Cathy Jean and the Roommates were part of the early 1960s doo-wop and pop scene. Known for their heartfelt ballad “Please Love Me Forever,” they gained brief chart success and have remained nostalgic favorites among oldies fans. Though often remembered as a one-hit wonder, the group’s legacy includes dedicated performances, multiple label releases, and decades of activity in the revival circuit.
| Artist Name | Cathy Jean and the Roommates |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1960, Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Members (Original) | Cathy Jean Giordano, Steve Susskind, Bob Minsky, Jack Carlson, Felix Alvarez |
| Genres | Doo-Wop, Pop |
| Years Active | 1960–1965; Revival: late 1960s–present |
| Notable Hit | “Please Love Me Forever” (#12 Billboard Hot 100, 1961) |
| Labels | Valmor, Cameo, Philips, Eric Records |
| Associated Acts | The Roommates, Larry Chance and the Earls, The Belmonts |
| Legacy | Included in many oldies and doo-wop compilations; active on nostalgia circuit |
Formation and Early Beginnings
The story of the group begins in Brooklyn, New York, during the early 1960s. The original formation of The Roommates featured Steve Susskind and Bob Minsky, who met in high school in Queens. Their shared love of harmony and rock ’n’ roll led them to start a vocal duo. By 1960, the duo expanded to a quartet with the addition of Jack Carlson and Felix Alvarez.
The group caught the attention of husband-and-wife music managers Gene and Jody Malis, who owned the small label Promo Records. The Roommates released a cover of Kitty Wells’ country classic “Making Believe,” but it failed to chart. Not discouraged, the Malises decided to change direction. They turned to a new label they operated, Valmor, and began working with a young solo singer.
Enter Cathy Jean
In 1960, Gene and Jody Malis discovered Cathy Jean Giordano, a 14-year-old girl from Brooklyn. She had a sweet, clear voice ideal for the teenage love songs popular during the era. The Malises paired her with the Roommates, though initially, Cathy Jean and the group never met during the recording sessions.
The Malises had Cathy Jean record “Please Love Me Forever” as a solo track. Later, they had the Roommates overdub their harmonies to back her vocal. This method was common at the time and allowed the producers to experiment with vocal blends. Once the recording was complete and the single gained attention, Cathy Jean officially joined forces with the Roommates.
“Please Love Me Forever” – A Teenage Ballad Hit
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“Please Love Me Forever” became the group’s defining song. With promotion from famed New York DJ Murray the K, the single climbed the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #12 in early 1961. The track stood out for its innocent, emotional delivery and simple yet memorable arrangement—classic features of the early ’60s pop ballad.
The B-side of the single, “Canadian Sunset,” was also well received, though it didn’t chart. Cathy Jean’s youthful voice and the Roommates’ smooth harmony struck a chord with listeners, especially teenage fans navigating first love and heartbreak.
Follow-up Releases and Modest Chart Activity
Although “Please Love Me Forever” was their only major hit, the group continued recording. The Roommates released a cover of “Glory of Love”, originally a 1936 hit by Benny Goodman and revived by several artists including the Five Keys. Their version reached #49 on the Billboard pop chart, providing them with a second, modest chart entry.
The group also supported Cathy Jean on several follow-up singles. These included ballads and romantic-themed songs, although none reached the commercial success of their debut. In 1962, they released a self-titled album under Cathy Jean and the Roommates.
The Roommates also recorded for other labels like Cameo and Philips, but without strong promotion or evolving their sound, they struggled to compete with the rising wave of British Invasion acts by the mid-1960s.
By 1965, the group disbanded, and Cathy Jean Giordano stepped away from the music scene.
Revival Years and Changing Lineups
The story didn’t end there. In the late 1960s, nostalgia for the 1950s and early ’60s music began to grow. Cathy Jean re-emerged for revival shows, and the Roommates were re-formed with a new lineup: Artie Loria, Tommy White, Carmine Graziano, and Nick Cardell. They continued to perform in doo-wop revival concerts through the 1970s and beyond.
The group’s updated performances kept their music alive, particularly among fans who cherished the romantic pop sound of the early 1960s. During this time, they recorded a few tracks on the Eric Records label, including a new version of “Please Love Me Forever” backed with “Band of Gold.”
Later Lives of Original Members
Several original members went on to different paths. Steve Susskind, one of the founding Roommates, found success in acting. He appeared in television shows and films, including voice work for animated productions. Tragically, he died in a car accident on January 21, 2005, in Sunland, California.
Bob Minsky passed away on August 25, 2006. He had largely stayed out of the spotlight after the group’s dissolution.
Artie Loria, part of the revival Roommates lineup, became a prominent figure in the doo-wop scene. He performed with groups like Larry Chance and the Earls, The Belmonts, and The Doo Wop All Stars. Loria passed away in October 2010.
Despite these losses, Cathy Jean has remained active in performing. She has continued fronting various Roommates lineups for oldies shows, reunions, and doo-wop festivals across the U.S.
Musical Legacy
Cathy Jean and the Roommates are often remembered for just one hit, but their place in early 1960s pop history is significant. “Please Love Me Forever” remains a defining track of pre-British Invasion pop, full of teenage emotion and innocence.
Their music has appeared on many doo-wop and oldies compilations. They are frequently included in retrospectives of one-hit wonders and female-fronted vocal groups. The simple charm and heartfelt delivery of their songs continue to resonate with fans of classic pop.
The group also stands as an example of how independent labels and regional acts played crucial roles in shaping the music of the era. Thanks to a supportive management team and local radio promotion, they turned a teenage dream into a lasting musical memory.
Selected Discography
Valmor Records (USA)
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“Please Love Me Forever” / “Canadian Sunset” (1960)
Parlophone Records (UK)
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“Please Love Me Forever” / “Canadian Sunset” (1961)
Eric Records (USA)
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“Band of Gold” / “Please Love Me Forever” (1968)
Album
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Cathy Jean and the Roommates (1962, Valmor – possibly reissued under other labels)