Tyrone DeNittis

Tyrone DeNittis ran the Tyrones, a popular Philadelphia group that recorded a number of hit songs including "Blast Off" and "I'm Shook." Sponsored in part by Bill Haley, the Tyrones recorded a number of Haley/Comets-written songs. It is also believed that several Comets including Franny Beecher took part in the recording sessions, which were later "cleaned up" by Comets Johnny Grande and Billy Williamson. DeNittis' brother, Al Dean, later joined the Comets briefly as sax player in 1960. Several Tyrones classics were used a few years ago on the soundtrack of the animated film The Iron Giant (1999). Tyrone DeNittis later became the owner of a South Philadelphia talent agency which booked acts at various clubs and bars in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. Harry Riccobene, a powerful, old-time Mafia member, was using the talent agency business as a front for his gambling and loan-sharking business. DeNittis also acted as Atlantic City mobster Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo's front man in a video jukebox business in New Jersey in the early '80s.