Candi & The Backbeat

Candi & The Backbeat (initially named Candi) was a Canadian pop band fronted by lead vocalist Candita "Candy" Pennella. Band members included Nino Milazzo (bass and background vocals), Paul Russo (drums and percussion), and Rich Imbrogno (keyboards). The band is best known among U.S. audiences for the freestyle classic "Dancing Under a Latin Moon", a major dance hit which also made number 68 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1988.

History

Originally an Italian wedding band they released their debut self-titled album Candi in 1988 on the I.R.S. Records label, which included "Dancing Under a Latin Moon", and "Under Your Spell", which was nominated for Single of the Year at the Juno Awards of 1990.^[1] Candi's "Under Your Spell" and "Missing You" were both nominated for Best Dance Recording at the same award show.^[1] Pennella was also nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year, losing to Rita MacNeil.^[1] She was nominated for the same award the next year, losing to Celine Dion.^[2]

The band, renamed Candi & The Backbeat, released the album World Keeps on Turning in 1990. The title track from the album was nominated for the Best Dance Recording at the Juno Awards of 1991.^[2]

After the promotion of the album, they decided not to continue with the project. Candy ended up marrying her drummer and currently teaches high school in the Toronto area.

Discography

Singles

• 1988 - Dancing Under a Latin Moon [#26 CAN]
• 1988 - Under Your Spell
• 1989 - Missing You [#18 CAN]
• 1989 - Love Makes No Promises [#10 CAN]
• 1990 - The World Just Keeps On Turning [#15 CAN]
• 1991 - Friends Forever [#36 CAN]
• 1991 - Good Together [#31 CAN]

Albums

1988 - Candi

Side one:

1. "Under Your Spell" (3:49)
2. "Missing You" (3:56)
3. "Shine On" (3:58)
4. "Independent" (5:32)
5. "Love Makes No Promises" (4:50)
6. "Dancing Under a Latin Moon" (4:29)
7. "Dance With Me" (3:38)
8. "Lucky Night" (4:29)
9. "Pleasure Island" (4:36)
10. "Closer Than Ever" (3:52) featuring Eugene Hunt

1990 - World Keeps On Turning

Side one:

1. "The World Just Keeps On Turning"
2. "Friends Forever"
3. "What's In A Love"
4. "Dream Train"
5. "Good Together"
6. "Time For A New Life"
7. "Getting Closer"
8. "Someone Like You"
9. "Find Love (Don't You Wanna)"
10. "Saving All The Love"

References

1. "Past Winners Database: 1990 20th Juno Awards", The Envelope of the Los Angeles Times; URL accessed May 24, 2006.
2. "Past Winners Database: 1991 21st Juno Awards", The Envelope of the Los Angeles Times; URL accessed May 24, 2006.