James 'Jimmy' Testa, member of Four J's, Fabulous Four, dies at 72

IN THE LATE '50s, passers-by might have come upon a group of kids harmonizing on the corner of 8th Street and Snyder Avenue in South Philly, belting out doo-wop and other popular styles.

They were following a long-standing Philadelphia tradition of youngsters with dreams of fame and fortune singing on street corners, at subway stops, in high-school auditoriums and wherever else they could wow a crowd with their a capella versions of hit songs.

The kids at 8th and Snyder included Jimmy Testa, Joseph "Junior" Pirollo, Joe "Judge" Millaro and Joe Paparella, calling themselves the Four J's.

Unlike many of the groups of eager kids, the Four J's got frequent tastes of that fame and glory over the next four decades, cutting records and performing on stages up and down the East Coast and even overseas.

James "Jimmy" Testa, the first tenor of the group, died Tuesday of heart failure after suffering from diabetes and kidney problems. He was 72 and lived in South Philadelphia.

Shortly after the group was formed, Joe Paparella left and was replaced by bass Bob Finizio. The fact that they no longer had four kids with first names starting with J didn't faze them.

In one of those unexpected turns of fate that make a career, the group was discovered and befriended by prominent Philly crooner Buddy Greco.

Because of his popularity, Buddy knew people. He took the kids to Bell Sound in New York City to record four sides.

"The first, 'Rock & Roll Age,' was a hit right out of the box for United Artists," said Bob Bosco, local writer and music historian who interviewed Jimmy shortly before he died.

"The Four J's toured the East Coast with many of the big names on numerous package tours," Bosco said.

After the group broke up because of disagreements with Greco, Buddy wanted to sponsor Jimmy as a single and change his name. He took the name "Randy Stevens" out of a phone book, and Jimmy performed for a time under that name.

Then, fate intervened once again, and Jimmy united with Junior Pirollo, Judge Millaro, Bob Finizio and Ernie Spano, called themselves the Fabulous Four, and joined up with famed Philly singer Fabian Forte.

They backed Fabian on million-selling hits and as his onstage consorts on worldwide tours, Bosco said.

"Jimmy's voice can be heard on such hits as 'Tiger,' 'Hound Dog Man' and 'I'm a Man,' " Bosco said.

"Fabe was always generous with us," Jimmy told Bosco. "For instance, when our tour was over in Europe, he flew us to Rome for a week and paid for everything first class all the way.

"After the Far East, we stopped in Hawaii for a week of rest and fun. Fabe paid for that, too."

Meanwhile, the Fabulous Four issued their own releases for Chancellor Records, the best of which were "Why Do Fools Fall in Love," "Betty Ann" and "Let's Try Again." Another, "I'm Coming Home," still receives a lot of play overseas.

"In all, his voice was immortalized in wax in over 35 pressings," Bosco said.

James Testa was born in Philadelphia to Antonio and Maria Testa and attended South Philadelphia High School.

During his singing career, Jimmy worked for 20 years as a writ server for municipal court, retiring at the age of 67.

His last show was in July 2008 with some of the original group members, but with a different name, Junior Pirollo and the 4 J's.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, the former Patricia Armentani; a son, James Testa; a daughter, Tricia Leon; a brother, Joseph Testa; a sister, Rose Knowles; and two grandsons.

Services: Funeral Mass 10 a.m. tomorrow at Stella Maris Church, 10th and Bigler streets. Friends may call at 7 this evening at the Monti-Rago Funeral Home, Broad and Shunk streets, and at 8 a.m. tomorrow at the church.