Woodmere fan roots for Lemongello

Old photographs, album artwork and newspaper clippings scatter the large dining room table in Sandi Garfinkel's Woodmere home that musician Peter Lemongello sits at. His ice-blue eyes, complimented by a vibrant red sweater, shine just as bright as when his first television spot hit the airwaves in 1976, when he was 29.

Lemongello, a former Islip resident who rose to fame in 1976 through late-night television marketing of his recordings, will perform at the Westbury Music Fair on May 7. He visited the Five Towns while preparing for this concert.

Garfinkel, a longtime Woodmere resident, was 17-years-old in 1976 when she saw the ads Lemongello flooded the New York airwaves with for his album, "Love 76." This pioneering marketing initiative enabled Lemongello to became the first person to sell a million records through a television-ad campaign. The quantity of records sold was shocking at a time when there was no call-waiting, Internet buying option or credit card payment available.

“I loved him just from the commercials,” said Garfinkel, who would be in line at every concert before Lemongello recognized her and the two forged a lasting friendship.

Whenever Lemongello finds himself in the New York City area he makes a point to bring his family to Garfinkel's Woodmere home to reminisce about the past and enjoying the present. Garfinkel is excited for Lemongello's attempt at a comeback and getting a chance to see him perform at Westbury. “He’s just phenomenal,” she said. “He’s better than ever. I’m so proud of him.”

When Lemongello burst onto the music scene in 1976 through his commercials, it was not long before he was playing in front of sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. His success fulfilled his dream of becoming a singer, a dream that got him through Vietnam and eight years of industry rejection.

“I never believed it was going to work,” said Lemongello, as he recalled watching the commercial for the first time, with both hands clasped around his cheeks and mouth wide open.

“In every business endeavor you get kicked in the butt... In the music business you get kicked in the heart," he said. Calling 1975 the fastest year of his life, he sees it comparable to a college experience. Not knowing anything about marketing or recording when he started, he immersed himself in the process and involved himself in all the decisions shaping his career.

“It was half thrill, half disbelief,” said Lemongello. “You have to pinch yourself.”

He enjoyed success the first time, but this resurgence into the spotlight allows him to share the experience with his family and friends. Not as concerned with the business end this time around, he is simply grateful for the opportunity.

“I’m really fortunate to do it again,” said Lemongello. “I’m really soaking it up this time…it’s a lot more fun the second time.”

Lemongello’s 10-year-old son, Peter Jr., referred to in the family as the future 48th president, watched his father perform recently in Atlantic City and wore a white suit to match his father on stage. If he could, he’d jump in and make it a father-son act.

“He’s really enjoying it because it’s all new,” said Lemongello. “He just had a ball in Atlantic City.”

“It’s so exciting for me,” said Karen Lemongello, Peter’s wife, on watching him perform. “It was a thrill for me. I really am his number one fan. He’s reliving it and I’m living it for the first time.”

Living on the same block as Lemongello in Islip at the time of his success, Karen, then 12, became his biggest fan. She recalls how even after becoming a star “he was still the nicest person and always had time for kids in the neighborhood.”

Her parents would often invite Lemongello over for dinner to their daughter’s excitement, but the family moved to Florida in 1978. In 1993, Lemongello had a 10-show booking in the Miami area. He invited the family to a show and they invited him over for dinner. Karen, then 28, was there. They married two months later.

“Our eyes met, and love, as you know, is involuntary,” said Lemongello, who refers to her as the greatest thing that has ever happened to him.

Visiting the Westbury Music Fair to discuss the planning of the upcoming concert, Lemongello stood there, remembering faces in the crowd and previous performances. He looked at his wife and son, knowing that this time he gets to share the journey.

“If I was any happier,” said Lemongello. “I’d have wings.”