Sandy Deanne
Sandy Deanne is an American vocalist who has been a member of Jay and the Americans since forming in 1960. Following the death of Howie Kane in 2023, he was the last founding member of Jay and the Americans still touring with the group until early 2024.
Biography
Early life
Born Louis Sandy Yaguda in Brooklyn, New York City, he would later perform professionally as Sandy Deanne. His ambition to become a musician came along after seeing Elvis Presley on television and The Belmonts singing I Wonder Why. It was also his sisters singing and dancing lessons that grew his love for music:Jay and the Americans
In 1960, he formed first group, called The Harborlites, formed whilst Deanne was still in high school. The Harborlites would later evolve into Jay and the Americans. The group was formed by Deanne, alongside Howie Kane, Jay Traynor, and Kenny Vance. After signing to United Artists Records in 1961, they released their first single; Tonight (West [Side Story song)|Tonight] b/w The Other Girls. Jay Traynor left in 1962 and Jay Black came in as the new lead singer. In the following years, the Americans would garner more hits such as This [Magic Moment], She Cried, Come a [Little Bit Closer], and Cara Mia.Deanne remained in the Americans until their split in 1973. Like the other members of the group, he went on to tour as a solo artist. Deanne was inducted, as a member of the Americans, into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002. In 2006, Jay Black filed for bankruptcy due to gambling debts, and sold the rights to the name "Jay and the Americans" to the other members as a way to pay it off, for $100,000. After the deal was made, Deanne and original members Howie Kane and Marty Sanders started to perform again as Jay and the Americans.
Following the death of Howie Kane in March 2023, Deanne is the last founding member of Jay and the Americans still touring with the group.