The mission of the Asbury Angels is to honor and memorialize the lives and history of members of the Asbury Park musical community, including but not limited to, musicians, tech support persons, DJs, journalists, club owners, record company personnel, managers and promoters. The inductees are honored and remembered with memorial plaques strung along the famed Asbury Park boardwalk.
"When the Asbury Angels was first announced, they said they would make sure to provide an honest look at the history of the Asbury Park music scene," said music journalist Gary Wien. "With the second class of inductees, they have done just that. God knows that Chris Barry was no angel, but he certainly holds a special place in Asbury Park music history. Few music writers have ever loomed so large within a particular music scene.
"Chris was one of the original writers of my old Upstage Magazine," continued Wien. "In fact, it was almost assumed Chris would write for us since I can't remember a single publication in the area that he didn't write for at one time or another. He was a true legend in the business and helped give many a local band their first shot at ink or first big show at a place like the Stone Pony. If Chris can become an Asbury Angel, it gives hope for us all!"
Kevin Kavanaugh was one of the area's most popular keyboard players, most notably as a member of Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes.
Big Danny Gallagher and Bobby Williams go all the way back to the days of the legendary Upstage Club.
Terry MacGovern was a long-time assistant to Bruce Springsteen.
Phil Petillo was a master guitar craftsman and inventor with over 25 patents to his name. Artists like Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Keith Richards, and Gene Simmons were known to use his guitars.
Madame Era Tognoli was the founder of the Metro Lyric Opera Company.
Gervis Tillman was a songwriter and artist with the Ray Dots (later known as the V-Eights) who also started his own record label called Vibro.
George Iocca started the sound reinforcement company known as Dynacoustics, Inc. and provided sound reinforcement for many musicians, from Tony Bennett to Kiss.
Leo Karp's Turf club was a legendary venue on the west side of town, Springwood and Atkins.
While it's always sad when we lose a great member of the music scene, thanks to the Asbury Angels boardwalk tribute, they will always be close to us in our hearts and memories.
