 A
photo of the front of Tony Mart’s with a blow up picture
of Ricky and the Rockets on the right and a special sign
on the left of “A” door. The door underneath the
marquis was the main entrance to Tony Mart’s with the
door on the right, a secondary entrance. This
photograph shows both “Ricky and the Rockets” as well as
their alter ego, the contemporary pop band “Friends” on
the marquis.
 The
marquis also promoted the first version of the popular
band “MACE” with Tony Cherry as it’s front man and lead
singer. In addition to performances by MACE and a third
band, Charity, the band known as “Ricky and the Rockets”
would do their nostalgia show of rock and roll revival
hits from the 50’s and also perform contemporary rock
and roll and pop music as the band “Friends”. The
apartment behind the marquis was the actual residence of
the Marotta Family until the construction of a home,
just north of Tony Mart’s across George Street,
completed in the spring of 1964. This picture was first
published in the 1972 Atlantic Community College
Yearbook. Group pictured: MACE.
Photo by: Hank O'Brien from Somers Point
"It was great working for Tony & Carman Mart. The
great bands we worked with were so wonderful. Alotta
sweat but, the crowds were great there. I'm 66 now but,
I think back & just smile about those times. Donny &
Buzz are gone now, leaving Jeff, Kenny & me. Well love u
all & thank u Tony & Carman God bless!" ~ Tony Cherry,
7/6/2017
 A
promotional photograph of the Magnificent Seven.
This was another of the horn-driven big bands that
appeared during the early 70’s.
These bands were also performing the popular music of
Chicago and Blood, Sweat and Tears as well as, Funk,
Soul and the R & B Rock and Roll sound of Memphis,
featuring the music of artists such as Wilson Pickett
and Sam and Dave |
This is a glossy publicity photo of another excellent
soulful big band, “The Fabulous Wildflower”.
During this period at the end of the 60’s and the early
years of the 70’s, these soulful big bands were very
popular.
This band was one of the first bands with African
Americans, to appear at Tony Mart’s. “The Fabulous
Wildflower” was very entertaining and popular. They
performed high energy, funky dance sets featuring
excellent horn arrangements and a driving rhythm
section.
A wonderfully tongue and cheek
portrait of the man who created all of this, Anthony
Marotta, Sr. |
