I remember back in 1959 when Greg got his first electric piano.  It was very portable so we didn't have to worry about a piano being at a gig for him to play.  We used to practice at his house alot and I remember his parents being so patient with us because the band was so loud.  We would rattle the dishes on the shelves!

We played all the dances on Saturday nights at Agawam High School which we thought was the best thing ever at that time.  We also had the opportunity to back up "The Velveteens" who were classmates of ours on a record which became a number one hit throughout New England.  It was an honor to have Greg as one of the five original "Monty and the Specialties".  His keyboard playing was essential for the songs of that era.

I also remember a 1949 Mercury he had in the back yard which we customized. When we were done, instead of taking it to a auto body shop to have it professionally spray painted, we hand sprayed it with dozens of small cans of black spray paint.   It came out all blotchy but we didn't care because we thought it looked cool!

I'm glad we had those times together at that time in our lives.  Looking back now it was some of the best times of our lives. 

Farwell to one of the original Rock n' Rollers!

Carl Montagna