The Brooklyn Dreams were a successful singing group of the late 1970s and early 1980s, consisting of Joe "Bean" Esposito, Eddie Hokenson, and Bruce Sudano. Esposito provided lead vocals for the band and played guitar, while Sudano played keyboards and Hokenson played drums.[1]
Biography
Their biggest hit was "Heaven Knows" on the Casablanca label, in January 1979. It reached # 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. On the single version released by Summer (credited as Donna Summer with Brooklyn Dreams), Esposito sings second lead to Summer, and the group provides backing vocals. However, on the version that appears on the band's 1979 album, Sleepless Nights, it is Esposito who sings the lead vocal with Summer singing second lead while the group again contributes backing vocals. On the album, this latter version is credited to Brooklyn Dreams with Donna Summer.
Their self titled debut album "Brooklyn Dreams" (1977) achieved Gold status on the strength of positive critical reviews, (comparing the groups harmonies to that of the Righteous Brothers) and the strenght of the singles "Sad Eye" and the dance hit "Music, Harmony and Rhythm" (Which has been sampled over the years by various Hip hop artist). The sophomore effort "Sleepless Nights" (1979) was an even greater commercial success for the group as well as the start of their musical collaboration with their label mate Summer. The group found it self hosting the Midnight Special and performing on the popular talk shows Mike Douglas, Merv Griffin. Also big breaks on Dick Clark's American Bandstand and Solid Gold. Their third album Joy Ride (1979) was a solid effort effort but did not have the support of Casablanca which was having a financial crisis. The album sold well (Gold status) but did not generate a hit single. Casabalanca had changed direction by 1980 with the demise of Disco for which it was closely related and Neil Bogart's departure. Summer who they worked with also departed for the new Geffen Records. "Won't Let Go" (1980) saw the last album of the group. Members or the group by this time were already pursuing other projects separately or together but not as the Brooklyn Dreams.
Sudano and Summer would later marry.
Esposito went on to solo success on numerous movie soundtracks notably Flashdance and The Karate Kid. He also released a solo album: Treated and Released.
Discography
Albums
- Brooklyn Dreams (1977)
- Sleepless Nights (1979)
- Joy Ride (1979)
- Won't Let Go (1980)
Soundtracks
- American Hot Wax (1978)
- Foxes (1980)
- Zapped (1982)
Singles
- "Sad Eyes" (1977)
- "Music, Harmony, and Rhythm" (1978)
- "Heaven Knows" (credited as "Donna Summer with Brooklyn Dreams") (1979)
- "Make It Last" (1979)
- Too Much For The Lady (1979)
- Back On The Streets (1980)