Dennis Tufano: The Original Voice of The Buckinghams and Beyond

'60s '70s '80s - Warm, Candid, Classic, Rock Interviews with Music Legends - A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

In this episode, we dive into the story of Dennis Tufano, the unmistakable voice that brought The Buckinghams to the top of the charts during one of the most exciting eras in American pop and rock music.

Dennis Tufano’s journey began in Chicago, a city whose vibrant music scene gave rise to countless legends. Long before he was singing “Kind of a Drag” on national television, Dennis was fronting local Chicago bands like The Pulsations, performing in small clubs and perfecting the soulful vocal style that would soon make him famous. When The Pulsations won a TV talent contest and rebranded as The Buckinghams, everything changed—almost overnight.

The Buckinghams burst onto the charts in 1967 with “Kind of a Drag,” a song that captured the hearts of fans and climbed straight to number one on the Billboard Hot 100. With Dennis Tufano’s velvety voice leading the way, the band followed up with a string of unforgettable hits: “Don’t You Care,” “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy,” “Susan,” and “Hey Baby (They’re Playing Our Song).”

At the height of their success, The Buckinghams were one of the most played American groups on radio, performing on The Ed Sullivan Show, American Bandstand, and countless other programs that defined 1960s pop culture. Their fusion of brass-driven rock and soul-infused pop set them apart from both their British contemporaries and the emerging psychedelic rock sound of the time.

But Tufano’s story didn’t end when the hits stopped coming. After The Buckinghams disbanded, Dennis formed the duo Tufano & Giammarese with his former bandmate Carl Giammarese, recording several critically acclaimed albums in the 1970s. The duo showcased a more intimate, singer-songwriter vibe that highlighted Tufano’s range and songwriting depth.

From there, Dennis moved into solo work, writing and recording for film and television—most notably contributing the theme song to Grease 2. He also worked as a voice actor and composer, keeping his creative spirit alive in new ways.

Today, Dennis Tufano remains a beloved performer on the classic rock and oldies circuit, delighting fans with heartfelt performances that revisit The Buckinghams’ timeless hits while celebrating his own musical evolution. His live shows remind audiences why his voice was, and still is, one of the most distinctive in American pop music.

In this episode, we talk about his early Chicago days, the meteoric rise of The Buckinghams, and how Dennis carved out a remarkable solo career that’s still going strong decades later.

If you’re a fan of 1960s rock, Chicago music history, or the golden age of pop, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

• How Dennis Tufano helped shape the sound of 1960s American pop-rock.

• Behind-the-scenes stories of The Buckinghams’ biggest hits.

• What life was like after the band’s breakup.

• How Dennis continues to connect with fans old and new.

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