Ernie Spano was originally with the Four Dates, which was the backup group for Fabian, until the group broke up on the eve of an important date of Fabian’s at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City. The Four Dates was replaced by the Four Js, who consisted of Joseph (Junior) Pirollo (lead), James Testa (first tenor), Joseph Paparella (second tenor) and Joe “Judge” Milaro (baritone). Ernie Spano reconvened with the Four Js in a different configuration at Jamie Records. Jamie producer Bob Finiz, who was also Junior Pirollo’s brother-in-law, kept his groups in constant rehearsal and studio production.
Finiz is credited in this session as arranger and producer credits went to Joe Wissert. Finiz and Wissert also mixed and matched the groups, a prime example being Ernie and the Halos. Ernie went up for a recording session at Bell Sound in New York with the Intentions, another local Philly group consisting of Richard Mignola (lead), John Montmare (first tenor), John Poloney (second tenor) and Thomas Inzilla (baritone). The Intentions recorded their Jamie single, “Mr. Misery” (Jamie 1253) and then backed Ernie Spano on the two sides attributed to Ernie and Halos, “The Girl From Across the Sea (Angel Marie)” and “Darlin!!! Don’t Make Me Cry” (Guyden 2085). Marie was the name of Finiz’s wife, who was Pirollo’s sister. The Four Evers also appeared at Ernie's session, making nine backup singers for the recordings.
Ernie Spano says that “The Girl From Across the Sea (Angel Marie)” was Bob Finiz’s interpretation of a Phil Spector production, in particular of “Puddin’ N’ Tain.”
