‘Rama Lama Ding Dong’ and other Youngstown sounds

This edition of Vibe features an overview of musical treats coming out nationally this holiday season.

But those looking to put a local touch on their gift- giving can consider two other options: “Rock & Roll Rarities” and “Believe in Miracles: The Best of Miracle on Easy Street.”

“Rarities,” the creation of Jim Maderitz, is a unique compilation of songs by popular Youngstown recording artists from the 1950s and early ’60s — the Golden Age of rock ’n’ roll.

Maderitz, of Girard, is retired as administrator of Trumbull County Juvenile Court. But years before, he brought the Youngstown sound to the national airwaves through his Jimbo Publishing Co.

Foremost of his accomplishments was signing The Edsels, the Campbell-based doo-wop group. He recorded and released their hit “Rama Lama Ding Dong,” which reached No. 21 on the Billboard chart in 1961. Written by the late George Jones Jr., it remains a doo-wop classic for all time.

“Rama Lama” is the first song on “Rarities,” which also includes The Edsels’ “Could It Be” and “Bells.”

Maderitz began working in the music industry in the mid-’50s and quickly noticed that most releases were duds. He figured he could make a difference by tapping the wealth of talent in the Youngstown area.

His friend Del Sinchak of Youngstown was performing as a rock ’n’ roller at the time, under the name Del Saint and the Devils. These days, Sinchak is widely known for his polka orchestra, which has garnered numerous Grammy nominations.

Sinchak came to Maderitz with a new group called The Edsels and asked him to give a listen. The Edsels launched into an a cappella rendition of “Rama Lama,” and within a minute, Maderitz knew he had struck gold. He recorded the song — with Del Saint and the Devils as the backing band.

Maderitz would produce and release records on national labels for the Edsels, Del Saint and the Devils and Tony March of Struthers.

“I’m proud of being part of the national scene,” Maderitz said. “There were only a few big companies that dominated the record industry back then, and I was able to crack that.”

Most of the songs on his “Rock & Roll Rarities” CD haven’t been available in decades, and no similar compilation has ever been made. Besides The Edsels, Del Saint and Tony March, other artists on the CD include Bobby Peak, Johnny Christmas, Bill David and the Rockets and Mike Roncone.

“Rock & Roll Rarities” was mastered by Gary Rhamy of Youngstown’s Peppermint Records. The CD can be purchased at Peppermint, 803 E. Indianola Ave., 330-783-2222; from Maderitz at 330-545-2872; and at Underdog Records, 6181 Youngstown-Hubbard Road (route 62), 330-534-2241.

‘THE BEST OF MIRACLE ON EASY STREET’ CD

Easy Street Productions suffered a setback late last year when co-founder Todd Hancock was sidelined by health issues. The company known for its big musicals was quiet for most of 2010 but is now getting back in the saddle.

The 22nd-straight year of its holiday extravaganza, “Miracle on Easy Street,” will be staged for four shows Dec. 17-19 at Powers Auditorium.

The company also has released a new holiday CD that includes more than 20 seasonal favorites sung by Hancock, co-principal Maureen Collins and Easy Street alumni James McClellan, Colleen Chance, Illa Willis, Candace Campana, Alyssa DiBernardi, Layla Harrison, Gina Martini and Rosie Jo Neddy. The disc includes past favorites from “Miracle on Easy Street” as well as the new arrangements added to the show for this year.

Go to easystreetshows.com, or call 330-743-3030.