The Addrisi Brothers were a talented American pop duo known for their songwriting skills as much as their vocal performances. Made up of Don and Dick Addrisi, the brothers wrote one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century, “Never My Love.”
Their journey took them from a family of circus acrobats to the heart of California’s music scene in the 1960s and 70s. While their own recordings saw moderate chart success, their biggest legacy lives in the songs they gave to others.
| Artist Profile: The Addrisi Brothers | |
|---|---|
| Full Names | Donald “Don” Addrisi, Richard “Dick” Addrisi |
| Birth Dates | Don: Dec 14, 1938 – Nov 13, 1984; Dick: Jul 4, 1941 |
| Origin | Winthrop, Massachusetts, USA |
| Genres | Pop, Soft Rock, Adult Contemporary |
| Years Active | 1950s – 1984 |
| Labels | Del-Fi, Imperial, Warner Bros., Columbia |
| Notable Songs | “Cherrystone,” “Never My Love,” “We’ve Got to Get It On Again,” “Slow Dancin’ Don’t Turn Me On” |
| TV Credits | Theme for *Nanny and the Professor* |
| Legacy | “Never My Love” is one of the most performed songs of the 20th century |
Humble Beginnings in a Family of Acrobats
Don (born December 14, 1938) and Dick Addrisi (born July 4, 1941) grew up in a family deeply rooted in show business. Their family act, The Flying Addrisis, was a well-known acrobatic troupe. Yet, the brothers found their passion not in the air but in music.
They started performing and writing songs as teenagers. Encouraged by comedian Lenny Bruce, who believed in their potential, the brothers left Massachusetts and moved to California in the mid-1950s. They even auditioned for The Mickey Mouse Club but didn’t make the final cut.
First Steps in the Music Industry
In 1959, the Addrisi Brothers signed with Del-Fi Records, the same label that had launched Ritchie Valens. That year, they released their first modest charting single, “Cherrystone”, which reached #62 on the Billboard Hot 100. Though not a breakout hit, it marked the start of their professional journey.
Over the next decade, the brothers recorded for various labels, including Imperial and Warner Bros. They released a mix of rock and teen ballads, at times trying to emulate the Everly Brothers, who were dominating the charts. However, commercial success as performers continued to elude them.
A Shift to Songwriting: “Never My Love”
Recognizing their strength in songwriting, Don and Dick shifted focus behind the scenes. This decision led to their biggest break in 1967 when they penned “Never My Love” for The Association.
The song became a massive hit. The Association’s version peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and later became the second most played song of the 20th century, as recognized by BMI. Only “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” had more plays.
Over time, “Never My Love” was recorded by over 150 artists, including:
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Blue Swede – #7 U.S. hit in 1974
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The 5th Dimension – #12 U.S. hit in 1971
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Andy Williams, Nancy Sinatra, and David Cassidy also recorded well-known versions.
The Addrisi Brothers eventually recorded their own version in the 1970s. The song remains a pop standard, showcasing their talent as timeless songwriters.
Success as Performing Artists
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While their songwriting found great success, the Addrisi Brothers also pursued careers as performers. In 1972, they released “We’ve Got to Get It On Again” on Columbia Records, which climbed to #25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #10 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
Their second Top 40 hit came in 1977 with “Slow Dancin’ Don’t Turn Me On,” a smooth adult contemporary track that reached #20 on the pop chart and #34 on Adult Contemporary.
Their final charting single in the U.S. was “Ghost Dancer” in 1979, which peaked at #45 on the Billboard Hot 100, #41 on the Adult Contemporary chart, and #57 in the U.K. Though their chart presence was limited, their music maintained a loyal fan base.
Music for Television
In addition to hit singles, the Addrisi Brothers made their mark in television. They composed the catchy theme song for the 1970s ABC sitcom “Nanny and the Professor.” The theme—simple, melodic, and whimsical—was a perfect fit for the lighthearted show and demonstrated the brothers’ versatility in writing across formats.
Other Recordings
Over the years, the Addrisi Brothers released several lesser-known singles. Though they didn’t break into the charts, these tracks showcased their songwriting range and soft rock sensibilities:
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“Back To the Old Salt Mine”
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“I’ll Be True”
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“Un Jarro”
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“Baby, Love Is a Two Way Street”
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“You Make It All Worthwhile”
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“I Can Count on You”
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“It’s Love”
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“Don’t Turn Me On”
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“Saving My Kisses”
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“Sugar Baby”
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“As Long As The Music Keeps Playing”
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“I Can Feel You”
These recordings, though not commercially dominant, reflected the easy-listening trends of the 1970s and early 80s.
Don Addrisi’s Death and the End of the Duo
The brothers continued working together until tragedy struck in 1984. Don Addrisi died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 45. His passing brought an end to their collaboration as a duo.
Dick Addrisi continued to work in music sporadically and later moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he remains active in writing and musical projects.
Legacy
While they may not be household names, the Addrisi Brothers left a lasting mark on pop music. Their songwriting, especially with “Never My Love,” placed them among elite composers of the era.
Their story is one of persistence—transitioning from performers to acclaimed songwriters and back again. Their ability to adapt and evolve with the music industry of the 50s, 60s, and 70s showcases their creative spirit and determination.
Conclusion
The Addrisi Brothers may not have become superstars in their own right, but their songwriting changed the course of pop music. From humble beginnings in a family circus to writing enduring classics, their story reflects the power of perseverance, creativity, and brotherhood. For those who appreciate melodic, heartfelt songwriting, their work—especially “Never My Love”—remains unforgettable.