Biography

The brainchild of Pat Rizzo (formerly of Joey Dee and the Starliters), the Cuff Links were a studio group featuring Ron Dante, lead singer of the Archies. Rizzo had recruited songwriters Paul Vance and Lee Pockriss who had previously composed hits for Perry Como ("Catch A Falling Star") and Brian Hyland ("Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini").

The songwriting duo came up with the catchy, bubblegum singalong "Tracy", which became an international hit. Released in 1969 by Decca Records and distributed by MCA/Universal, Dante was the sole multi-voiced singer on the original recording but once the song charted, a group was specially created comprising Pat Rizzo (saxophone), Rick Dimino (keyboards), Bob Gill (trumpet/flugelhorn/flute), Dave Lavender (guitar), Andrew "Junior" Denno (bass), Joe Cord (vocals) and Danny Valentine (drums). Dante decided not to tour with the group.

Joe Cord and Rupert Holmes ("Escape -The Piña Colada song") provided lead vocals for the second album.

The Cuff Links have toured in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and assorted countries in central Europe.The group has appeared on Dick Clark's American Bandstand and many other prestigious venues worldwide. Their music has been featured on radio programs, television shows and in major motion pictures.

The Cuff Links have performed with many distinguished acts including such notable entertainers as Neil Diamond, Kenny Rogers and the First Edition, The Grass Roots and the legendary hit makers The Carpenters. Today The Cuff Links perform with the group's original guitarist Dave Lavender.

In 1999 because of the great fascination with 60's & 70's music, and his personal interest in The Cuff Links, singer/songwriter Michael "Valentine" Ubriaco ("Walk Away Girl") obtained the touring rights and revitalized the group. United with acclaimed keyboardist/musical director Tommy Bitondo and a select group of hand picked musicians they have steadily gained notoriety and admiration from audiences as they recreate the magic that originally brought The Cuff Links to worldwide popularity.

For more information, contact Mike Ubriaco at 914-949-9435.
www.thecufflinks.net
mrubriaco@yahoo.com