At Wildwood

“At Wildwood” came to me in the summer of 2018, while visiting Wildwood, NJ, during a family vacation. I was fortunate enough to marry into a wonderful family that has roots along the east coast. Many of those individuals spend time down the shore during the summer, and my wife, Marge, and I love visiting them. We spend a great deal of our days riding waves, enjoying the sights at the beach, riding bikes, and walking on boardwalks or “the boards,” as they are affectionately known.

Wildwood NJ, is known for its rich history of Rock ’n Roll that dates back to the introduction of Bill Haley and the Comets, Chubby Checker, and Bobby Rydell. In fact, Bill Haley launched his hit single, “Rock Around the Clock,” in Wildwood, in 1954. Chubby Checker did the same with his hit, “The Twist,” at Wildwood’s famous Rainbow Club in 1960. Nonetheless, it was Bobby Rydell who won the hearts of Wildwood fans in 1963 with his Wildwood hit, “Wildwood Days.” The song is still proudly played over the speakers on the boards today.

“At Wildwood” is my tribute to the early Rock ’n Roll era in Wildwood, NJ, and to what Wildwood is today, an amazing Jersey shore vacation spot for anybody seeking fun in the sun. Along with the help of my east coast brother-in-law, Jim Owens, I was able to write the song.

During the creation of "At Wildwood," I needed help during the recording process, so I called upon two very good friends who had no problem belting out pure vocal lines, David Zent and Jim Reed. David is known for his work as a Melodrama actor, his skill in stage production, his talents in music composition and writing, and his powerful voice, and did I mention that he had throat cancer and won! Jim Reed has been involved in Gospel quartets and trios for many years. He managed and sang bass for The RSV Quartet, a west coast Gospel favorite, for many decades. It was an honor to work with both gentlemen on the project.