Vic dana biography

Vic Dana Vinyl Records & Discography

Who is Vic Dana? A Brief Career Overview

Vic Dana, born Samuel Mendola, is an enchanting figure in the world of music, known primarily for his captivating vocals and heartfelt ballads. He made a name for himself in the pop genre, particularly within the romantic adult contemporary scene. His soulful delivery and compelling songwriting have provided listeners with melodic treasures that echo through time. Dana's most celebrated achievement, the 1965 hit "Red Roses for a Blue Lady," not only secured his place on the Billboard charts but also became a defining part of vinyl culture, captivating collectors and music enthusiasts alike. With an impressive journey from a talented tap dancer to a beloved singer, Vic Dana's contributions to the music industry remain a testament to his artistry and dedication.

Vic Dana's Early Life and Background

Born on August 26, 1942, in Buffalo, New York, Vic Dana grew up in a vibrant household where his love for music and dance flourished. His family encouraged his artistic pursuits, and he found a passion for tap dancing at a young age. This talent paved the way for a fateful encounter with the legendary Sammy Davis Jr., who recognized Dana's potential and urged him to move to Los Angeles. This crucial decision was not just about pursuing a singing career; it was a journey of reinvention that would ultimately lead him to vinyl records and an enduring love for music that connects generations.

The Musical Influences That Shaped Vic Dana's Sound

Vic Dana's musical palette was significantly influenced by the pop and jazz artists of his youth. Artists such as Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra resonated deeply with him, shaping his lyrical style and vocal delivery. Their emphasis on storytelling through music can be seen in Dana's own songwriting, which often focuses on love and heartache. Additionally, the rich sounds of vinyl records featuring classic hits inspired him during formative years

  • Little altar boy vic dana

    • Vic Dana

    Musical artist

    Samuel Mendola (born August 26, 1942, Buffalo, New York, United States), known professionally as Vic Dana, is an American singer, dancer and actor.

    Biography

    Discovered by Sammy Davis Jr., Dana was an excellent male dancer, particularly in tap, and was encouraged by Davis to move to Los Angeles to further his career. With the decline of dancing as a form of entertainment, Dana began a singing career. He is best known for his 1965 BillboardTop Tenhitrecording of the Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett song "Red Roses for a Blue Lady". His album of the same title made it into the Top 20. Preceding this success as a solo artist, Dana was the lead singer of The Fleetwoods (for live performances only), replacing original vocalist Gary Troxel when Troxel went into the U.S. Navy.

    Other hit recordings on the Billboard Hot 100chart in the 1960s: "Little Altar Boy", "I Will", "More", "Shangri-La", "I Love You Drops", and "If I Never Knew Your Name". "I Love You Drops" was written and recorded by country singer Bill Anderson, and was popular enough to be recorded by others including Don Cherry and Teresa Brewer. He also scored a chart record in 1970 with Neil Diamond's "Red Red Wine", years before it was turned into a UK number one hit by UB40. His last nationally charted record was Larry Weiss' "Lay Me Down (Roll Me Out To Sea)" on the Casino label, which hit the top 20 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary survey.

    Six Dana songs reached the Music Vendor (later Record World) chart without appearing in the Billboard chart.

    Dana had a brief foray as an actor on three TV appearances, first in 1965 on the series Burke's Law in the episode "Who Killed Wimbledon Hastings?" as Forrest Shea, and then in 1966 on the WWII drama Combat! in the episode "Ask Me No Questions" as Pvt. James. He also appeared in the 196

    Biography

    • Born

      26 August 1940 (age 84)

    • Born In

      Buffalo, Erie County, New York, United States

    Vic Dana (b. 1942, New York) is an American singer in the traditional pop style. Originally discovered as a dancer (still in his pre-teens) by Sammy Davis, Jr., Dana also trained as a vocalist and signed with the Dolton label. In the mid-1960s he enjoyed a modest string of success with light pop singles including "More" and "Shangri-La." His biggest, however, was the song "Red Roses for a Blue Lady" which became a Billboard Top 10 hit in 1965.

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    • Vic Dana

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