Fandango

Fandango was an American pop rock band which began as a four-piece, playing in the local clubs in the Tri-state area: New Jersey, New York, Connecticut (circa 1976) before adding three more members prior to their first recording contract being signed in March 1977. It was fronted by vocalist Joe Lynn Turner (who by then had already changed his given name 'Linquito' through a suggestion by guitarist Rick Blakemore). Larry Dawson (stage name of Larry Dvoskin), one of the band's keyboardists, would later play for Uli Jon Roth. The band opened for acts like The Allman Brothers, The Marshall Tucker Band, Wet Willie, Billy Joel, and Chicago. Phil Walden's Paragon Agency (who initially represented such artists as Otis Redding, Percy Sledge, and Sam & Dave in the early 60s) were responsible for booking Fandango. Turner has stated that the band took influences from the Eagles and southern rock. The group, after the release of their fourth album (Cadillac), disbanded shortly after their equipment was stolen at Chicago Fest. Turner's work with the band got him noticed by Barry Ambrosio (who was Ritchie Blackmore's personal). He put Blackmore on the phone and asked Turner to audition for Rainbow.