiano (Ronnie I.),
dedicated to the preservation, exposure and education of rhythm & blues vocal group
music from the 1940s, 1950s and early 1960s.
For years, under the tutelage of UGHA President Ronnie I., Christine continued to study
this music. She began to realize the multiple perspectives with which one could view the
Phenomenon of this largely-urban musical subculture, not only because of its diverse
styles in harmony and overall sound, but also how the music as a whole related to the
larger part of society in which it experienced its fashionable prime, and noticing its
tremendous influence on musical styles that followed it. Christine began to teach seminars
about the history of r&b/doo-wop vocal group music to a variety of audiences: adults,
young adolescents, teenagers and to striving acappella groups who wanted to capture the
sound and essence of the era.
RADIO EXPERIENCE
Christine served as co-host with Ronnie I for a combined five years (1989-1994) on UGHA's
educational trademark radio program, "Ronnie I's R&B Party" on WNYE 91.5 FM public radio,
and on commercial radio WNWK 105.9 FM, hosting the "Ronnie I Just For U" program.
[ Visit Christine's MySpace Page ]
|
Music Downloads
|
