Musicians make merry with 2020
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On a fateful Lakemont Park Light Up Night in 2007, the local songwriting duo of Jack Servello and Bill Dann was (just about) born.
The duo has written more than 60 songs together, some of which have appeared on nationally-recognized radio stations. Others have been passed virally through YouTube, Facebook and other social media profiles near and far.
The two forged a musical bond that has birthed Irish tunes, patriotic songs, gospel hymns, novelty holiday jingles, hard rock, heavy metal, folk, Country-Western and even a rap about Punxsutawney Phil.
This Christmas, they've released, "Santa's Curbside Pickup."
Santa's Curbside Pickup
Dann was scrolling through Facebook when he saw a friend make a comment about Santa doing curbside deliveries this year.
"When you're a lyricist, your mind is automatically open to new ideas and suggestions," Dann said. "I said, 'I bet there's a song in there.'"
Soon thereafter, Dann had lyrics that started like this:
"Just got word from North Pole News / Major changes on the way / There will still be toys for girls and boys / From the man who drives a sleigh. / But an elf contracted COVID / And went on a coughing jag / Now the workshop's under quarantine / Talk about a yuletide drag."
Dann passed the lyrics off to Jay Zimmerman, the newest addition to the team, who crafted the track's music. After recording, Servello mixed the song in his home studio in Huntingdon.
Zimmerman and Servello split the song's vocals, with Servello's triple-tracked background singing illuminating the chorus:
"Santa won't come down the chimney or place gifts beneath the tree / He won't be kissing mommy, by order of the CDC / No reindeer on the rooftop, don't bother leaving snacks / You'll find your presents curbside, all piled in a stack."
The 2:54-minute song has more than 3,500 views on YouTube as of last week. Michelle Peters is credited for creating the slideshow video for the song.
Dann said it's been featured on Dr. Demento's internet novelty show and he's been sending MP3s to people who want to play the song at their Christmas parties.
"Santa's Curbside Pickup" joins a treasure trove of songs co-written by Dann and Servello for Jolly Old Saint Nick, including "Fat Free Santa," "Santa Does The Peppermint Twist" and "Christmas Bells Go Jingle Jangle."
"People ask 'Where do you come up with this stuff?' and I don't have an answer," Dann said. For "Santa's Curbside Pickup," he just hoped to add levity to a tough year.
The duo has also done somber tunes like "One Clear Christmas Morning" and nostalgic pieces like "Tonka Trucks & Tinker Toys."
Artist backgrounds
Bill Dann worked as a weekend DJ for WBLF in Bellefonte while attending Bellefonte Area High School. Dann said in writing advertising copy for the radio station, he began to engage his creative side.
After graduating from high school in 1977, he continued working in radio until the mid-90s, although he said "he's never really been out," having done special shows for holidays over the years. Around that time he began to have a nagging feeling telling him "I should be writing songs."
It wasn't until the mid-2000s that he wrote his first -- "Aunt Clara's Christmas Casserole." It's an ode to every family with an aunt who brings "God-awful dishes" and makes it sound like it's the best.
"People loved it," he said. "I thought, 'I may be on to something here.'"
Only a few years later, he and Servello connected.
The Servello family was performing at Light Up Night in 2007, when a man from the Pacific Northwest stopped in to listen. The man decided to buy a Christmas CD the family was selling.
He later shared it with his friend Bill Dann. Dann enjoyed what he heard, and called Servello about using a few of his tunes for a Christmas radio show he was set to host.
Servello agreed and after some chatting, asked Dann if he had ever written any music. Dann happened to have some lyrics scrawled out for a song that would later become "Stand Back and Marvel at the Cross." He sent them Servello's way.
A few days passed, and Dann's inbox lit up with Servello's response that said, "See what you think of this."
"I clicked on it and all of a sudden heard my music in song," Dann said. "I was left speechless, he did a marvelous job."
Jack Servello is an Altoona native who's been playing multiple instruments and singing since he was a child. He began recording and producing music in 1994.
Since graduating from high school in 1980, he has played with multiple local bands.
In 1982, he performed with the Spoon River Band at the Cambria County Fair, warming up for Conway Twitty. He was also in the Primetime Band, doing oldies numbers for clubs like the VFW, Moose, Elks and others.
"If it's an animal, we've played it," Servello said, laughing.
Servello is now a worship leader and plays bass for the band Lost Love Horizon. For many years, he wrote jingles for local businesses, including the catchy J&P Auto Mart theme.
In July, Dann and Servello launched the website www.writeyouasong.com. The duo creates custom songs for businesses and individuals. They've crafted songs for engagements, birthdays and someone becoming an American citizen.
Servello commended Dann for his lyrical acumen and flexibility in allowing words or phrases to be tweaked. Dann commended Servello for his talent in "bringing (his) lyrics to life."
"We make a good team," Dann said.
Mirror Staff Writer Dom Cuzzolina is at 814-946-7428.