Carl's biography coming soon

-by Carl Giammarese and Dawn Lee Wakefield

In the early 1960s, Chicago was the center of entertainment and excitement for those growing up on Chicago's northside. Ballrooms and clubs—Antoine's, Holiday, Aragon, Cheetah Club, Embassy, and the Vogue— were packed to capacity with teens wanting to hear the latest from 50 different bands who would perform each weekend. What were the chances of breaking out of Chicago and onto the national scene?

As luck would have it: One Song, written by Jim Holvay, recorded at legendary Chess Studios, on Chicago independent label, USA Records, would be 'enough' to propel One Band, The Buckinghams, out of Chicago and into New York, overnight and into the National Spotlight. It was indeed, the chance of a lifetime.

From the day in February, 1967, when "Kind of a Drag" went to #1 across the country, Carl Giammarese's journey began. Newly signed to Columbia Records, and manager Jim Guercio, for the next 3 years, The Buckinghams would record and release multiple hit singles and albums, tour across the United States and appear on national TV. Other bands from Chicago had a chance to break out. Serendipity that The Buckinghams' career would, for 2 founding members, endure over 4 decades, 27 band members, and 7 iterations of a group still in national demand today, as solo headliners for festivals, theatres and arenas, on national tours with other classic rock favorites, by request in intimate venues and private parties, and the chance to perform for two Presidential Inaugural Gala events.

Carl Giammarese has experienced Musical Magic—working with and learning from the best talents in the music business (Dan Belloc, Carl Bonafede, James William Guercio, Jimmy "The Wiz" Wisner, and Lou Adler. From these icons, he learned what it takes to produce your own music, to control your own destiny, and how to fight back, when others would seek to take it all away from you on a whim. These lessons paved the way for Carl to write original music for, arrange the hits, and produce the latest seven CDs and 1 DVD by The Buckinghams, each of which have become beloved by a second generation of Buckinghams fans. His latest CD, "Reinventing The Buckinghams—My Journey", a companion to his biography, presents a musical history of Carl's career with The Buckinghams, with the duo Tufano & Giammarese, and his own compositions, a singer/songwriter whose new music is finding a gracious welcome among audiences who appreciate music as the language of love.

This is Carl Giammarese's story— about the people who took him to places he'd never dreamed of, and the hit records that would lead to a career of a lifetime. The journey of one lucky Chicago teenager, whose purchase of his first guitar started him on the path to "music professional" with The Buckinghams. Carl's journey continues today, fortunately, with each day bringing exciting new opportunities to perform, compose, produce, and have his music heard around the world.

Join him on his journey, as he takes you along the path of 45 years and introduces you to unforgettable characters and talented musicians; shares the greatest mistakes he's ever made; makes you laugh at some of the hilarious misadventures; and, brings tears to your eyes remembering music legends whose lives once touched his. You'll learn about some of the best people you'd ever want to meet, and some you hope to never see again, in the world of music entertainment. Join Carl on the road, as you read "Reinventing The Buckinghams: My Journey".

- Dawn Lee Wakefield

Price: $22.00 (shipping included)

Price: $12.99 (shipping included)

The idea for this CD came while writing my biography, "Reinventing The Buckinghams". It seemed only right that a singer who's been, literally, on the road for almost 45 years should have a soundtrack to accompany his story.

You'll hear many familiar songs from my earliest days as a guitarist/vocalist in The Buckinghams, half of the rock duo, Tufano & Giammarese, and later as a lead singer, songwriter, and producer of new songs for The Buckinghams for almost 3 decades.

What's new here? The arrangements. With only my guitar, my voice, and an occasional touch of gentle percussion, I'm hoping to communicate for you what was in the hearts and souls of those who wrote these songs. There are two new original songs here, especially for you. It's my hope that you enjoy hearing these songs as much as I did arranging and recording them for you.

- Carl Giammarese

Price: $30.00 (shipping included)