The Four Lads Book by ... me!
The Four Lads were powerhouse singers of the 1950s with such hits as "Standing on the Corner," "Who Needs You?," "Istanbul," and "Moments to Remember." Since discovering their records in my grandpa's record cabinet as a child, I have always enjoyed their music. Frank Busseri, Jimmie Arnold, Bernie Toorish and Connie Codarini. The Four Lads.
Writing this book was an interesting experience. I run The Four Lads Appreciation Society on Facebook and many of The Four Lads family members have found us there since the official Four Lads facebook page is no longer maintained and their official webpage has vanished. The Lads fans and family were generous with sharing their time, pictures and memories for the book. One lady donated her daughter's huge 1950s scrapbook of Four Lads pictures and clippings. All the original newsletters are reproduced in the book. They are a treasure trove of material that would have been lost to time if not saved for posterity in my new book.
Connie Codarini's son David Comden was my editor and cheerleader. I was very honored that Kathy Lennon of the famous Lennon Sisters agreed to write the intro to the book. The Four Lads personal stories are included as well. The most intriguing true tale is how singer Bernie Toorish met his daughter Debi for the first time when she was in her sixties. Also included are profiles on most of the "replacement" lads. As the original four retired from the group, other singers kept the music alive into the decades following their 1950s heyday.
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The publishing world isn't easy to navigate. I actually had a signed contract to have the book published by Bear Manor Media. Since they specialize in nostalgic type material, I was really looking forward to seeing my manuscript come to life through them. One of my goals was to get this book out before the last of the living original Four Lads Bernie Toorish left us. He was in ill health for quite a while. Bear Manor was unable to get the book out in the time promised. Rather than delay another six months or more, I decided to self publish in the hopes that Bernie would see the book. Unfortunately he passed away in December of 2025.
The book is finished now. The maze of setting up the publishing and webpage is about done. This is a labor of love and it has cost a small fortune to bring "The Four Lads Book" to life. I am proud of what I and the members of the Four Lads Appreciation Society have accomplished. It is my hope that you will help get the word out so that the legacy of The Four Lads and their contribution to Canadian and American popular music will be remembered.
The book's website is www.TheFourLadsBook.com
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