Some bands flash brightly for a moment and leave behind a single unforgettable hit. Alive N Kickin’ is one of those bands. Best known for their 1970 gold-certified hit “Tighter, Tighter,” this Brooklyn-based group left a lasting impression on fans of classic rock and roll. While their time on the national charts was brief, the band’s story is rich in music history, resilience, and nostalgia.
From teen musicians in New York to a nationally recognized act—and later, a beloved party band in the northeast—Alive N Kickin’s journey has spanned decades.
| Artist Profile – Alive N Kickin’ | |
|---|---|
| Band Name | Alive N Kickin’ |
| Origin | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Genres | Rock, Pop Rock, Classic Rock |
| Years Active | 1968–1971, 1976–2020 (Pepe Cardona’s death) |
| Best Known Song | “Tighter, Tighter” (1970) |
| Record Label | Roulette Records |
| Associated Acts | Tommy James and the Shondells, Brooklyn Dreams |
| Founding Members | Pepe Cardona, Sandy Toder, Dave Shearer, Bruce Sudano, Woody Wilson, Vito Albano |
| Final Members | Pepe Cardona, Elaine Tuttle, Johnny Parisio, Jeff Miller, Chris Vega, Sal G., Zoe Grella |
| Notable Achievement | Gold Record for “Tighter, Tighter” |
| Pepe Cardona | Lead vocalist, band leader, passed away in 2020 |
Early Beginnings in Brooklyn
Alive N Kickin’ began in 1968, when a group of teenagers in Brooklyn, New York, formed a band. The original lineup included:
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Sandy Toder – vocals
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Pepe Cardona – vocals
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Dave Shearer – guitar
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Bruce Sudano – keyboards
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Woody Wilson – bass
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Vito Albano – drums
They first called themselves Alive and Kicking, later altering the spelling to Alive N Kickin’ as their music career took shape.
Breakthrough with “Tighter, Tighter”
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Their big break came when they caught the attention of Tommy James from Tommy James and the Shondells. James co-wrote the song “Tighter, Tighter” with Bob King and helped secure a record deal for the band with Roulette Records, owned by the controversial music figure Morris Levy.
Released in May 1970, “Tighter, Tighter” became a massive hit. It reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100, remained on the chart for 16 weeks, and sold over one million copies—earning a gold record certification.
Despite its success, the band’s follow-up singles failed to chart significantly. Songs like:
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“Just Let It Come” (#69)
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“London Bridge”
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“Good Ole Lovin’ Back Home”
…never reached the same heights. Internal struggles and conflicts with Levy led to the band’s breakup in 1971, shortly after their self-titled debut album was released.
Reinvention and Reunion
In 1976, Pepe Cardona brought Alive N Kickin’ back to life. He reunited with several founding members and added Richie Incorvaia on bass. This version of the band found a second wind—not on the charts, but as a popular dance, party, and event band throughout the northeast.
Through the late 1970s and 1980s, Alive N Kickin’ became a reliable presence at weddings, clubs, and special events, performing classic hits and originals. They embraced their reputation as a feel-good throwback band that delivered energetic live shows.
Although most of the original members eventually left, Pepe Cardona and Johnny Parisio remained active leaders of the band well into the 2010s.
Pepe Cardona’s Legacy
Cardona was the heart and soul of Alive N Kickin’. In 2019, he was diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer. Despite treatment and surgery, the cancer spread to his stomach. Pepe Cardona passed away on July 28, 2020, at the age of 72.
His passing marked the end of an era for the band, but Alive N Kickin’ continues to honor his memory through music and performances.
Notable Members and Instruments
Over time, Alive N Kickin’s lineup evolved. The final version of the group before Cardona’s death included:
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Pepe Cardona – Lead vocals
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Elaine Tuttle – Vocals
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Johnny Parisio – Guitar
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Jeff Miller – Keyboards
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Chris Vega – Bass
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Sal G. – Saxophone
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Zoe Grella – Drums
Discography and Song List
While Tighter, Tighter remains their most recognized hit, the band released a range of singles and performed covers and original songs over the years. Some of their well-known or fan-favorite tracks include:
Popular Originals and Charted Singles:
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Tighter, Tighter
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Just Let It Come
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London Bridge
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Good Ole Lovin’ Back Home
Other Tracks:
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Junction Creek
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Jordan
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Kentucky Fire
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Sunday Morning
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Mississippi Mud
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Hitter Man
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Mother Carey’s Chicken
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You Gave Me Something
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My Friends
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Midnight Cowboy (Cover)
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Down So Long (Cover)
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The First Cut Is the Deepest (Cover)
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Do You Know What I Mean (Cover)
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Tell Me What You Want
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Angels
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Life at 180 (Magnum Opus)
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Move My Way
Many of these songs featured the songwriting talents of Woody Wilson and Bruce Sudano (who later married disco legend Donna Summer and co-founded the band Brooklyn Dreams).
Lasting Influence
Although they never followed up Tighter, Tighter with another chart-topper, Alive N Kickin’ remains a vivid part of early 1970s rock history. Their music lives on through compilations, radio airplay, and cover bands that continue to play their biggest hit.
For fans of one-hit wonders, Alive N Kickin’ represents more than just a flash in the pan. They are a reminder that sometimes one great song is all it takes to make a lasting impression.
Final Thoughts
Alive N Kickin’ may be remembered by most for just one song, but their story goes far beyond a chart position. From humble Brooklyn beginnings to national fame and a lasting performance career, the band showed that one hit can build a legacy that lasts a lifetime.
They were more than a fleeting moment—they were alive and kicking in every sense of the phrase.