Doreen McGettigan

My father was in the airline business so as a child our vacations always involved first-class air travel, exotic locations and 5-star hotels. Looking back now I am so grateful for the opportunities I had and the wonderful memories. I remember waiting on our front porch in the Somerton section of Northeast Philadelphia for my parents to gather my younger siblings and our luggage. Dressed in my best Sunday dress and those darn pinching Mary Jane shoes I watched several of our neighbors getting ready to leave on their vacations. They all had station wagons and were all headed ‘down the shore.’ The kids were dressed in their Ked’s and shorts and looked so happy as they packed picnic baskets, beach toys and towels into the back of their cars. I thought they were so lucky. That is probably why I love Doo Wop music and the Jersey Shore so much today!

Once my aunt and uncle purchased a home in Ocean City I was lucky enough to visit. My grandmother was the one that usually took us and what fun that drive was. My cousins and I would beg her to keep pushing the buttons on the radio until our favorite songs would come on. We would wind down the windows and sing as loud as we could.

Whenever I hear Doo Wop music my mind immediately floods with memories of the Jersey Shore. We are now sharing our shore memories and making new ones with our grandchildren and introducing them to our favorite summertime music.

Today I would like to introduce you to (if you don’t already know him) Philly ‘Cuzz’ Battaglia. Philadelphia has launched many talented performers and Cuzz is definitely on that list. He is a songwriter, pianist, singer and producer. He is introducing Doo Wop to a national audience and when my grandkids love it I know it’s cool again!

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