Meet the Americans
Jay Reincke
Jay Reincke is the powerhouse lead vocalist of Jay and the Americans, bringing the band’s iconic sound to life with his remarkable voice and dynamic stage presence. With a vocal range and style that perfectly echoes the timeless sound of the group’s original recordings, Jay Reincke stepped into the spotlight and quickly earned the admiration of both longtime fans and new audiences alike.
Before joining Jay and the Americans, Jay had already made a name for himself as a talented performer and singer, known for his ability to capture the essence of classic rock and pop hits. His Chicago area band, “Johnny Star and the Meteors”, enjoyed over 30 years of success in the Chicago music scene. The group paid homage to all of Jay’s favorite singers and groups, from Elvis, Roy Orbison, and Ricky Nelson to the Beatles, with a special love for Jay and The Americans. His deep respect for the band’s legacy, combined with his vocal prowess, made him the ideal fit when he was invited to take the lead in continuing the group’s storied career.
Since becoming part of the band, Jay has helped carry forward the rich legacy of Jay and the Americans, performing beloved hits like "This Magic Moment," "Cara Mia," and "Come a Little Bit Closer" with passion and authenticity. His connection with the audience, love for the music, and powerful performances have kept the band’s music thriving for new generations of fans.
Jay Reincke’s dedication to honoring the band’s legacy while infusing each performance with his own unique energy has made him an integral part of Jay and the Americans’ ongoing success.
Sandy Deanne
Sandy Deanne, a founding member of the legendary group Jay and the Americans, has been a driving force behind the band's enduring success for over five decades. Born with a deep passion for music, Sandy helped shape the group’s signature sound—a unique blend of doo-wop, rock, and pop with a taste of Latin flavor that would go on to define a generation of American music. In addition to his role as a performer, Sandy has built an impressive career as a producer and was nominated for a Grammy for his musical work and direction of the Broadway show ‘Beatlemania’, which started a whole new genre of shows with popular music. He also produced two of Jay and the American’s most successful albums, featuring the hit songs ‘This Magic Moment’ and ‘Walking in the Rain.’ What he’s most proud of is helping to create and sing the signature background harmonies on all their recordings. Sandy has worked with numerous artists across a variety of genres, helping to bring their music to life with his sharp ear for hit-making melodies and harmonies.
As one of the original members of Jay and the Americans, Sandy played a pivotal role in the creation of timeless hits like 'Come a Little Bit Closer,' 'Cara Mia,' and 'This Magic Moment.' Beyond the group's success, his production expertise has made him a sought-after figure in the industry, where his knack for identifying talent and his dedication to the craft have earned him accolades. Sandy’s influence extends far beyond the stage, where he has been instrumental in shaping both the sound and careers of many other well-known artists. With a musical career that spans both performing and producing, his contributions to American music are truly unmatched.
Sandy’s dedication to keeping the spirit of Jay and the Americans alive has continued to this day. Both on and off the stage, he remains committed to sharing the band’s music with fans across the globe, connecting with new generations through electrifying performances and heartfelt nostalgia. Sandy’s contribution to American music is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and passion for the craft.
Marty Sanders
Marty Sanders has been a vital member of Jay and the Americans since the band’s early days, known for his masterful guitar work, rich harmonies, and significant contributions to the group’s iconic sound. His exceptional musicianship is evident in timeless hits like "Come a Little Bit Closer," "Cara Mia," and "This Magic Moment," where his ability to blend rock, pop, and doo-wop styles helped define the band’s signature sound. Beyond his work as a guitarist and vocalist, Marty has also played a key role as a songwriter, co-writing songs that have broadened his influence beyond the band.
As a songwriter, Marty has worked alongside some of the most iconic names in music history, including Joan Jett, Doc Pomus, Dr. John, and Gerry Goffin. Among his many achievements, Marty co-wrote the acclaimed song “Words Don’t Come Easy” with Sandy Deanne of Jay and the Americans, a standout in his impressive catalog of copyrighted works. He also co-wrote “Bad Reputation” with Joan Jett. His collaborations reflect his deep musical talent and ability to craft timeless songs with legends across genres.
With a career spanning decades, Marty Sanders remains dedicated to his craft, keeping the spirit of Jay and the Americans alive while continuing to pursue new artistic ventures as Marty Kupersmith (his birth name). Marty’s work is currently on all popular media outlets. His contributions to music, both as a performer and a songwriter, ensure that his influence will endure for generations to come.
Darren Dowler
Darren Dowler brings extraordinary talent and energy to Jay and the Americans, ensuring the band’s timeless legacy thrives well into the future. With a career spanning music, film, television, and literature, Darren’s versatility and passion shine in every endeavor.
In music, Darren has fronted legendary acts such as Paul Revere & The Raiders and performed with Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers. As a member of The Lettermen, he contributed to their iconic harmony-driven sound, earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and induction into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. Now, as a vocalist and guitarist for Jay and the Americans, Darren adds powerful vocals and dynamic guitar work, bridging the band’s celebrated past with an exciting future.
Off the stage, Darren’s creative accomplishments include starring in and directing films like Grace of the Father and Rock and Roll The Movie. He is also an accomplished screenwriter and the author of the globally published fantasy novel The War of Angels.
Darren’s artistic range, combined with his passion for storytelling and performance, makes him an invaluable part of Jay and the Americans, captivating audiences while honoring the band’s enduring musical legacy.