The DeFranco Family

The DeFranco Family rose to prominence among 1970s pop acts through their youthful energy and breezy pop sensibility. Fronted by 13-year-old Tony DeFranco, the group’s 1973 debut single “Heartbeat, It’s a Lovebeat” climbed to number three on Billboard, claimed the top spot on Cashbox, and moved more than two million copies. Follow-up “Abra-Ca-Dabra” reached the Top 40 before “Save the Last Dance for Me” landed at number 18 in May 1974.

A rock arrangement of “Write Me a Letter” then stalled at number 104, ending their chart run. After earlier successes under Walt Meskell, 20th Century Fox replaced him with Mike Curb, previously associated with the Osmonds. Curb’s push to recast the group as a cover act met resistance, prompting the DeFranco Family to part ways with Charles Laufer, Laufer Entertainment, and the label. Without new interest from other companies, they sustained activity through tours and Las Vegas engagements until disbanding in 1978. A 2000 reunion set at Rhino Records’ Retro Fest preceded their final appearance at B.B. King’s Nightclub in Los Angeles.

The five siblings, born to Italian immigrant parents and raised in Port Colborne and Welland, Ontario, first performed as the DeFranco Quintet. A demo reached Tiger Beat editor Sharon Lee, who arranged for Charles Laufer to bring them to Los Angeles for an audition. Laufer signed them exclusively to Laufer Entertainment, funded a three-song demo, and secured a contract with 20th Century Records.

Recording took place at Western Studios in Los Angeles with Wrecking Crew veterans Hal Blaine and Max Bennett on drums and Larry Carlton on guitar. The group made nine appearances on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand.