"Big Danny" also pioneer of Asbury Sound
by Bill Newman
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 01/20/07

The Jan. 3 letter about a tribute to the creators of the Sound of Asbury Park demands rebuttal.

The writer was outraged Big Danny Gallagher wasn't included. I agree Big Danny's contributions should have been recognized. Danny is an old friend of mine, and we served together on the board of the Society of Associated Performers during Margaret Potter's presidency of that group.

His contributions to the Asbury music scene go far beyond his music. He actively promoted and developed the music and arts scenes.

However, he was not the only oversight in the tribute. Other names are conspicuous in their absence from the monument now gracing the Asbury boardwalk and the show at the Stone Pony.

George Theiss, Lance Larson and Tony Amato are just three that come quickly to mind. There are certainly many others who deserve recognition.

I found the writer's contention that Norman Seldin was wrongly included in the tribute to be uninformed.

"Stormin' Norman" not only made personal music contributions — yes, he did do originals along with the covers — to the Asbury Sound. Perhaps more importantly, he has performed a valuable service over the years by discovering emerging talent and giving that talent an opportunity to be heard and to develop their skills. A number of our local artists who have gone on to bigger and better things got their first shot thanks to Seldin. Seldin even organized the area's first Battle of the Bands competition.

Tom Potter, who was not even a musician, has been recognized, and rightfully so. By creating the UpStage Club, he and his wife, Margaret, gave local talent a place to meet, trade knowledge and hone their art. This was an invaluable contribution to the Asbury Sound, not unlike Seldin's.

I thank all for making the Asbury Sound (and scene) as wonderful as it was, is and, I hope, always will be.

Bill Newman

LAKE COMO