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Identical twins Billy and Bobby Alessi were born on Long Island in 1953.
In 1970, they participated in the famous antiwar musical "Hair" and then they formed their band "Barnaby Bye" with Peppi Castro and Mike Ricciadella, Barnaby Bye released 2 albums "Room To Grow" (1973) and ""Touch" (1974) and then disbanded. Billy And Bobby soon got a deal with A&M Records in 1975 and it only took a year before their duo 1st album "Alessi". In the summer of 1977, "Oh Lori" on the album suddenly was climbing up the UK pop chart and thus their 2nd album "All For A Reason" were welcomed not only in the United Kingdom but also other European countries. I believe I need not they were very popular here in Japan. However US music lovers did not still care about them, which was really pity.... Their 3rd album "Driftin'" followed. And in 1979, "Words And Music", their last album released under A&M Records, was on the street but no commercial success in US again. In those days they seemed to fight with A&M Records who demanded them to make more disco-oriented album in order to achieve more commercial success. After leaving A&M, this genius twins gave us another piece "Alessi" in 1982 on Qwest Records- Warner Bros. Records, which was found that it would be the perfect material for Quincy Jones' new imprint, Qwest Records. Since mid 80's, both Billy and Bobby enjoy writing the hottest jingle campaigns in the United States including the Diet-Coke theme for 14 years, Kentucky-Fried Chicken, Dr. Pepper, Sears and Seven-Up known by everyone! In 2001, we could find their names on Debbie Gibson's album "M.Y.O.B" as proucers / songwriters / backing vocals for its title track. Please also note that they are still preparing their long awaited their own brand-new album "Hello Everyone". In any event, we are very happy to get their A&M days albums on remastered CDs now!
Both Billy and Bobby Alessi currently enjoy the excitement and status of writing the hottest jingle campaigns in the United States. Billy has maintained the Diet-Coke theme for 14 years running and has worked with such greats as Elton John and Whitney Houston. Other current success' are Kentucky-Fried Chicken, Dr. Pepper, Sears and Seven-Up: All household hooks known by everyone!
Bobby has also achieved great recognition in this industry by winning the National ADDY campaign for Greyhound with B.B. King and CLEO Award for Lifesavers with Lady Smith and Black Mambazo both in 1994. His current themes include, J.C. Penny and the world-wide Blockbuster Video campaign. Also, "Alessi" recently sang background vocals for Sting on a new Disney soundtrack.
The last album from "Alessi" released in 1982 on Warner Brothers Records was originally titled "Roughen It", and for good reason. As Billy states, "We're lovers of music and can't help but write songs." With that, a compilation of "rough" demos found its way to Michael Ostin at Warner Brothers who felt it would be the perfect material for Quincy Jones' new imprint, Qwest Records. With Michael and pop star Christopher Cross at the helm, the songs would become thoroughly produced and released as the album "Long Time Friends." Also featuring a duet with Patty Austin and Billy Alessi.
The current "Alessi" album which as of yet is untitled, has a different focus that anything approached before by this musical duo. Six songs have been completed on this self-produced, self fulfilling project. "Our goal," explains Bobby, "is to let the music speak for itself." The sound and timbre are described as "pure Alessi," melodic and progressive with strong focus on vocals. Saxophone great Bob Magnuson will make an appearance as well as guitarist Jeff Southward (Hall and Oates) on the track "All My Life." All the material is composed by both Billy and Bobby, and the album's completion is anticipated by September of 1999. A release date will be determined upon completion, and marketing is expected to begin in Japan, the U.K., France and Australia prior to its U.S. domestic release.
Having sold over 4 million records and with a world-wide fan base of 6 million people, the Alessi brothers explain, "This kind of love makes you want to make more records." The talents "Alessi" are like their melodies, timeless and ever expanding into our future.
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