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Re-creating the nostalgic sounds of the Girl Groups of the '50's and '60's, The Del
Angels take you back to one of the greatest eras in Rock and Roll music. From the days of poodle skirts and sock
hops, to mini skirts and go-go boots. From drive-ins and muscle cars, to sit-ins and VW bugs. From The Ed Sullivan Show
and Dick Clark's American Bandstand, to Laugh-in and Soul Train.
The Del Angels repertoire consists
of the top hits of groups such as The Chantels, The Shirelles, The Crystals, The Ronettes and The Supremes. Also
included are popular songs from individual recording artists such as Connie Francis, Lesley
Gore, Petula Clark and Aretha Franklin.
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Pamela DeFranco One could always find this former Westfield, N.J.
resident either singing in her church or school choirs, or performing in talent shows and plays.
And yes, Pam was one of those youngsters who put on plays from her front porch. She
even created a "doo wop" adaptation of a popular fairly tale, which she re-named Sleeping Beauty
A-Go-Go. Charging a dime admission, Pam used 45 r.p.m. records for the musical score. (Imagine a 7-year-old Prince
Charming kissing a giggling 5-year-old sleeping Princess awake, and declaring his love with "Who
Put the Bop (in the Bop-She-Bop?")! According to some of the now-grown kids from the neighborhood who
starred in this imaginative 1965 production, it is one of their fondest childhood memories.
During
high school, Pam appeared in many theatrical productions, and was twice a member of the 300-voice New
Jersey All-State Chorus. Following graduation, she became the female vocalist in a N.J. top-forties
band.
More recently, Pam has appeared in musical theater productions of My
Fair Lady, Nunsense, Romance.com at the Richmond Shepard Theater in Manhattan, Cinderella, and Seussical the Musical.
Her latest role was that of Ellie Greenwich; the writer of many of the '60's Girl Group hits, in Leader of
the Pack, where she had the great fortune to meet Kristal Ali (see bio below).
In September 2008, Pam competed in a National singing
contest held yearly in Laughlin, Nevada. She not only placed 1st in her category, she was the over-all, top-scoring
female performer. As part of the prize package, Pam won a trip to record at the Priddis Music Castle
Studio in Utah. In September, 2010, she again proudly brought home the 1st place trophy in her category.
The
leader and founder of The Del Angels, Pam resides in N.J. with husband, Michael, who sings first tenor
in the N.J. doo-wop/oldies group, The RB Express. They have two wonderful adult children, and two
beautiful grandchildren...a recently born grandson, and a 6-yr-old granddaughter...who is already destined
to become a future diva.
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Marilyn Black
Born and raised in
Bayonne, N.J., Marilyn joined The Del Angels in November of 2009, bringing low leads and alto harmonies.
Marilyn has directed Sweet Adeline show choruses in Brooklyn and Valhalla, N.Y. as well as Central New Jersey.
As a former member of the three-time International Championship Ramapo Valley's Spotlight Chorus, she has traveled the country
performing and participating in competitions showcasing acapella and group harmony singing.
She
currently sings in the award winning Liberty Oak Chorus in Freehold.
Marilyn admits that Girl Group doo-wop is in her soul. She
believes that she learned the harmonies in her playpen, back when this music was playing on the radio. Marilyn also credits
her big brother, Ray, for being one of her biggest musical influences. Ray has sung with many rock and roll and doo wop groups,
and is currently singing second tenor next to Pam's husband, Mike, in the doo-wop/oldies group, The RB Express. It was through
Ray, that Pam and Marilyn met.
Having not quit her day job, Marilyn balances debits
and credits working at a local CPA firm, humming all the while!
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Kristal Hardy-Ali
Kristal's passion for music and singing began at home, as well as in her church. Often performing alongside
her siblings, Kristal found herself inspirited with the desire to share her musical gifts and talents with
others. She was especially inspired by her youngest, late brother, Marc.
In addition to joining The Del
Angels in November 2009, Kristal has worked as a professional solo vocalist, vocal coach, and is also
a lead singer in the Gospel Choir at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Plainfield.
Her tremendous
range and technique lend themselves equally well to classical music, or, as in this group, to rocking
those R&B hits.
No
stranger to the stage, Kristal has appeared in local theater productions of Songs of the Spirit,
The Me Nobody Knows (Nell), Godspell, Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary), Hello, Dolly!, Dreamgirls, and The Wiz, in
which she starred as Dorothy. Most recently, Kristal was seen portraying Darlene Love in the 2009
Rainbow Experience production of Leader of the Pack, where she and Pam met. Kristal has also displayed her singing talents in
the Wonderland on Ice Spectacular at Neil's New Yorker in up-state New York.
While raising three talented
children alongside her husband, Cassius, Kristal currently operates her own business as a Mary Kay Director.
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