Photo courtesy of Rachel Rennebeck
Johnny Angel and the Halos

By Rachael Rennebeck

In the late 1960’s, long-haired boys would sneakily join the equally hippie gals in the tunnel at David B. Oliver High School for a quick drag of a cigarette.  The echo in that tunnel produced a melodic sound that also lured high school crooners who lurked there to perfect their harmonies.  Little did they know the angelic sounds they heard in that tunnel would leave a mark on Pittsburgh music history.

Two of those angelic voices were Jack Hunt and Gary Daley, known today as Johnny Angel and Bubba of the Northside music sensation, Johnny Angel and the Halos, who are celebrating five decades in the music business.

The Northside front men will welcome current halos, as well as friends from the past, to the New Hazlett Theater on Saturday, April 8.  The Halos and friends show will begin on the street corner of Brighton Road, and musically escort the audience to the birth of the Cordells, and everything in between their current Johnny Angel and the Halos status.

“There is so much material to share that sometimes I wonder if one night is enough to celebrate the memorable people and years of Johnny Angel and the Halos,” said Hunt.

The singer and percussionist recalls the band’s first paid gig at the YMCA in Bellevue where he could proudly pay each man $3 for their entertaining services.  The $12 goldmine isn’t the only band tune-up, today’s Halos more than double the men on stage at their first gig showing, not to mention a full audio and visual crew.

“We have always prided ourselves on having the most talented and dedicated bandmates,” said Hunt.  “In fact, my son, son-in-law and cousin are my technicians.  No to mention, each person to grace the stage has become an extension of family.”

Saturday, April 8, 7:30 p.m.: Halos 50th Anniversary Reunion Show, New Hazlett Theater, North Side. Tickets $24.99 & $29.99 jahalos.showclix.com