Our Story

About The Devotions

Six Decades of Harmony

From street-corner harmonies to the Hall of Fame

The Devotions began as a doo wop vocal group on the streets of the New York metro area back in 1960 — an era when tight a cappella harmonies rang out on street corners and small stages across the boroughs and Long Island. More than six decades later, that same spirit of vocal harmony and pure showmanship still drives every performance.

Over the years, the group grew from a vocal quartet into a full vocal group & band, adding lead guitar, bass, keyboard, horns, and drums to back those signature doo wop harmonies with the energy of classic rock & roll. The Devotions have shared stages and performed at some of the region's best-known venues, including Atlantic City, Madison Square Garden, Westbury Music Fair, and Conair Arena, and have been featured on PBS-TV, theme cruises, and hundreds of private and public events across the New York metro area.

In June 2022, that six-decade body of work was recognized when The Devotions were voted into the East Coast Music Hall of Fame in Atlantic City, NJ — a tribute to the group's staying power and its role in keeping doo wop and rock & roll alive for new audiences.

The Lineup

Group Members

  • Ken DeckerVocals
  • Dave GrantLead Guitar
  • Jim KanellosHorns
  • Neil KeeffeVocals
  • Bob PatroneVocals / Keyboard
  • Howie RosenbergBass Guitar
  • Joe VavaroDrums
  • John WilliamsVocals

The group can be scaled to fit your event — from an intimate 5-piece lineup up to the full 8-piece band.

Through the Decades

Six Decades of Harmony

The Devotions original lineup, 1960
1960

The Beginning

The Devotions form as a doo wop vocal group, harmonizing on street corners and local stages across the New York area.

The Devotions in tuxedos, 1992
1992

Taking the Stage

Now performing in matching tuxedos and backed by a full band, the group becomes a fixture on the local club and theater circuit.

The Devotions in blue suits, 2008
2008

A New Look

The Devotions refresh their image for a new era of audiences while keeping the vocal harmonies that built their name.

The Devotions vocal group today
Today

Still Harmonizing

Six decades in, the current lineup carries the torch forward, performing doo wop and rock & roll classics for every generation.

Get in Touch

Bring The Devotions to Your Next Event

From weddings and private parties to corporate events and theme cruises, The Devotions bring six decades of doo wop and rock & roll experience to every stage.