Joey Dee and the Starliters lit up the early 1960s with a dynamic sound and unmatched stage presence. Best known for their 1961 chart-topping single “Peppermint Twist,” the racially-integrated band helped spark a global dance craze while sharing the stage with soon-to-be legends. Their energetic performances, packed clubs, and crossover appeal turned them into pioneers of the dance-driven pop-soul movement of the decade. While their peak lasted only a few years, their influence on pop culture and music history lives on.
| Band Name | Joey Dee and the Starliters |
|---|---|
| Leader | Joey Dee (Joseph DiNicola) |
| Formed | Late 1950s |
| Origin | Passaic, New Jersey, USA |
| Breakthrough Venue | The Peppermint Lounge, NYC (1960) |
| Signature Song | “Peppermint Twist” (#1 US, 1962) |
| Genre | Dance-pop, Rock and Roll, R&B |
| Top Hits | “Peppermint Twist”, “Shout – Part I”, “Hey, Let’s Twist” |
| Labels | Roulette Records, Scepter Records |
| Notable Members | David Brigati, Larry Vernieri, Jimi Hendrix, Joe Pesci (touring) |
| Legacy | Twist pioneers, launching pad for major artists, early racial integration in pop |
| Current Activity | Oldies tours with Joey Dee and his son Ronnie DiNicola |
Who Were the Starliters?
The group evolved out of New Jersey’s local music scene in the 1950s. Joey Dee, born Joseph DiNicola in Passaic, New Jersey, was a self-taught musician who played harmonica, clarinet, and later alto sax. By high school, he had formed The Thunder Trio, which eventually transformed into The Starliters.
The most famous lineup featured:
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Joey Dee – vocals and saxophone
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David Brigati – co-lead vocals
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Larry Vernieri – vocals
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Carlton Lattimore – keyboards
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Sam Taylor – guitar
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Willie Davis – drums
Notably, Jimi Hendrix (then known as Jimmy James) and Joe Pesci were once touring members of the band.
Early Releases and Breakthrough
The Starliters’ early recordings included the single “Lorraine” on the Little label and “Face of an Angel” on Scepter Records. While these songs earned limited attention, they hinted at the group’s potential.
Their real break came in 1960, when talent agent Don Davis booked them for a weekend gig at a New York City club called The Peppermint Lounge. The gig was supposed to be one night only, but their performance electrified the crowd. Word spread quickly, and the Lounge soon attracted celebrity guests like John Wayne, Nat King Cole, Jackie Kennedy, and Judy Garland.
“Peppermint Twist”: Their Defining Hit
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As a tribute to the club that launched them and a nod to the Twist dance craze, Joey Dee co-wrote “Peppermint Twist” with producer Henry Glover. The single was released on Roulette Records in late 1961.
Chart Performance:
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#1 on Billboard Hot 100 (January 1962)
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Sold over one million copies
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Earned a Gold Record
The song’s upbeat tempo and danceable groove made it an anthem of the era. Joey Dee earned the nickname “The Godfather of the Twist.”
Other Hits and Pop Culture Success
Following the success of “Peppermint Twist,” Joey Dee and the Starliters kept the momentum with more charting singles:
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“Shout – Part I” – #6 (1962)
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“Hey, Let’s Twist” – #20 (1962)
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“What Kind of Love Is This” – #18 (1962)
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“Hot Pastrami with Mashed Potatoes” – #36 (1963)
They also starred in two feature films:
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Hey, Let’s Twist (1961)
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Two Tickets to Paris (1962)
These films helped solidify their fame and expanded their audience to moviegoers.
Touring with Legends
In their heyday, the Starliters toured internationally and performed alongside iconic bands. One of their most notable appearances was in Stockholm, Sweden, where they shared the bill with The Beatles, then at the height of their early European fame.
Later Years and Legacy
By 1963, the Twist craze was slowing, and the Starliters’ popularity began to wane. Joey Dee continued recording and performing solo throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Although no longer chart-topping, he maintained a loyal following and stayed active in the music scene.
The group periodically reassembled, especially for nostalgic performances. Joey Dee remained a familiar face on the oldies circuit and in PBS specials, such as Rock, Rhythm, and Doo-Wop (2001). His son Ronnie DiNicola joined him in the updated lineup, playing saxophone and backing vocals.
A Platform for Future Stars
Beyond their music, Joey Dee and the Starliters served as a launchpad for major artists:
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Jimi Hendrix toured with them early in his career
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The Ronettes appeared in their rotating lineup
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David Brigati, Felix Cavaliere, and others who later formed The Rascals were Starliters alumni
Joey Dee’s openness to integrating talent from diverse backgrounds made the band stand out in a segregated era of American entertainment.
Cultural Influence
Joey Dee and the Starliters helped usher in the dance-oriented pop explosion of the early 1960s. They popularized the Twist beyond its origins and brought energy, showmanship, and musical talent to stages across America and beyond.
Their music and performances inspired not just dancers, but also other musicians—leaving a blueprint for future crossover acts that mixed showbiz charisma with musical chops.
Conclusion
Joey Dee and the Starliters didn’t just ride the wave of the Twist—they helped create it. From humble beginnings in New Jersey to commanding the stage at the Peppermint Lounge, the band captured a cultural moment that brought dance to the forefront of pop music. Their music, live shows, and openness to diverse talent shaped the 1960s sound and inspired artists for decades.