The Hustlers (16)

In the Summer of 1964 “The SenSations" were born in Cleveland, Ohio. Members were: Jeff Gould, Bass Guitar, Jim Hughes, Guitar, Rick Biagiola, Drums and Me, Joe Giacomin (Joey Gee) Guitar. They prospered under this configuration for the next two years, playing just about everywhere, from the clubs – Torchlight – Orbit (Utopia) - Shibley’s Sahara – the list goes on forever from the very best to the dives – all the way to the Cleveland Arena as one of the opening acts for the Beachboys. In the Spring of 1966 they brought Ray Cefaratti ( Saxophone) and Gary Heil (Trumpet) into the group. At the same time, Rick Biagiola left the group to join the Outsiders. He was their drummer on all of their remaining hits. Replacing Ricky was Ronnie Herbert – originally the drummer with Frank Samson and the Whalers back in the “day”. Joe also left the group at this time, as he was drafted and went to Viet Nam." The group continued on playing for a few more years. Sometime around 1967/8 the group recorded a 45 of a couple of original songs. It seems like the record was done in Michigan, The record was released under the band name of "The Hustlers", presumably as there were recording acts called the Sensations, such as the Michigan soul outfit The Sensations (3) who recorded for Cleveland's Way Out label.