JOHNNY COPPOLA: Hollywood Indigo

Johnny Coppola

Hollywood Indigo

© 2004 Coku Publishing

CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.

A rarity, a one of a kind concept record, an endangered species in this day and age if you will. It's a hip melange of original songs and poetry reflecting the swinging jet age 1950's and 60's of New York and Hollywood

notes

Johnny Coppola's "Hollywood Indigo" is a rarity, a one of a kind concept record, an endangered species in this day and age if you will. It's a hip melange of original songs and poetry reflecting the swinging jet age 1950's and 60's of New York and Hollywood. It seamlessly transports you to back to that era when no man would leave his house without his necktie and Fedora, when Kennedy lived in Camelot and free love was just around the corner. The record evokes the devil may care attitude of Las Vegas, swinging nights fueled by top shelf booze, beautiful women, love affairs and heartbreak.

Sharing his birthdate with 50's icons Marilyn Monroe and Nelson Riddle, Johnny Coppola was born on June 1st in Boston, Massachusetts. Little did he know that the musical journey he would later embark upon would evoke not only the style of each, but of the culture from which they emerged.

He spent his early years growing up on Prince Street in Boston's North End, the tightknit Italian neighborhood famous for it's cuisine, the Brink's Job and the expression, "I didn't see nothin.'" His family would later move to Medford, MA. As a youth, Johnny idolized his cousin, Richard "Jake The Bloke" Palumbo. Jake was cool. Johnny wanted cool. Jake had great records. Johnny listened. He listened to Frank Sinatra, The Four Freshman, Jackie and Roy, Sergio Mendes and Brazil 66, Willie Bobo, Dave Brubeck, John Coltrane, Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, Aretha Franklin, Lou Rawls and many more. Johnny's father, "Chuck", loved listening to Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Joe Williams, Billy Eckstine, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Jackie Gleason and George Shearing with his son. By the time Johnny was twelve, he loved to swing. Like any kid of his age he listened to the radio where the DJ's were stars and the artists were galaxies. He dug the Beatles, The Rolling Stones and the hits of the 60's and 70's. Who knew that one day he'd actually be working with some of them.

Pursuing his love of music, Johnny became a DJ and spent the next twelve years playing Boston's hottest nightclubs and developing his style. He was named Best DJ by The Boston Record Pool in 1987, an award he still cherishes. Many of his signature mixes found their way onto the airwaves of radio stations in New York, Los Angeles and Boston. Johnny continued mixing and began to write and produce club music. In 1987 he co-produced "Back To Love", a local favorite in the clubs.

In 1989 Columbia Records hired Johnny as Manager of Dance Music Promotion where he worked with Mariah Carey, George Michael, LL Cool J, Slick Rick, Third Bass, Cypress Hill, The Rolling Stones, Domino, Da Brat, Jamiroquia, Tony Bennett, Fiona Apple and so many more. He was by 1998, Vice president of Columbia's Work Group label. In 1999, Johnny joined Capitol Records as Vice President of Promotion. At Capitol he worked with Robbie Williams, Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks, The Beastie Boys, Dilated Peoples, Sammie, Shannon McNally, Kylie Minogue, St. Germaine and other label artists. It was Christmas of 1999 when he first ventured into the legendary Capitol Studio A to cut a Christmas song for the annual Capitol employees Holiday CD. It was love at first mike. He found his voice and his true passion. Although he thought it a lark to cut "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" for the CD, the feedback on his performance was so good that his interest in writing and recording was rekindled. After years of working with some of the best artists and record people in the business, Johnny felt it was time to roll the dice and write, produce and perform his very own music. He began writing a series of poems based on Sinatra, the Ratpack and his own life experiences. The project began smoothly. He teamed up with pianist/arranger Bill Cunliffe and longtime friend and producer Nayan Lassiter. He then began writing original songs in the style of the standards he so lovingly adores. Now he had the makings of a project. While recording at Capitol Studios, the music caught the attention of seven time Grammy winning recording engineer, Al Schmitt, who offered to work on the project gratis. Johnny could never imagine having such a heavyweight name on the record. Once recorded, Johnny played the record for his dear friend, Billy West. West, a radio personality made famous from his days on the Howard Stern Show and for his brilliant work as the voice for animated characters Ren and Stympie, and many more, fell in love with the project. West was so taken by Johnny's original song "I've Been In Love", that he placed it in the upcoming Miramax release of "Comic Book: The Movie", in which West stars and CO-produced The record is featured in the movie as well as in the end title credit.
"I've Been In Love" was also featured in an episode of NBC TV's "Las Vegas" as well as the hit movie "Invincible" starring Mark Walberg. His original composition "My Lover All Of My Life" is featured in the Independent film "A Wake in Providence" as the End Title Credits theme.
Johnny remixed mega superstar Miley Cyrus' "See You Again", a smash single. He's also remixed Jesse McCartney's "Right Where You Want Me". His latest work is with Superstar LL Cool J. Johnny sings the intro and hooks to LL's "Hip Hop Ain't A Movie" from LL's new album due in July 2008. His DVD "Live At Studio A" recorded at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles showcases nine new songs which will also appear on his next studio album which we hope will arrive soon.

Johnny Coppola writes, produces and resides in Los Angeles. He's single and lives with his loveable Labrador Retriever, "Dino" and his mischievous Red Heeler, "Frankie."

"Hollywood Indigo" is his very first release on the Coku Music label.

reviews

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  • Hollywood Indigo
    author: Catherine A. Cox

    I am so very grateful for all that you have done for me over the past 7 years. This is an incredible piece of music. I wish I had another copy!

  • You can't beat the realism.
    author: Jeanne Devin

    Many of us have one of two extreme attitudes towards jet-setters. Either we envy their travels and adventures in life, or we condemn them for what seem like love affairs that border on loose living. But whatever our feelings, one should have nothing but praise for this realistic production, which combines skillful musical performances with realistic poetry that can't help but draw the listener into the life experiences of the jet-set singer/musician of the time. The vocals may remind the casual listener of Frank Sinatra, and the instrumentation is even better. The songs and poems are so naturally blended that one can easily forget the skill required to create this masterpiece. Anyone who loves the music of the period, or the movies that depict it, must absolutely buy this album. Johnny Coppola may not be as famous as Sinatra, but in this reviewer's mind, he should be.

  • Incredible! Johnny Coppola captures the essence of Vega's past and brings it bac
    author: John De Meo

    Listening to Johnny Coppola is a way to appreciate Jazz, Frank Sinatra and great song writing. This musical production is amazing, this guy should be playing Vegas!

  • FANTASTIC CD OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION! AN AWESOME SINGER
    author: Gary Cannavo / masspool dj assn

    I was totally amazed at the quality of this cd! Production was outstanding along with the silky smooth vocals. It brought back memories of the days when people truly sang. Each Track has something new to offer and it just kept getting better as it went along. This is a MUST listen and buy! I'm sure you'll fall in love with it as I have. I been telling everyone about it and to check it out. You will be completely amazed while enjoying listening to it. John Coppola has re-captured the days gone by and brings them back home for us! 5 Stars *****

  • A brilliant concept album which tells a fascinating story
    author: brian glossman

    What a great cd and what a wonderfull idea for an album.Yes it really does work as you take a seat in yesterday with the cool guys of the Las Vegas era.But above all what brilliant poetry mixed with great songs.A huge round of applause to Johnny Coppola and heres to the next story.

  • AWESOME CD!
    author: Salvatore - Westwood MA

    I borrowed my father's car one day and this CD was playing..I was just about to change it when I heard you talking and for some reason, I kept on listening. I enjoyed it so much that I kept it on for my whole drive. When I got home, I asked my dad about it..and he reminded me that you had been to our home when I was a young boy. Even though I am 21 yrs old now, I want you to know that your voice and songs are awesome. Though this music is "before my time" it is a great CD. I ended up taking it from his car and he had to buy another one.

  • Boston Loves Johnny Coppola
    author: Mario's Restaurant - Boston, MA

    Mario's Restaurant has been playing this CD on our speaker system inside the restaurant and on our outside speakers as well. People just LOVE the flavor of this 50's style artist..and have actually come in to ask us where they can buy the CD ~ Wonderful compilation of old and new!! Keep up the good work, Johnny~

  • In this day and age where somtimes all you have is a singer and a song to cheer
    author: Timothy Lloyd

    Let's face it. A lot of people got turned off hearing redone versions of songs from the American Song Book,standards,if you will.Why? They fell into the hands a lot of new people who don't have the talent to pull 'em off.Even Eddie Cantor had more libido in his Makin' Whoopie than Michael Feinstein will ever have.It's more like the boy next door with no schtunger singing to you.Sometimes in romance there's more danger and passion then that.Soothing voice,yeah.Good technician,yeah.Those qualities can't even be said of the Tony Danzas or Frank Stallones of the world.What's missing? For the most part,honesty. This is why singer,writer,arranger,producer Johnny Coppola is the real deal.When I listened to the CD I went nuts because here's a new guy who truly creates a feeling of an era gone by and not re-creating it.Even Mr.Coppola's original songs and spoken word takes the listener up and down and over and out,as a blue eyed crooner once sang,leaving you feeling just plain,good ole' delighted.Get it!

  • This record is a smash!
    author: K.R.Waterman

    For those of you who grew up in a home with a versiatle music environment, and born in the late 50's, you know listening to an occassional "standard" can touch your soul because it's a taste of home. This record however,expands on that notion to the point where all i can say is,"Thanks for the original flavor Johnny"! Music has waited a very long time for this and in addition, Blue World made me cry man...

  • Sophisticated and simply elegant - Extremely well done - Hats off to Johnny!
    author: Suzanne Steiner

    The choice of songs flow beautifully throughout the album which makes for extremely easy listening. Lyrics and music are executed with great passion. Johnny's voice is smooth and inviting, he brings you back to a time that I only know from movies and romantic stories. I feel like I am there!

  • Absolutely Fabulous!
    author: Kristen Pelletier

    We want more!!! This is one cd that you will listen to over and over again. Great melodies, music and poetry! It is absolutely fabulous!!!

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