The Bongos were a power pop band from Hoboken, New Jersey, that emerged from the New York City arts scene, primarily active in the 1980s, led by Richard Barone. With their unique musical style, they were major progenitors of the Hoboken indie-pop community, college radio favorites, and made the leap to national recognition with the advent of MTV. Their breakthrough song "Numbers with Wings" garnered the group a major cult following and was nominated at the first MTV Video Music Awards. Along with a handful of others, the Bongos were instrumental in the advancement of the alternative rock movement.
The Bongos in 1983. (Clockwise from center front): Richard Barone, James Mastro, Rob Norris, Frank Giannini.
The Bongos at Compass Point Studios, Bahamas, during the recording of Phantom Train in 1985
The Bongos appearing in 2009 at Maxwell's – the first time in two decades
The Bongos receiving a proclamation from the City of Hoboken, September 30, 2007. From left: James Mastro, Frank Giannini, Mayor David Roberts, Richard Barone, and Rob Norris.
Richard Barone is an American rock musician who first gained attention as frontman for the Bongos. He works as a songwriter, arranger, author, director, and record producer, releases albums as a solo artist, tours, and has created concert events at Carnegie Hall, Hollywood Bowl, SXSW, and New York's Central Park. He teaches the course “Music + Revolution” at The New School's School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, has served on the Board of Governors of The Recording Academy (GRAMMYs), serves on the Advisory Board of Anthology Film Archives, and hosts the "Folk Radio" show on WBAI New York.
Richard Barone at Carnegie Hall, New York City, October 1, 2008
Tony Visconti and Richard Barone in the studio, circa 2000.
Matthew Billy and Richard Barone on the set of the "Hey, Can I Sleep On Your Futon?" video in April 2012.
Al Jardine and Richard Barone recording Pete Seeger's "If I Had A Hammer (The Hammer Song)" in June 2013.