The Impaks originated from Ozone Park, Queens, New York. They met at a Friday night Confraternity (dance) at The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. There were two singing groups that night, the Imaginations and a no name group (Louie Forte's). Charlie left the Imaginations to become lead singer of the newly formed Impaks. Pictured above is the original five, circa late 1961/Early 1962, Top left; Artie Riccio, middle; Charlie Mollica, right; Louie Forte, Bottom left; Dominic "Dickie" Agate, bottom right; Dennis Bounagura. Singing on neighborhood street corners, and the famous Boyd Avenue train station (for the echo) with other groups, happened all the time. A number of those groups were good but never recorded. According to the guys… it was because "That's What You Did" to stay out of trouble. Their career was launched at Leone's restaurant in Long Beach, owned by John Linde. He liked them so much, he became their manager and arranged for them to cut a record for the Express label - which was a subsidiary of Fargo. The Impaks then recorded Climb Upon Your Rockin' Chair and flip side Make Up Your Mind in 1963. They had local airplay for both sides, depending on which DJ was playing it. The disc also picked up some spins in California. The Impaks appeared at many venues with other local groups including the Earls, Johnny Maestro & the Crests, Jive Five, the Dubs, Ronettes, Vito and the Salutations, and others. The Impaks actually recorded other songs, but were never released. Listen to my interview with Charlie and Louie Here!. A couple of funny out-takes here! The interview was recorded in October of 2007.