The Renowns began as an idea of Richie Cawthorne’s back in 1962 while he was a sophomore in High School. He asked his good friend, Bob Moynihan to join him and shortly thereafter Steve Laidley, Johnny Costanzo and Mike DeGregorio rounded out the group. After a year of practice, around a piano at Richie’s parents house, The Renowns began to perform throughout the New England area.

In the spring of 1964, they were discovered and signed to a recording contract by Streke Records and released their single, "Please Say That You Want Me". In 1965, with college and military obligations facing some, the composition of The Renowns changed. At that time, Ron Trigilio and Al D’Amico joined the group. The Renowns continued to perform until the end of 1966 when they disbanded.

In the spring of 2003, Steve called Richie and said that he had run into Bob and suggested everyone getting together for dinner. From that first dinner, a second one followed and eventually the idea for our CD, Reunion, was born. Sadly, after a few months of rehearsals, Al D’Amico took ill with cancer and passed away in March 2004. After much discussion, everyone felt that Al would have wanted us to finish the CD, so we asked Bill Rice to join the group.

This project has been a labor of love. Reunion brings back many of the old songs we knew back in the 60’s featuring solos by Ron, Bob, Steve and Bill. In addition, it also features four new songs written by Richie specifically for this CD. It has involved many hours of hard work, but also many, many laughs along the way. We are thankful for the opportunity to have been able to reunite and create this CD. It is our hope that we bring to you as much enjoyment in listening to it as we did in creating it.