Step forward or back in time to interact with Dave's music career from his early days as a singer and songwriter in the CARUSO band to his most recent achievements. 

Here in the Time Capsule, you'll see TV appearances, hear radio interviews, watch music videos, listen to Dave's music catalog, read press clippings and music reviews, and much more.

Click on any photo or animation to enlarge it.  Follow any link to dig deeper.  Photos and links will open in new windows.  Close the windows to return to your place in the time capsule.  Happy travels!

STORY

• Two years earlier, Mickey and Ruth Caruso offer their four sons weekly music lessons.  Mike chose trumpet, Joe clarinet, Dave piano, and Rob drums. By now, Dave is also studying guitar.

• May: Rob Caruso (9) and Dave Caruso (11) join two neighbor brothers to form the band Con Brio. Mike Caruso (14) and Joe Caruso (13) convince Dave and Rob to start a family band instead.

• "The Caruso Brothers" are: Mike on bass, trumpet and (later) valve trombone, Joe on guitar, alto and tenor saxes, clarinet and flute, Dave on keyboards and guitars, and Rob on drums & percussion

CHRONICLE

• The CARUSO band is formed.

• 1st public CARUSO show (July)

STORY

• The boys continue practicing and building their set list,  They take on complicated arrangements like "Just You and Me" by Chicago, with 3 of the band members playing 2 instruments in one song, and vocals in four-part harmony.

CHRONICLE

• Dave (13) writes 1st song on piano

STORY

• Joe Caruso is elected President of his 1977 graduating class.

• The brothers buy a van and start owning their music equipment instead of renting it. Rob gets his first pro drum kit,

• Due to the ages in the band, most of the earliest CARUSO gigs are ticketed shows, private parties, and weddings

• Mike graduates from Trenton High and enrolls at the University of Michigan-Dearborn

CHRONICLE

• 1st promotional photo session

• 15 CARUSO shows this year

MUSIC

"The Fastest Song Ever Written"
b/w "What Time Is It Now?"

The Caruso Brothers record and release their 1st single, with songs written, arranged and scored by 16-year-old Dave Caruso.  The brothers sing and play all of the instruments, including drums, bass, guitars, keyboards, clarinet, trumpet, and vibes.

-- Rare --

STORY

• Jan: The boys buy a Rhodes keyboard

• 02/19/77: Dave writes "The Fastest Song Ever Written."  It's recorded on 4-track reel-to-reel tape at the home studio of Dave's 1st music teacher and pressed to vinyl.  The brothers sell out of multiple pressings.

• Joe graduates from THS and chooses Central Michigan University, where he earns the position of drum major for the CMU marching band

CHRONICLE

• 1st CARUSO record

MUSIC

"The Game"  b/w
"Rainy Day Lullaby"

The boys' 2nd single demonstrates growth in musicianship and a wide range of music styles.  Using books borrowed from the library where he works after school, Dave learns the ranges of different instruments and the elements of harmony and arranging.

-- Rare --

STORY

• CARUSO plays at the Michigan State Fair, where they sing "The Auctioneer," a fast, 4-part harmony vocal song.

• While attending school at CMU, Joe is diagnosed with testicular cancer.  After a long, torturous combination of chemotherapy and surgery, he eventually fights his way to a clean bill of health.

• Dave is voted president of the class of '79 at Trenton High School

CHRONICLE

• 21 CARUSO gigs this year

MUSIC

"Class Song"  b/w
"What've We Got to Lose?"

In a THS class where students are tasked with "Writing for Publication," Dave writes "Class Song."  Teacher Dennis Hamilton books the school auditorium for an assembly where Dave plays and sings the song live for he classmates.  It's voted as their class song and published in the 1979 yearbook.

Without experience, Dave arranges the song for string quartet on the band's 3rd single and sings it at his commencements ceremony.

With no record deal, no Internet, and no radio airplay, CARUSO sells nearly 5,000 records.

-- Rare --

REVIEWS

"Sometimes an artist perfectly nails a concept, an emotion, or a shared experience, and does it so well that it is lauded almost universally by all who come in contact with it.  There are examples in film, literature, and other art forms, but we found our own particular masterpiece in Class Song."
--Phil Preston, THS Class of 1979

STORY

• Dave gives a Songwriting talk for the local chapter of Soroptimist International which awards him a college music scholarship.  Dave receives a 2nd scholarship from the music department at his high school.

CHRONICLE

• Dave wins 2nd Prize in the American Music Conference songwriting contest, sponsored by the Detroit News.

• Brothers begin hiring short-term lead guitarists for their live shows

• CARUSO's 1st High School show, at Bishop Gallagher in Detroit, MI

• 31 CARUSO shows this year

MUSIC

"Someday"  b/w
"Quit Your Foolin'"

The 4th CARUSO single is their first to feature a musician outside of the 4 brothers, with Walter Anthony on guitars.  The boys would finish playing their nightly shows at 2 am and then drive to Superdisc (aka The Disc) in Detroit, for cheaper, early morning recording sessions booked on the heels of George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic.

-- Rare --

STORY

• 01/28/80: The CARUSO brothers appear on the CBS television show, "Good Morning, Detroit."  The band plays 3 songs and Vic Caputo interviews Joe Caruso about his bout with cancer, attending college, and playing in a band.

• High School dances begin to dominate the band's schedule

• Dave attends the University of Michigan-Dearborn

CHRONICLE

• Guest Guitarist Walter Anthony becomes the band's first long-term guitarist

• 66 CARUSO gigs this year

MUSIC

"Heart Says Go" b/w
"I've Tried to Write You"

CKLW Detroit Radio'd Johnny Williams produces two songs with CARUSO at Ambience Studios in Farmington, Michigan.  The songs are intended for their new single.  "Heart Says Go" was chosen for its Canadian content (see CanCon), which would have ensured airplay on CKLW and Keener 13 radio stations.  The band shelves the project and starts over with new material.

-- Unreleased --

STORY

• 07/12/81:,CARUSO appears with Rick Springfield ("Jessie's Girl") in downtown Detroit for the CKLW Chiquita International Fitness Ride and DJ Dick Purtan's 45th birthday.

• Allen Park Cabrini High School, Class of '81 is the second school to adopt Dave's "Class Song" and print its lyrics in their yearbook.  Dave plays it at their commencements ceremony.

• The band begins regularly sending photo-postcards to notify their growing fan base of their public appearances

• Rob Caruso graduates from THS

CHRONICLE

• 1st college show Eastern Michigan Univ.

MUSIC

"She's In Love With You"
b/w "Princess"

In the eight years since the band was formed, the CARUSO band recorded a new 2-sided single each year for 6 years straight.  They self-released 5 of them.  This 5th single was recorded at Studio A in Dearborn, MI and was the first to feature Joe Caruso as a songwriter and their new band mate, Jake Tobias on guitar.

-- Rare --

REVIEWS

"Infectious, polished power pop...Mike, Joe, Dave and Rob deliver the hook-filled goods on "She's in Love," a catchy dance tune flashing with slick-harmony vocals and fine musicianship.  'Princess' is your basic formula ballad, but the Carusos have real commercial potential.  Plus, they're real cute."

VIDEO

"In the City," "Let Me Go," "She's In Love With You" Director: Dennis Hamilton.

CHRONICLE

• 1st 3 CARUSO music videos for an NACA college showcase

• The brothers build a home studio

• Guest Guitarist Jake Tobias. (Jake will fill in during 2 more periods when the band is between guitarists).

• 1st out-of-state show: Hyram College in Ohio, plus shows in WV, PA, KY, NY

• Joe takes Superdisc recording classes

• Overnight touring begins

• 73 CARUSO gigs

VIDEO

"YYY"
Director: Dennis Hamilton

VIDEO

"Dance It Up"
Director: Dennis Hamilton

STORY

• College shows now constitute most CARUSO's schedule

CHRONICLE

• 1st nightclub gig

• Guest Guitarist Duane Harlick

• 126 CARUSO performances this year

MUSIC
Miller Music On RCA Records

Includes CARUSO
song "Princess"

CARUSO's song, "Princess" is chosen for an RCA Records special products LP.  Includes songs by The Producers, The Del Fuegos, and Joe "King" Carasco.

-- Rare --

STORY

• CARUSO signs a corporate sponsorship with the prestigious Miller Brewing Company's "Miller Rock Network." 900 bands apply, only 16 are chosen. Miller provides free promo materials like posters, table tents, flyers, press and merchandise, plus free vocal, guitar, bass, keyboard and drum gear from companies like Shure, Hamer, Ensoniq, Fostex, Zildjian, Dean Markley, and more.

• The brothers shorten their band name to "CARUSO."

• Bars and club gigs now regularly supplement the band's tour schedule

CHRONICLE

• 1st Canada show, at The Univ. of Windsor

• 209 CARUSO shows this year

STORY

• Out-of-state touring begins and tour lengths increase

• "She's In Love With You" / "Princess" begins to appear on college radio charts

• CARUSO is nominated "Entertainer of the Year" by the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA)

• CARUSO opens for Joan Jett ("I Love Rock & Roll") at Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio.

• CARUSO auditions for TV's Star Search in Chicago

CHRONICLE

• Guest Guitarist Bradley Davenport 06/09/85 - 08/16/86

• 241 CARUSO gigs this year

MUSIC

"CARUSO EP"

With four songs recorded in their home studio and the two from their 5th single, the band releases their 1st 6-song EP album on vinyl and cassette.  All four Caruso  brothers contribute as songwriters. The cassette has one additional song, "Someday." 

See "CARUSO: The 80s Remastered" (2011)

REVIEWS

"The two standout songs are 'Modern Girl,' a danceable tune, and 'Princess,' a very beautiful ballad that shows off the pleasing vocal harmonies and effective mood-setting keyboard work by lead vocalist Dave Caruso."

MUSIC: Miller Music II
On RCA Records

Includes CARUSO song
"She's In Love With You"

A 2nd compilation album by RCA Records special products includes the CARUSO song, "She's in Love With You," plus music by The Del Fuegos, Fayrewether, and Son Seals.

-- Rare --

VIDEO

"Modern Girl,"
Director: Kevin Mitchell

MUSIC

"In the Face"

With venture capital from supporters, CARUSO releases a 2nd studio album, recorded and mixed at the all-new Studio A, with owner/ producer Eric Morgeson.  Dave brings four original songs, plus one short cover song.

See "In the Face: 35th Anniversary Deluxe" (2023)

REVIEWS

"For the first couple of weeks, 'In the Face' was selling as many copies as the latest release from Aerosmith, Motley Crue and the Grateful Dead.  It's one of the most, if not the most, successful selling record by any unsigned Detroit band in the history of Harmony House."
--Harmony House Distribution Dir, Sandra Bean

"A fresh, unique piece of pop-rock music...quite remarkable is the highly polished sound of the digitally mastered EP. "
--Sound Judgment

"'London,' is a fast-paced, enjoyable morsel of pop music.  It's accented with a gashing guitar and vibrant vocals.  'Young and Tender' is the strongest song on the EP. Musically, the Carusos have their house in order.  Rob Caruso's drumming and the vocals are excellent."

"You only need to hear "In The Face" once to sing along the chorus of the four songs on the EP. ...immediately contagious pop gems, led by the super engaging and memorable "London."

VIDEO

"London"
CARUSO / Dave Caruso

MUSIC: 6th Single

"London" b/w
"Young & Tender"

CARUSO's 6th single

See "In the Face: 35th Anniversary Deluxe" (2023)

REVIEWS

"Fantastic phone response on 'London,' 91% favorable!"
--Doug Podell, Music Director

"London is recommended. "

"CARUSO is one of the hottest collegiate bands in the country.  Their new single, 'London' is driving, infections pop music.  This record could break them nationally. "
--Ron Givens

"Two sides of likeable pop music that aims unabashedly at Top 40 territory.  Smooth, unblemished vocals with hooky, melodic fare that's not far from the Raspberries' realm of power pop.  Radio worthy.
--Kevin Knapp

STORY

• CARUSO opens for Corey Hart ("Sunglasses at Night," "Never Surrender")

• The band is nominated for another Campus Entertainment Award by NACA

• CARUSO opens for Foghat ("Slow Ride, "Fool for the City")

CHRONICLE

• Guest Guitarist Lee Thomas

• 226 CARUSO performances this year

STORY

• 01/03/88: After 12 years, Dave leaves the CARUSO band.  Rob becomes CARUSO's new lead singer and songwriter.  Lee Thomas stays on as the band's lead guitarist.

• CARUSO shares a ticket with Richard Marx at Muskingum College

• In cooperation with 98.7 FM's "WLLZ for Meals"' food drive, Mike Caruso organizes a holiday benefit with top Detroit bands like Toby Redd, See Dick Run, and Adrenaline.  Admission is a few dollars plus a can of food and proceeds go to various local causes.  The benefit runs for a number of years, each one ending in an all-star jam of Band Aid's  "Do They Know It's Christmas."

• Dave takes a piano bar job so he can buy music gear for solo shows

INTERVIEW VIDEO

Dave talks about
playing solo shows

CHRONICLE

• Dave leaves the CARUSO band.

• CARUSO celebrates their 1,500th show

MUSIC

"I Love You... and Other Stories"

Rob, Joe and Mike Caruso release the 3rd CARUSO album on cassette, with songs written and sung by Rob Caruso and co-writing contributions by Dave Caruso and Lee Thomas. Along with Rob and Joe, Kevin Holevar co-produces and plays guitar at Underground Productions.  The record is mixed by Gary Spaniola, formerly of the Detroit band Bittersweet Alley.

See  "CARUSO: The 80s Remastered" (2011)

REVIEWS

"I Love You... features four songs written by drummer Rob Caruso.  The song titles are indicative of the Pop/Rock boy-loses-girl genre, but in the end, the hero finds his own identity and says, 'Hey, I can live without you.'"

MUSIC: 7th Single

"One of These Days" b/w
"One of These Days (remix)"

The CARUSO band delivers their 7th and final single, "One of These Days"

See  "CARUSO: The 80s Remastered" (2011)

REVIEWS

"'CARUSO likes their music hot and slick, but without gimmicks, and they want you to hear the tune in your head long after you've put down your headsets.  That's the effect of 'One of These Days,' the single from CARUSO's album 'I Love You... and Other Stories.'"
--Club Connect

"Trenton's answer to the Beatles has done it again with a perky pop-rocker of the like that radio used to love when people loved the radio."
--Sam's Jams Record Store, Ferndale, MI

STORY

• The CARUSO band is a guest on the 1988-93 PBS WTVS Detroit television series, "Club Connect." In recurring segments, the band is seen at Underground Productions with co-producer Kevin Holevar, tracking and mixing their new album, "I Love You... and Other Stories."  Club Connect holds a write-in contest for 10 viewers to win a free copy.

• The band earns a Main Stage Showcase at the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA), at their National Convention in Nashville

• Dave warms up for the CARUSO band at their local appearances.

• 1st Issue of CARUSO band Newsletter: "!Celebrate' la Vita!"

• Dave's newsletter, "Aural Contact" premieres in June

CHRONICLE

• Guest Guitarist: Arnie Newman

STORY

• CARUSO opens for New Kids on the Block ("Step by Step," "Hangin' Tough," "I'll Be Loving You Forever," "The Right Stuff" ).  A photo of the two bands appears in the April issue of 16 magazine.

• Dave appears at University of Michigan-Dearborn, Oakland Community College, Lawrence Technological Institute and Wayne State University.  He logs 71 dates for the Carlos Murphy's restaurant chain in Michigan and California.  He warms up locally for the CARUSO band through 1991.

• Author, executive consultant and speaker Joe Caruso creates the Caruso Leadership Institute.

CHRONICLE

• Guest Guitarist Allen Liggett

• CARUSO Reunion 10/28/90: The Allen Park Symphony performs a Halloween oratorio alongside CARUSO with the songs from "I Love You...and Other Stories,"  wsg Dave Caruso.  For the encore, Joe Caruso plays a classical clarinet solo, and the group performs "London."

VIDEO

"Young and Tender"
Produced by Debbie Malchie
& Dave Caruso

STORY

• CARUSO begins frequently featuring their dad, Mickey Caruso, on trumpet

• Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte, MI hires Rob as a Percussion Instructor for their marching band

CHRONICLE

• Guest Guitarist Randy Casquejo

• Guest Keyboardist Rob Casquejo

STORY

• 03/14/92:Ruth Caruso, the boys' mom, loses her battle with lung cancer.  Ruth had proudly supported her sons' band.  She was active as a school parent and she was instrumental in bringing big bands like Glenn Miller and Maynard Ferguson to Trenton High to perform.

• Dave and Rob Caruso form the classic rock band "Mr. Happy & The Imposters" ("The Imposters") with Walter Anthony (guitar) & Richard "Quinn" Quenneville (bass).  Mickey & Joe Caruso add saxophone and trumpet.

• Dave's new band, "A Crude Interest" provides a chance to play 35 shows of alternative music with friends Eric Freeman (drums), Tracey Flynn (vocals) and Nick Piunti (guitar).

CHRONICLE

• Guest Guitarist Kevin Holevar

• Rob Casquejo remains on keys

• The CARUSO band plays less often

STORY

• 08/07/93: Rob is married.  The Imposters plus Joe and Mickey Caruso, J.C. Unger and others perform at the wedding reception (above).

• 04/17/*93: "The Imposters" play their 15th and final show,

CHRONICLE

• Keyboardist Rob Casquejo is the last side member for the CARUSO band

• CARUSO becomes an occasional reunion band.  The brothers still work and play together in various combinations.

Photo (l-r): Mr. Happy & The Imposters - Richard "Quinn" Quenneville, Joe Caruso, Walter Anthony

STORY

• 11/05/94: Mike, Dave and Rob Caruso form a trio project, called "Plan 9."  Joe and Mickey Caruso sit in as the band's horn section.

CHRONICLE

• CARUSO Reunion 05/19/94: Mike, Joe, Dave, Rob, and Mickey Caruso play their first full-length show in 8 years, at the Sportsman's Den in Riverview, Michigan.  With Walter Anthony, Rob Casquejo.

STORY

• Mike and Rob Caruso form "CARUSO Trio," with guitarist Walter Anthony

• Wyandotte's Roosevelt High School Marching Band promotes Rob from Percussion Instructor to Band Director

• 03/26/95: Rob's first daughter, Natalie Caruso is born

• Dave is divorced after 7 years of marriage

Photo (l-r): Mr. Happy - Jake Tobias and Dave Caruso

STORY

• Dave and Rob Caruso form "Mr. Happy," a new trio with Jake Tobias.  Dave alternates between bass, guitar and keys.  Rob soon bows out and Jake Chris Wietzke joins on drums.  They play 98 shows.

• Rob calls on all band alumni from all previous years to join the current Roosevelt High School Marching Band in a parade.  This includes Mickey Caruso, who played the cornet in high school at Roosevelt.

• 08/27/96: President Bill Clinton visits Wyandotte.  Rob leads the RHS Marching Band in playing "Hail to the Chief" and Clinton shakes Rob's hand on the way to deliver a speech.  Rob's final year as Band Director.

• After 7 years, Dave mails the final issue of his "Aural Contact" newsletter to his followers

• 09/09/96: Rob's 2nd daughter, Julie Caruso is born

Photo (Mr. Happy, l -r): Dave Caruso,
Jake Tobias, Chris Wietzke

STORY

• 12/07/97: Mickey Caruso, the boys' dad, passes away after an 11-week hospital stay.  Mickey had bought the band's first P.A., driven his 4 young sons to their first gigs and helped them make decisions in the music industry.  Rob and Dave sing Dan Fogelberg's "Leader of the Band" at his funeral.

• Dave and Rob Caruso plan to team up with friends Kevin Holevar and Keith Saxton for "H'Oliver Twist," an alternative hits band.  Before their first rehearsal, Rob gets a lucrative job opportunity in Houston, Texas.

• 12/14/97: Rob relocates to Texas.

• Mike (Michael Angelo Caruso), creates a new company, The Edison House (MichaelAngeloCaruso.com) to promote his speaking engagements and writing

Photo (l-r): Dave, Rob, Mickey (seated).
Joe and Mike Caruso

STORY

• Dave appears with Mr. Happy for the last time.  They re-group with Jeff Nolan, Diane Smith and later Tracey Flynn.

• A re-tooled "H'Oliver Twist" debuts with John Buffa as drummer..  Total gigs: 58.

• Rob sits in for a one-nighter with "H'Oliver Twist."

Photo (l-r): H'Oliver Twist - Kevin Holevar, Keith Saxton,
Dave Caruso, John Buffa

MUSIC

"Class Song"

"Class" Song is reissued as an extended-play single on CD, with bonus tracks and two alternate mixes.

-- Rare --

REVIEWS

"While some songwriters take us to a place we’ve never been before, Dave’s lyrics take us instead to places we’ve been and would like to visit again.  Listening to Class Song gives the listener exactly what Dave intended to give: a trip back to the happy and sometimes sad memories of our times together in high school."
--Art Zasadny, THS Class of 1979

STORY

• On the song's 20th anniversary, Dave Caruso releases the newly recorded "Class Song," on CD.  Host Karen Savelly of 94.7 WCSX interviews Dave about the song on the show, "Classic Class Reunions."

• Dave creates the Aural Contact website, (DaveCarusoMusic), in support of his various music projects.

• 06/05/99: Joe Caruso is married in Italy.  08/23/99: Joe and his new wife, Carol, hold a Michigan wedding reception.

• Dave starts another band, "The Room Upstairs," with guitarist Walter Anthony and drummer Eric Freeman for 108 shows of classic rock, oldies and alternative pop.

• Dave joins Mr. Happy for a reunion show at Woody's Diner in Royal Oak, MI.

• Joe's wife Carol hires Dave as Vocal Director for musical theatre productions of "Cinderella" and "Annie" at Woodhaven High School.

Photo: Dave Caruso.  Photo by Larry Caruso.

STORY

• Dave and Rob play at the Allen Park Bar in Allen Park, MI

• Dave returns to Woodhaven High School, this time as Vocal Director and Keyboardist for "Pippen"

CHRONICLE

• CARUSO Reunion 07/07/00: Joe and Rob Caruso appear with Dave Caruso & The Room Upstairs at Memorial Park in Lincoln Park, MI.

STORY

• Dave begins entertaining as a dueling pianist.  He founds a new company called  Piano Wars! to represent his dueling pianos ventures.  Dave's first dueling partner is Bill Jacques.

• Rob's moves to New Orleans, LA

• Dave returns with "Mr. Happy" for a 2nd reunion show in Royal Oak, MI

• 06/07/01: Dave creates and gives a songwriting clinic at Arthurs Middle School (AMS) in Trenton, MI.

Photo 1: Dave Caruso
Photo 2: Mr. Happy Reunion: Jake Tobias, Jeff Nolen,
Tracey Flynn, Diane Smith, Chris Wietzke, Dave Caruso

STORY

• 12/27/02: Mike, Joe and Rob Caruso see Piano Wars! at Hickey's Grill.

• 03/14/02: Dave's 2nd AMS song clinic and another at Allen Park HS

• Joe Caruso asks Dave to write and record the music theme for his Detroit Public Television WTVS channel 56 program, "The Power of Losing Control."  DPT commissions Dave to write a theme for a 2nd program.

Photo (l-r): Dave, Rob, Mike and Joe Caruso.

MUSIC

"CARUSO: The Albums,
1986-1989"

CARUSO's 3 EP albums are compiled into a CD anthology.  Previously, the albums were only available on cassette or vinyl.  Includes all music from "CARUSO EP, "In the Face," and "I Love You and Other Stories," plus a few bonus tracks.

See "CARUSO: The 80s Remastered" (2011)

CHRONICLE

• CARUSO Reunion 07/13/03: Joe, Dave and Rob Caruso appear at the Pier 500, along with Bradley Davenport, Jake Tobias, Walter Anthony, Rob Casquejo and special guest Nick Piunti

MUSIC

"Elizabeth Parker"
Dave Caruso

Dave delivers "Elizabeth Parker." Initially an EP, it will be reissued in 2020 as an 8-song album.

See "Elizabeth Parker Revisited" (2020)

REVIEWS

"Elvis Costello Alert!  Here's a guy that knows his way around a pop song!  He delivers five Brill Building-esque pop nuggets."
--Kool Kat Musik

"Great EP for pure pop fans!  Payoff is big if you are a fan of early Costello, Squeeze and Joe Jackson."
--NotLame.com

"....sunny, chiming guitar melodies that are instantly catchy and accessible... the song craft is top notch."
--PowerPopaholic.com

"...an island of vivid colors amidst the sea of black & monotonous pop music today."
--Powerpop Station

"Pop craft of a high order...  a contender on merit alone for the 2009 AbPow EP list."
--AbsolutePowerPop.com

VIDEO

"Elizabeth Parker"
Dave Caruso

STORY

• 07/17/04: Dave and Rob Caruso play at Elizabeth Park in Trenton, with Jake Tobias (bass) and Watler Anthony (guitar). Sponsored by Wayne County Parks.

• That evening, CARUSO play a 2nd show at Scalici's Lounge in Allen Park, MI.

• Rob entertains with Dave for the Port Huron to Mackinac boat races.

• Dave appears in weekly dueling pianos shows at Hickey's Grill in Woodhaven, MI, Pub 13 in Ypsilanti and other clubs, including Rum Bullions in Reno, Nevada

Photo (l-r): Dave & Rob Caruso, Jake Tobias at
Elizabeth Park.  Photo by Dan Drotar

STORY

• While continuing to expand his client base for Piano Wars!, Dave is promoted to Entertainment Director for Pub 13 in Ypsilanti, MI. Under Dave's leadership, the club is voted "Best Piano Bar" by the readers of Real Detroit Weekly.

Photo: Dave Caruso with Piano Wars!
at the Westin Hotel in Romulus, Michigan

STORY

• Rum Runners USA hires Dave as dueling pianos Entertainment Director for their Mishawaka / South Bend store. Dave helped the night spot win the South Bend Tribune's Readers Choice Award for Best Live Entertainment.

CHRONICLE

• CARUSO Reunion 05/18/06: Dave, Rob and Joe Caruso play to a full house at Sibley's Hotel Grill.

STORY

• CARUSO music videos can be found on YouTube

• Dave takes his Songwriting Clinic to Western Schools in Jackson, MI, through band director Paul Bickel.  Paul will become Dave's primary dueling partner for Piano Wars!

CHRONICLE

• CARUSO Reunion 07/15/07: Dave, Rob and Joe Caruso return to The Pier 500 in Wyandotte, Michigan, with Jason Tobias, Nathan Montgomery and Paul Bickel.

CHRONICLE

• CARUSO Reunion 08/01/08:Dave and Rob Caruso, vocalist / bassist Richard "Quinn" Quenneville, guitarist Walter Anthony, drummer Eric Freeman, and guitarist Lee Thomas.  Joe Caruso adds sax and guitar to several tunes.

• Dave celebrates 3500 live shows

CHRONICLE

• CARUSO Reunion 11/22/09: Mike, Joe, Dave & Rob Caruso (first time for all 4 brothers in 15 years!)  They join 7 other bands in honoring their good friend, Dan Drotar at the Pier 500 in Wyandotte, MI.  wsg Arnie Newman (guitar), Walter Anthony (guitar), and Allen Liggett (guitar).

STORY

• 12/27/10: Dave and Rob Caruso host a holiday jam at Malarkey's in Southgate, MI, featuring Nick Piunti, Remy Lambert, and Joey Vegas (Joe Ingram).

CHRONICLE

• Dave plays in Michigan, Vermont, New York, Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Texas while racking up a career total of 3,800 gigs

MUSIC

"CARUSO: The 80s
Remastered"

The songs from "CARUSO: The Albums, 1986 - 1989" are re-mastered for CD and digital music sites.  Includes all music from "CARUSO EP, "In the Face," and "I Love You and Other Stories," plus a few bonus tracks.

Listen:

STORY

• 01/13/11: Dave's 3rd AMS song clinic

• 10/20/11: Dave's 4th AMS song clinic

• 05/20/11: Rob and Dave Caruso reunite at Wyandotte's Yack Arena, with Walter Anthony (guitar) and Jeff Nolen (bass)

CHRONICLE

• Dave clocks his 4,000th career performance and adds Montana to his list of states played.

• The CARUSO band's music catalog is now available at Apple Music, Spotify, Bandcamp, and more

STORY

• 10/15/12: Dave's 5th AMS song clinic

CHRONICLE

• Dave marks career total of 4200+ shows while working in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska.

Photo:Dave Caruso

STORY

• Dave's 6th AMS song clinic

• Dave plays a retrospective of his music and sneak previews from his upcoming album at the Trenton Hotel

Photo:Dave Caruso

MUSIC

"Cardboard Vegas Roundabout"
Dave Caruso

08/14/14:Dave's 2nd studio album, "Cardboard Vegas Roundabout" premieres.  Written and produced by Dave, it comes with deluxe, 2-CD packaging, a gatefold and full-color physical booklet.

Listen:

RANKINGS

"9 out of 10"
Glory Daze Music

Best Albums of 2014, #6
Best Songs of 2014, #7 (The Art of Erica)
--Jeffrey Raskin / Pop That Goes Crunch

#10 of the Most-Played Songs of 2015
"Your Fake Friends"
--This Is Rock 'n' Roll Radio

Best Albums of 2014
--Ice Cream Man Power Pop & More Show

21 Favorite Records of 2014
--Alan Haber / Pure Pop Radio

Potential Clasics of the Past 10 Years
"Your Fake Friends"
--Chasing the Essential

STORY

• In July, Dave launches a music store at his website, DaveCarusoMusic, selling his new CD and a promotional poster.

• Dave Caruso's solo music catalog is now available at Apple Music, Spotify, Bandcamp, and more

• 10/22/14 Dave's 7th AMS song clinic

MUSIC

"Champion"
Dave Caruso

To coincide with a new music video, "Champion" is released as an EP single.

Listen:

REVIEWS

"Highly tuneful.  Caruso has a knack for melody and harmony."
--Peter Lee / Hooks & Harmony

VIDEO

"Champion"
(Pet Sounds Tribute)
Dave Caruso

INTERVIEW AUDIO

Dave with Jim Prell,
The Music Authority

STORY

• 04/04/15: Dave is invited to play at the International Pop Overthrow - Detroit music festival.

• Dave's "Listen To This" is the theme to Jeffrey Raskin's "The Big Show."

• "Your Fake Friends" is tied for 10th most-played song on "This Is Rock 'N' Roll Radio" with Dana & Carl.

• 10/15/15 Dave's 8th AMS song clinic

CHRONICLE

• CARUSO Reunion 06/26/15 for the Trenton Summer Festival's 40th anniversary.  Dave & Rob Caruso, Kevin Holevar (bass), Randy Casquejo, Arnie Newman, and Julie & Natalie Caruso.

• 04/05/15 40th anniversary of CARUSO's first paid engagement.

STORY

• 04/07/16: Dave joins the 2016 lineup of  International Pop Overthrow-Detroit.

• Dave hosts a 6-episode music discovery show, "My WAVlength," on Pop That Goes Crunch radio

• Southgate Community Education hosts Dave's new 6-part songwriting course, "The Secrets To Better Songwriting."

• Dave's 9th AMS song clinic

Photo 1: Dave at 2016 International
Pop Overthrow - Detroit
Photo 2 (l-r): Dave Caruso, Brad Schreiber and
friends at Dance Hall Days Radio Show on Rewind 94.3 FM

MUSIC

"Buddha Pesto Manifesto"
Dave Caruso

10/30/17: Dave puts out his 3rd solo album, "Buddha Pesto Manifesto."  All songs were written, recorded and produced by Dave in his home studio.

Listen:

RANKINGS

#1 Album 10/21/18
--Phil Maq's Theme Attic / WHFR-FM

#9 Power Pop Album of 2017
--Richard Rossi / Power Pop News

Top 13 Essential Tracks for 2017
--Rick Warhall / Chasing the Essential:

#17 Top Albums of 2017
--Paolo Milea / Power Pop Station

18 Favorite Albums of 2017
--Alan Haber / Pure Pop Radio

#32 Album of 2018
--Phil Maq's Theme Attic / WHFR-FM

#60 Top 100 of 2017
--Stephen Ferra / Absolute Powerpop

"A Perfect Album"
--Peter Lee / Hooks & Harmony

VIDEO

"Boomer, Jenna & Lennie"
Dave Caruso

VIDEO

"I Get to Make
You Laugh"
Dave Caruso

INTERVIEW AUDIO

Dave with Phil Maq

STORY

• 03/24/17: Allendale Elementary School invites Dave to play for Career Day

• Dave is teaching 3 songwriting courses

• 08/08/17: The Hangabouts invite Dave to join them for a show at Dexter Days

• Dave appears at Tour de Ile, in Grosse, Ile, Michigan.

• Dennis Hamilton, a THS teacher and mentor to Dave who, along with his students, recorded CARUSO's 1st 5 music videos, passes away.  The THS auditorium is posthumously dedicated in his honor.

STORY

• Piano Wars! plays their first of 4 annual shows at Hensville Park in Toledo, Ohio.

• 03/25/2018: Dave introduces "Songwriter Stories," an interview and music discovery podcast.  His inaugural guest is Tony Macaulay, who co-wrote "Build Me Up, Buttercup."

• Mike Caruso, Rob Caruso and Dave Caruso stream a "Saturday Morning Live" Facebook video call, sharing stories about the CARUSO band.

• Dave creates 4 more songwriting courses

• 09/29/18: Dave and Rob Caruso perform in Grosse Ile in a show called "Rock on the Grass," wsg Natalie Caruso.

CHRONICLE

• Dave receives his 100th music copyright.

• 10/21/18: Buddha Pesto Manifesto is #1 on Phil Maq's Top Albums chart on WHFR.  It stays on the chart for 10 weeks.

STORY

• Songwriter Stories appears on PlayerFM's 2019 "Best Songwriting Podcasts" and Feedspot's 2019 "Top 20 Songwriting Audio Podcasts." 

• Radio shows "Indie Pop Takeout" and "Chasing the Essential" regularly feature nods to Songwriter Stories

• Dave subs on keyboards for Michigan dance hits tribute band, Fifty Amp Fuse

• 10/02/19: Dave's 10th AMS song clinic

MUSIC

"Radiophonic Supersonic"
Dave Caruso

Dave releases his 4th solo album, "Radiophonic Supersonic." It includes 3 previously unreleased CARUSO band songs, "Tuesday's Gone," "I Won't Wait For You," and "Heaven Minus Love."

Listen:

RANKINGS

#1 Album 10/21/18
--Phil Maq's Theme Attic / WHFR-FM

#8 Best Power Pop Album of 2020
--Power Pop News

Top 10 Songs of 2020 ("Little Miss Sunshine")
--Hop On Power Pop

Top 15 Essential Tracks for 2020
--Chasing the Essential

#19 Best Power Pop Album of 2020
--Power Pop Station

#23 Top 100 Albums of 2020
--Absolute Powerpop

Top 25 Albums & EPs of 2020
--Indie Pop Takeout

Top 50 Albums of 2020
--Pop Forever

VIDEO

"Elizabeth Parker"
(2015 CARUSO
performance footage)

VIDEO

"Your Fake Friends"
(2015 CARUSO
performance footage)

STORY

• Dave Caruso Music Publishing is registered at ASCAP & SoundExchange.

• Dave expands his music teaching practice to 30 piano and guitar students.

• On his Songwriter Stories podcast, Dave interviews Matthew Sweet and Jon Auer of The Posies.

• 10/09/21: Dave's 11th AMS song clinic

CHRONICLE

• Piano Wars!' 20th year in business

STORY

• Southgate, Michigan Adult Education offers multiple sessions of Dave's new group class, Guitar Basics.

• 08/11/22: Dave Caruso, Summer in the Park: The 60s, the 70s, & Me -- an outdoor concert -- features Dave's favorite music, mixed with his own songs.

CHRONICLE

• Dave surpasses 5,000 lifetime performances

• Dave has led 230 hours of his own songwriting and music course material for adult community education classes in three Michigan cities and online

MUSIC

"In the Face: 35th
Anniversary Deluxe"
CARUSO

04/07/23: The newly re-mastered CARUSO album, "In the Face" is reissued with 12  additional rare, live, remix and bonus tracks.

Listen:

REVIEWS

#1 Album 10/21/18
--Phil Maq's Theme Attic / WHFR-FM

Favorite EPs, Reissued & Rediscovered Albums & Singles of  2023
--Power Pop Overdose

"Propelled by percussive whips reminiscent of so many 80’s hits, London kicks into overdrive with the brothers delivering stellar vocals. It has all the earmarks of a hit. A BIG one. And it makes you wonder why the band wasn’t signed to a major label."
-- Richard Rossi / Power Pop News

"if you're a fan of melodic pop, make In The Face (35th Anniversary Deluxe) #1 on your home charts."
-- Paolo Milea / Power Pop Station

VIDEO

"Going Places (Live)"
CARUSO

VIDEO

"Another Girl (Live)"
CARUSO

VIDEO

"Bring Me Down (Live)"
CARUSO

STORY

• Caruso Music Studios is Dave's new music teaching website, with Dave mentoring over 50 piano and guitar students every week.

CHRONICLE

• 08/24/24: Rob Caruso's band, The Remnants are inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame

VIDEO

"How many records have Dave and his brothers released?"

STORY

• Louisiana Music Hall of Fame band, the Remnants flies Dave to Louisiana to play 5 shows in July, August and September.  The band is a 1960s music experience with a loyal following.  Dave's brother Rob is the band's drummer and his niece, Natalie, is a frequent guest singer.

• Indie band Crossword Smiles invites Dave to record keyboards for their song "Girls Club," for their album, "Detours and Consequences."  Dave performs it live with the band live on 05/31/25 at Trinity Theatre in Livonia, Michigan.

• Dave is selling piano sheet music arrangements at SheetMusicDirect and SheetMusicPlus.

• While drumming for the Remnants, Rob Caruso joins a 2nd band, the Ricochets.

CHRONICLE

• Dave's 50th year in the music business.

• The 25th year in business for Dave's dueling pianos company, Piano Wars!

• Dave has played in 29 states

STORY

• Rob Caruso opens a full-time music teaching business at Rob Caruso Music.

CHRONICLE

• Dave logs his 2300th dueling pianos show

• 40th Anniversary of the 1st CARUSO EP