In the golden era of doo-wop, a group of young men from Queens, New York, carved out a place in music history. The Capris, an Italian-American vocal group, rose from obscurity with a single that nearly disappeared — but against all odds, it became a classic. Their story is one of perseverance, rediscovery, and timeless harmony.
| Group Name | The Capris |
|---|---|
| Origin | Ozone Park, Queens, New York, USA |
| Genres | Doo-wop, Vocal Group Harmony |
| Years Active | 1957–1963, 1980s–2000s |
| Famous Song | “There’s a Moon Out Tonight” |
| Labels | Planet Records, Lost Nite, Old Town Records, Mr. Peeke |
| Notable Members | Nick “Santo” Santamaria, Mike Minceli, Vinnie Naccarato, John Cassese, Frank Reina |
How The Capris Formed
The Capris began in 1957. The group got its name from the Lincoln Capri, a popular car at the time. Formed in Ozone Park, Queens, the original lineup included:
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Nick “Santo” Santamaria (lead/baritone)
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Mike Mincieli (first tenor)
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Vinnie Naccarato (baritone)
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John Cassese (bass)
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Frank Reina (second tenor)
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Rosario Morice (who left early on)
They were all teenagers, passionate about singing harmony on street corners, schoolyards, and local clubs in New York. Like many doo-wop groups, they drew inspiration from The Flamingos and The Five Satins.
Early Recording Days
In 1958, The Capris recorded two songs for Planet Records: “Indian Girl” and “There’s a Moon Out Tonight.” However, the label had no major distribution network. The record didn’t chart, and the group disbanded shortly after.
But the story didn’t end there.
A Second Chance at Fame
In the early 1960s, DJ Alan Fredericks played “There’s a Moon Out Tonight” on his radio show. His teenage audience responded with a wave of requests. Jerry Greene, a record dealer at Times Square Records, noticed the song’s sudden popularity.
Greene bought the remaining copies from Planet Records. When those sold out quickly, he acquired the master tapes and released the song under his new label, Lost Nite Records.
The Breakthrough with Old Town Records
Lost Nite couldn’t handle the national demand. Greene partnered with Old Town Records, which had a more established distribution network. In 1961, “There’s a Moon Out Tonight” soared to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 11 on the R&B chart.
The Capris reunited to capitalize on the song’s success. They began touring and appeared on TV shows like American Bandstand. Their elegant harmonies and clean-cut image struck a chord with the public.
Follow-Up Songs and Minor Hits
The Capris released several follow-up singles on Old Town Records:
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“Where I Fell In Love”
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“Girl In My Dreams”
These songs achieved moderate success, but they couldn’t match the chart performance of their signature hit.
In 1962, they moved to the Mr. Peeke label and released “Limbo,” another minor hit. But by 1963, the group disbanded again.
Nick Santo’s Career and the 1980s Revival
Nick “Santo” Santamaria left the music industry in the early 1960s to become a police officer but continued to write music. In the early 1980s, nostalgia for doo-wop returned, and so did The Capris.
A reformed lineup included:
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Nick Santo
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Mike Minceli
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Frank Reina
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Nick Naccarato
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Tommy Ferrara (formerly of The Del-Satins)
They released “Morse Code of Love” in 1982 — a song that sounded so authentically vintage that many mistook it for a lost 1950s recording. It became a beloved doo-wop track on oldies stations and even inspired a cover by The Manhattan Transfer, who renamed it “Baby Come Back to Me” and charted on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Capris also released the album There’s a Moon Out Again, which featured updated recordings and new songs in the classic doo-wop style.
Final Years and Legacy
The Capris continued to perform at oldies shows and doo-wop revival concerts well into the early 2000s. They appeared at venues like the Westbury Music Fair and performed alongside groups such as The Elegants and The Duprees.
Sadly, Nick “Santo” Santamaria passed away from cancer on December 30, 2010. Mike Minceli died on March 15, 2015. Despite these losses, the legacy of The Capris lives on through their music.
In 2015, a new version of The Capris emerged with Frank Reina continuing the tradition.
Why “There’s a Moon Out Tonight” Still Matters
This song isn’t just another doo-wop ballad. It’s a story of how one record — nearly forgotten — got a second life and became a national sensation. Its blend of longing, melody, and innocence captured the spirit of the era.
Fans of vintage vocal harmonies still turn to it as one of the finest examples of doo-wop. It’s been featured on multiple oldies compilations, including Doo Wop Gold and Teen Time: The Young Years of Rock & Roll.
Fun Facts
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The Capris didn’t even know another group from Philadelphia had already used the name.
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Their biggest hit almost went unnoticed — until a DJ played it late at night.
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“Morse Code of Love”, though written in the ’80s, fooled many into thinking it was a 1950s recording.
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The group’s only major chart hit was “There’s a Moon Out Tonight,” but their sound influenced generations of harmony groups.
Final Thoughts
The Capris may be best known for one timeless hit, but their story reflects the magic of doo-wop: young voices, heartfelt lyrics, and harmonies that echo through time. Their music remains a cherished piece of American pop culture, and “There’s a Moon Out Tonight” will forever shine brightly in the doo-wop sky.