NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Some of the sweetest sounds on the New York City subway system come from its oldest riders.
Bruce Cody, Richard Tillman and Arthur Sterling have been serenading straphangers for years and they bill themselves as the oldest doo wop entertainers on the subway.
Their ages are 74, 73 and 85 — which adds up to a lot of years of experience.
Cody was in a children's gospel choir.
“So I've been in music all my life," he said. "It's a passion."
Tillman said he had some time playing with Sonny Til and the Orioles at Radio City Music Hall with quite a lineup, including Little Richard, Chubby Checker, and Martha and the Vandellas.
Sterling is a singer who knows his subways seeing as he drove one for years.
“Started as a conductor and then went to motors," the 85-year-old said. “I’ve met a few people on the subway like Bill Murray and actually Johnny Carson."
The group claims they make about a $100 a week each in just a couple of hours. It helps with their Social Security to buy tooth paste and toilet paper, they joke.
“I think they made my subway ride a little bit better," one straphanger said after enjoying a performance.
"It makes you want to dance," said Juliette Lisbon.
There’s no question the trio move a lot of riders and have no plans to stop.
Related
Related
