Kenny Vance and the Planotones

Kenny Vance and the Planotones are back again with their signature style of doo wop, bringing the hits of the ‘50s and ‘60s back into fashion. The Brooklyn sextet, originally a fictional band for the 1978 film American Hot Wax, debuted in 1992 with their high-energy renditions of songs by classic doo wop groups from Danny and the Juniors to The Del-Vikings. Relive the days of doo wop this November at The Lyric Theatre.

 

Kenny Vance, founder and lead singer of the Planotones, grew up in the 1950s in New York at a time when American music was swiftly changing.  The young aspiring musician started his first vocal group when he was 15 and his talents were quickly recognized by Ivy Records recording company. From there, Kenny’s success only continued and soon enough he became one of the original members of the highly celebrated doo wop group Jay and the Americans.  The group would make waves, opening for The Beatles during their first performance in the United States in 1964. Aside from this initial success, Kenny Vance would eventually acquire the position of Musical Supervisor for major films such as Hairspray and Animal House. Kenny solidified his position in the entertainment industry, working as Musical Director for Saturday Night Live during the show’s memorable years in the 1980s. 

 

Now, Kenny Vance returns to his musical origins, performing shows across the country that feature some of the most beloved doo wop songs. While they’re not performing, Kenny Vance and the Planotones are in the studio, producing albums. So far, the group has produced seven albums, including a soundtrack for the film Looking for an Echo. With the Planotones, each performance feels like a private view back to a time when American music was undergoing an exciting and energetic transformation.