GEORGE GALFO
Original Founding Member
Driving Force Of The Mystics For Over Twenty-Two Years
Heard On All 16 Recordings With The Laurie Label
2015 Doo-Wop Music Hall Of Fame Inductee!
George Galfo, has been the driving force of The Mystics for over twenty-two years. His career started in the music and entertainment industry in 1958 as a member of The Overons, the group that evolved into The Mystics. As The Mystics original second tenor, George is heard on all the group’s Laurie Records releases as well as several unreleased demos that are highly regarded by collectors. George appeared with the group on several TV shows in the 1950’s and 1960’s including the Clay Cole Show, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, Alan Freed’s Big Beat Show and Jim Gallant’s Bandstand in Connecticut. Stage highlights of the day included Alan Freed Stage Show at the Brooklyn Fox, the Cavalcade of Stars tour run by the Legendary General Artists Corporation and Palisades Park appearances hosted by “Cousin Brucie” Morrow. Aside from their own hit records, George and the group provided vocal back-up for several other artists, including Connie Francis on her 1959 release “Tommy”. George led his own Mystics group in 2002, emerging as a charismatic lead singer, in his own right. The Mystics legacy continues on through the 21st century. George Galfo was inducted into the Doo-Wop Music Hall of Fame on March 14, 2015.
ANTHONY DEFONTES
Anthony DeFontes, was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, where he attended grammar school and high school. Anthony has an Asssociate Degree in Textile Design from Fashion Institute of Technology, New York and is a Certified Computer and Network Technician. He was also a top hairstylist/haircolor specialist for over 40 years, working in high end salons throughout New York and the Fort Lauderdale area. Anthony travelled extensively doing platform work for major hair product companies. Anthony’s love for music started at 6 years old when his grandfather bought him an accordion. He later took up the bass guitar and played with a rock group named Kaola. They signed with Capitol Records and did one album with them, opening for acts such as The Moody Blues, the 1910 Fruitgum Company, the Doors and The Who. Anthony’s love was always group harmony. He was a product of the streets of Brookly, New York, at a time when almost every street corner had a vocal group that would sing late into the night that is where Anthony got his education in Doo-Wop and vocal harmony. After moving to Florida in 1979, Anthony began to meet a lot of people in the Doo-Wop music business. Because of his abilities in group harmony, Anthony became friends with people like Jimmy Gallagher, Tony Passa and other Doo-Wop illuminaries. During this time, Anthony was second tenor/lead with a local south Florida group “Reunion”. They were a 9 piece, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s rock and roll show band that were extremely popular in the the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area and all the local venues. He also taught himself saxophone and harmonica during these years. In 1989 Anthony was chosen by Dion DiMucci as one of his backup vocalists. He did two tours with Dion, performing in places like Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, Universal Amphitheater in California, Westbury Music Fair and other large venues. Later on, Anthony sang with The Mystics for a number of years, as a lead vocalist/2nd tenor. Unexpected family responsibilities forced him to leave The Mystics for a while. Anthony DeFontes is excited that he has the opportunity to perform again with his friend George Galfo as a member of The Mystics thus keeping the Doo-Wop sound alive.
JERRY FRULIO
Jerry Frulio, is a Navy Veteran with just under 40 years in Law Enforcement with the New York Police Department and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Tampa, Florida, where Jerry retired at the rank of Sergeant in January 2005. Jerry is a former member of the “Reflections” and released two recordings on Crossroads Record Label in 1962 “I Really Must Know” and “Rocket To The Moon”. Jerry also performed with “The Jesters Four” during the early 1960’s and upon moving to the Tampa Bay Area, he performed with BelAires for 2 years and continued to perform with “The Saints” from 1986 to 2013, also peforming with “The Reflections” at various Oldie Show Venues. Jerry was a member of “The Crests”, featuring Tommy Mara, from 2014 to 2021. Jerry Frulio is a proud member of “The Legendary Mystics” who are “Doo-Wop Music Hall Of Famers” as their 1st Tenor and Lead Singer.
RALPH RATI
Ralph Rati, is known by his peers and his fans as one of the greatest voices in the music business. His vocal range and style are legendary. Originally from the streets of Brooklyn, New York, Ralph learned his craft at a very early age by singing on the street corners and hanging out in the studio at 1697 Broadway, with members of “The Tokens”. From 1979 to 2009, Ralph fronted the great “MUSIC BOX” that opened shows nationally for numerous big stars on the “Oldies” ciruit, including Johnny Maestro, Larry Chance, The Elegants, The Tokens, The Drifters, The Shirelles, The Marvelettes and The Shangri-Las. Ralph has also been a member of “Vito and the Salutations”, as well as “Freddie Paris and The Five Satins”. Ralph is a diverse entertainer, drawing upon his vast experience to sing songs from many genres…..Swing, Oldies, Rock and Roll, Country, Motown and a vast catalog from the “American Songbook”. Ralph was also a member of The Mystics from 2010 to 2016. Ralph Rati is proud to be back as a member, lst Tenor, Lead singer and Musical Director of the legendary Mystics, members of the Doo-Wop Music Fall Of Fame.