ArtistInfo

The Racket Squad

Band, 1964-1970
Singer of Rock

The Racket Squad and the Fenways were two very popular Pittsburgh bands led by vocalist and songwriter Sonny DiNunzio. The Fenwasys released singles on several national labels including Imperial, Roulette and Chess along with cuts on Nick Cenci’s Pittsburgh based Co&Ce label. The Racket Squad released two albums and 9 singles on Jubilee Records. Both bands entertained thousands of Pittsburghers from 1964 through 1970 appearing many times on Clark Race’s Television show, Channel 11’s Come Alive show, and with appearances opening up for the Stones, the Dave Clark Five, Roy Orbison, and many other acts. They performed at area night clubs sometimes seven days a week. Their singles “Hung Up” in 1965 and “Walk” were hits on Pittsburgh radio stations KDKA, KQV, WMCK, WIXZ and more. In Billboard Magazine the Fenways were billed as “Pittsburgh’s Answer to the Beatles”. As instrumentalists they played back up to the “Vogues” on their number 4 national hit “You’re the One”. The Vogues recorded Sonny DiNunzio’s original songs “True Lovers’ that is featured on their “Best Of” and “Greatest Hits” albums.

Members

	Ron George b, ts
	Gene Molenaro perc, dr
	Bob "Hop" Ainsworth h
	Sonny DiNunzio tr, voc, org 1942-1978 US