In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

The DeMarco Sisters

Female Vintage Quintet from New York City, NY

During the period between the 1930's and 1950's the entertainment field was filled with many talented sister vocal groups. There were the McGuire Sisters from Ohio, the King Sisters from Utah, the DeCastro Sisters all the way from Havana, Cuba, and the Andrew Sisters from Minnesota. Not to be outdone, the borough of Kings was represented in song by the Five DeMarco Sisters who began their career in the 1940's as teenagers.

The sisters got their start when their father moved the family from Rome, N.Y. to Brooklyn. Confident that they were ready for the big time he brought them in to NBC for an audition. And audition they did, right in the reception room, because Papa DeMarco had neglected to schedule an appointment. They were so good though that a producer signed them on the spot and scheduled them for the "Tent Show" Radio Program. But their career really took off after they were signed to appear on the Fred Allen radio show. For four years (1946-1949) Ann, Gene, Gloria, Maria and Arlene entered into the living rooms of America opening the show with "Mr. Al-len, Mr. Alll-llennnn." Their featured segment earned them $1000 per week enabling their family to move from their apartment in Bensonhurst to a larger home in Flatbush on East 5th Street.

Vocal Group.

More Info

Stanley Steamer automobile theme and Take Me Out to the Ballgame.

The DeMarco Sisters (my mother Anne, and her sisters) singing the Stanley Steamer automobile theme and Take Me Out to the Ballgame.

DeMarco Sisters : It's Been A Long, Long Time

The 5 DeMarco Sisters became a show business staple from 1945-55. Their sound was always consistent - a lush, sweeping harmony that was very popular with audiences. They did it all, appearing on leading radio shows, and in several films including "Skirts Ahoy" with Esther Williams. They sang regularly on Ed Sullivan, Kate Smith and Jackie Gleason TV broadcasts. They toured the country with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis and made appearances with Nat "King" Cole and Frank Sinatra. This 29 track collection brings to listeners nearly all their major recordings, and some obscure ones. Most of these titles have not been available since their original issue 50 or more years ago.

Songlist: It's Been A Long, Long Time, Chico Chico (From Puerto Rico), Hop, Skip And Jump, Flat river, Missouri, Blue, Sweet I've Gotten On You (The Pennsylvania Dutch Song), One-zy Two-zy (I Love You-zy), I Fall In Love With You Every Day, How Cute Can You Be?, Doin' What Comes Naturally, That Wonderful Worrisome Feeling, Under The Bamboo Tree, Time Didn't Change A Thing, At The Close Of A Long Day, Long Day, I'm Never Satisfied, Bouillibase, Pretty Baby, Watermelon Weather, Auf Wiederseh'n Sweetheart, Love Me, Just A Girl That men Forget, This Love Of Mine, Mumbo Is The Word, Dreamboat, Two Hearts, Two Kisses (Make One Love), Sailor Boys Have To Talk To Me In English, The Hot Barcolle, Five Little Misses, I'm Through With Love