The Tradewinds

Inducted in the Delaware Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019

Tradewinds Recording Session - John, Carmine, Lee, Walt, & Dave

About the Tradewinds

In the late 1950’s, Carmine Poppiti (lead vocals and cordovox), Dave Malatesta* (guitar), John Malatesta* (drums), and Walt Mateja (saxophone) formed a band called “Carmine and the Larks.” At the opening of a pizza parlor, the owner couldn’t remember the name of the band, so he put a sign in the window that said “Tradewinds Tonight” and the name stuck. The Tradewinds went on to write and record a steady string of songs that kept them on the WAMS Top 30 Chart until the mid-60’s. These included “Wildwood Twist,” “The Snake,” and “Abba Dabba Do.” In 1966, when John and Walt left the band, Dave Caserta* (drums) and Bob Biondi* (sax and bass) joined Carmine and Dave to write and record “Down to the Seashore,” “Miniskirt,” and “Gobi,” and they performed together for the next 16 years.

The Tradewinds played for WAMS, WIBG, Hy Lit, Jerry Blavatt, Grady & Hurst and Buddy Dean. Later they branched out playing clubs, private parties, banquets and more than 1100 weddings. In 1973 they were named “The Official Band of New Castle County,” After the two “Daves” retired in 1979, Carmine and Bob continued playing with some of the area’s best musicians, including KevinTroise, Ralph Pratola, John Sarro, Scott Apostolico* and the late Bob Miller. Walt Meteja passed away in 2018. Carmine, the founder, leader and inspiration for The Tradewinds for over 40 years, passed away in 1998. His wife, Peggy, booking manager for the band for this entire time, passed away July 25, 2019. The Tradewinds are honored to be inducted into the Delaware Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and dedicate this award to Carmine and Peggy. *Performing today