City Islanders are heartbroken as a local and a dear friend of the community, PePe Cardona of Alive•n•Kickin has passed away.
As we celebrate the life of our friend, we realize how fragile life can be. PePe Cardona passed away yesterday after suffering from pancreatic cancer. He was the lead singer for Alive and Kicking. They had a hit back in the day with Tighter and Tighter.
Pepe Cardona was the lead singer and leader of the Band Alive and Kicking, whose song “Tighter, Tighter” made it to #7 on the U.S. charts, earned a gold record for selling one million for singles in 1970.
Alive N Kickin’ celebrated a half-century of performing its unique brand of rock ‘n’ roll. The group officially formed in 1968 when the six members were still teenagers with a friendship based on their love of music. The original lineup featured vocalists PePe Cardona and Sandy Toder, Bruce Sudano on keyboards, Woody Wilson on bass, John Parisio on guitar, and Ron Pell on drums.
Alive ‘N Kickin’ was a staple in the summer music scene and a regular part of the line up of free concerts in City Island, New Rochelle. Queens.
City Images knows he was well-loved here on City Island. Rest In Peace, amigo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blYr3PllJJE
" IT IS WITH DEEP SORROW THAT MARIA, TIM, AND FAMILY ANNOUNCE THAT OUR DEAR PEPE PASSED AWAY TONIGHT AT HOME. HE BEGINS HIS NEXT JOURNEY ACROSS THE UNIVERSE"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU-hoom01Zk
A local musician, who is known as “Chris Solo”, memorialized Cardona by saying “He was a local legend, to say the least. The guy was truly one of the best frontmen around, someone all of us in that circuit of NY musicians respected for sure. His longevity is a testimonial to his talent and love of music. He was singing and literally dancing on tables with the energy of a 20-year-old after 50 plus years of gigs. RIP Pepe, one of the best.”
Alive N Kickin’ broke up after “London Bridge” This is for you, PePe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifKnqMekWx8
Images By Ron Terner