Scroll right to follow Dave's musical journey from his early days as a singer and songwriter in the CARUSO band to his most recent career milestones. 

Click on any photo to enlarge it.  Follow any link to dig deeper.  Photos and links will open in a new window.  Close the window to return to your place in the time capsule.

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,

• The band's early shows are mostly for private parties and weddings

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

• To play up the brothers angle, neighbor Debbie Lawrence creates 3 sets of matching shirts for the band.

CHRONOLOGY

• 1st promotional photo session

• 15 CARUSO shows

AUDIO

"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.

STORY

• Dave discontinues piano lessons after 6 years.

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

CHRONOLOGY

• 1st CARUSO record

AUDIO

"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.

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 gets a clean bill of health. Luckily, due to the band relaxing their schedule, Joe only misses one gig while recuperating.

• Dave becomes the 3rd Caruso brother to be voted class president at Trenton High School

CHRONOLOGY

• 21 CARUSO gigs

AUDIO

"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."  The teacher, Dennis Hamilton, books the school auditorium for an assembly where Dave plays and sings the song live for he classmates.  It's universally adopted as their class song, and it's published in the school yearbook.

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

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

• The band has been hiring a string of short-term lead guitarists

CHRONOLOGY

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

• 31 CARUSO performances

AUDIO

"Someday"  b/w
"Quit Your Foolin'"

The 4th CARUSO single is their first to feature a musician outside of the 4 brothers, with Walter Piotrowski 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.

STORY

• On January 28th, the CARUSO brothers appear on the CBS television show, "Good Morning, Detroit."  The band performs and Vic Caputo interviews Joe Caruso about his recent bout with cancer while attending college and playing in a band.

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

• Dave attends the University of Michigan-Dearborn, with a music scholarship from Trenton HS.  He studies music and English.

CHRONOLOGY

• 1st full-time lead guitarist: Wally Piotrowski (a.k.a. Walter Anthony)

• 66 CARUSO gigs

AUDIO

"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.  The band shelves the project and starts over with new material.

STORY

• On July 12th, the brothers appear with Rick Springfield ("Jessie's Girl") in downtown Detroit for the CKLW Chiquita International Fitness Ride and radio DJ Dick Purtan's 45th birthday.

• Cabrini High School's Class of '81 adopts Dave's "Class Song."  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

CHRONOLOGY

• 1st college show, at Eastern Michigan University

AUDIO

"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 co-songwriter and their new band mate, Jake Tobias on guitar.

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."
--The Detroit Free Press

MUSIC VIDEO

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

STORY

• The brothers build a studio in their parent's basement and send Joe Caruso to recording school at Superdisc.

• Overnight touring begins

• The band records 3 promotional music videos for their NACA Showcase

CHRONOLOGY

• 1st 3 CARUSO music videos

• New lead guitarist: Jake Tobias

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

• 73 CARUSO gigs

MUSIC VIDEO

"YYY"
Director: Dennis Hamilton

MUSIC VIDEO

"Dance It Up"
Director: Dennis Hamilton

STORY

• For a short time, the band is advertised as "The Carusos."

• College shows now constitute most CARUSO's schedule

CHRONOLOGY

• 1st nightclub gig

• 126 CARUSO performances

AUDIO
Miller Music On RCA Records

Includes CARUSO
song "Princess"

CARUSO's song, "Princess" is chosen for an RCA Records special products LP

STORY

• CARUSO is signed with the prestigious Miller Brewing Company's "Miller Rock Network."  The sponsorship provides free promotional 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 settle on the band name  "CARUSO," usually written in caps.

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

CHRONOLOGY

• 1st Canada show, at The University of Windsor

• 209 CARUSO shows

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 as "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.

CHRONOLOGY

• Bradley Davenport joins the band as lead guitarist from June 9, 1985 to August 16, 1986

• 241 CARUSO gigs

AUDIO

"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.  All four Caruso  brothers contribute as songwriters.

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."
--The Mellus Newspaper

AUDIO: 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."

MUSIC VIDEO

"Modern Girl,"
Director: Kevin Mitchell

AUDIO

"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.

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, The News-Herald

"CARUSO's talent comes from the deep end of the genetic pool. "
--Jim Peterson, The Playboy Advisor

"'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. Especially noteworthy are Joe Caruso's guitar and Rob Caruso's drumming.  The vocals are excellent."
--The Free Press

"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."
--Power Pop Station, 02/14/2020

MUSIC VIDEO

"London"
CARUSO / Dave Caruso

AUDIO: 6th Single

"London" b/w
"Young & Tender"

CARUSO's 6th single

REVIEWS

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

"London is recommended. "
--Billboard

"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, Newsweek on Campus

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")

CHRONOLOGY

• Lee Thomas assumes the lead guitar duties for the band

• 226 CARUSO performances

STORY

• After 12 years, Dave leaves the CARUSO band on January 3rd.  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

• Mike Caruso, in cooperation with 98.7's  "WLLZ for Meals"' food drive, organizes a holiday benefit with several top Detroit bands, including Toby Redd, See Dick Run, Adrenaline, and more.  Admission is a few dollars plus a can of food.  Proceeds go to various local causes.  The benefits run for a number of years, with members of each band joining forces to play and sing the Band Aid classic,  "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 his
new gear and show

CHRONOLOGY

• CARUSO celebrates their 1,500th show

AUDIO

"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.

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.'"
--Harmony House

AUDIO: 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"

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 Michigan colleges. like Wayne State University, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Oakland Community College, Lawrence Technological Institute and Wayne State University.  He also plays several nights a week for a variety of Michigan nightspots, including 71 dates for the Carlos Murphy's restaurant chain in Southfield, Michigan and in Escondido, California.  He still warms up for the CARUSO band whenever they play locally, through 1991.

• On October 28th, the Allen Park Symphony performs a Halloween oratorio with CARUSO, written specifically to include their album, "I Love You...and Other Stories."  Dave Caruso is a guest performer.  In addition to playing all of the songs from the album with special symphonic arrangements by conductor Jim Hamman, CARUSO sings Simon & Garfunkel's "Scarborough Fair."  For the encore, Joe Caruso plays a classical clarinet solo, and the group performs "London."

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

CHRONOLOGY

• New CARUSO Lead Guitarist: Allen Liggett

MUSIC 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

CHRONOLOGY

• New CARUSO Lead Guitarist: Randy Casquejo.  New Keyboardist: Rob Casquejo

STORY

• Ruth Caruso, the boys' mom, loses her battle with lung cancer on March 14th.  Ruth had proudly supported her sons' band.  She was active as a school parent and she was instrumental in bringing big bands to Trenton High to perform through the Big Band Boosters organization.

• Dave and Rob Caruso form "Mr. Happy & The Imposters" (later shortened to "The Imposters") with CARUSO guitarist Walter Anthony and bassist Richard "Quinn" Quenneville.  Joe Caruso and Mickey Caruso, the boys' dad, often drop by and sit in on saxophone and trumpet.  The band specializes in classic rock..

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

CHRONOLOGY

• The CARUSO band begins performing less often.

• Rob Casquejo remains on keyboards

• Kevin Holevar signs on for lead guitar.

STORY

• Rob is married on August 7th.  The Imposters plus Joe and Mickey Caruso, J.C. Unger and others perform at the wedding reception (above).

• "The Imposters" play their 15th and final show on April 17th.

• Rob Casquejo marks his last year with the CARUSO band.

CHRONOLOGY

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

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

STORY

• May 15th: Mike, Joe, Dave, Rob, and their dad, Mickey Caruso, perform their first full-length show together in 8 years, in a reunion at the Sportsman's Den in Riverview, Michigan.  Also appearing are Walter Anthony and Rob Casquejo

• November 5th: Mike, Dave and Rob Caruso form a trio project, called "Plan 9."  Joe and Mickey Caruso sit in as the band's horn section.

Photo 1 (l-r): Mickey, Mike, Joe, and Dave Caruso

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

• Natalie Caruso, Rob's first daughter, Natalie is born on March 26th

• 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 longtime CARUSO friend and guitarist Jake Tobias.  Dave learns to play bass and alternates between bass, guitar and keyboards during the show.  After a few shows, Rob bows out and Jake invites Chris Wietzke to take over on drums.  Mr. Happy plays a total of 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.

• On August 27th, President Bill Clinton visits Wyandotte.  Rob leads the RHS Marching Band in playing "Hail to the Chief" and Clinton shakes Rob's hand as he walks to the podium to deliver a speech.  This will be Rob's final year as Director.

• Dave mails the final issue of his "Aural Contact" newsletter to his fans

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

STORY

• Dave and Rob Caruso make plans to team up with friends Kevin Holevar and Keith Saxton for "H'Oliver Twist," an alternative hits band.  Before the band can have its first rehearsal, Rob receives a lucrative offer for a job opportunity in Houston, Texas.

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

• Mickey Caruso, the boys' dad, passes away on December 7th 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.

• Rob leaves Michigan and relocates with his family to Houston, Texas on December 14th

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

STORY

• Dave appears regularly with the band "Mr. Happy" for the last time.  They re-group with Jeff Nolan, Diane Smith and later Tracey Flynn from "A Crude Interest."

• A re-tooled "H'Oliver Twist" debuts in March, 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

AUDIO

"Class Song"

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

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, which will become DaveCarusoMusic, in support of his various music projects.

• Joe Caruso is married in Italy on June 25th.  Joe and his new wife, Carol, hold a Michigan reception on August 23rd.

• Dave starts yet another band, "The Room Upstairs."  This time Dave is joined by CARUSO guitarist / alum Walter Anthony and "A Crude Interest" drummer Eric Freeman for a mix of classic rock, oldies and some alternative music.  108 shows.

• 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

• On July 7th, Joe and Rob Caruso appear with Dave Caruso & The Room Upstairs at Memorial Park in Lincoln Park, MI.

• That same weekend, 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"

Photo 1 (l-r): Dave and Joe Caruso.
Photo 2: Rob Caruso

STORY

• Dave hosts a series of solo concerts at Scalicis Lounge which feature several of his band mates from "A Crude Interest" and "Mr. Happy."

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

• Rob's day job moves him to New Orleans.

• Dave returns with "Mr. Happy" for another reunion show at Woody's Diner in Royal Oak, MI

• Dave creates a Songwriting Workshop for young songwriters and presents it for the students at Boyd Arthurs Middle School 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

• On December 27th, Mike, Joe and Rob Caruso stop in to see Dave Caruso & Bill Jacques in the Piano Wars! dueling pianos show.  By this time, Dave, Rob and Joe have played together at several Piano Wars! shows and with The Room Upstairs.  The boys begin talking about a possible CARUSO reunion show.

• Dave learns to play drum set

• More songwriting clinics by Dave at Boyd Arthurs Middle School in Trenton and Allen Park High School

• 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 likes the song and commissions Dave to write a theme for a second program.

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

AUDIO

"CARUSO: The Albums,
1986-1989"

CARUSO's 3 EP albums are compiled into a CD anthology, with bonus tracks.  Previously, the albums were only available on cassette or vinyl.

STORY

• On July 13th, Joe, Dave and Rob Caruso host a CARUSO reunion performance at Pier 500, along with CARUSO band members Bradley Davenport, Jake Tobias, Wally Piotrowski, Rob Casquejo and special guest Nick Piunti

Photo 1 (l-r): Joe, Rob and Dave Caruso
Photo 2 (l-r): Dave and Rob Caruso
Photo 3 (l-r): Dave and Joe Caruso, Pier 500 Owner
Richard El-Awad, Rob Caruso

AUDIO

"Elizabeth Parker"
Dave Caruso

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

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

MUSIC VIDEO

"Elizabeth Parker"
Dave Caruso

STORY

• On Saturday, July 17th, CARUSO plays at Elizabeth Park in Trenton.  The afternoon concert was sponsored by Wayne County Parks and featured Dave and Rob Caruso, Jake Tobias and Walter Anthony.

• On that same 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 several 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 Detroit Weekly.

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

STORY

• On May 18th, Dave, Rob and Joe Caruso play to a full house at Sibley's Hotel Grill.  They perform three eclectic hour-long sets packed with some of their favorite music on piano, guitar, drums, sax and congas.

• Rum Runners USA hires Dave as dueling pianos Entertainment Director for their Mishawaka / South Bend store. Dave helped the night spot break a 4-year nomination streak by winning the South Bend Tribune's Readers Choice Award for Best Live Entertainment.

Photo 1 (l-r): Joe, Dave, Mike & Rob Caruso
performing at the Trenton Hotel
Photo 2 (l-r): Joe, Rob and Dave Caruso

STORY

• On July 15, Dave, Rob and Joe Caruso return to The Pier 500 in Wyandotte, Michigan.  Supporting musicians included Jason Tobias on lead guitar, Nathan Montgomery on bass and Paul Bickel on trumpet, playing songs from CARUSO's  anthology CD, Dav'e's "Elizabeth Parker," and more.

• CARUSO music videos become available on YouTube.

• Dave takes his Songwriting Clinic to the band students at Western Schools in Jackson, MI.  The band director was Paul Bickel, who Dave met at a dueling pianos show in Lansing, Michigan.  Paul will later become Dave's primary dueling partner for Piano Wars!

Photo 1 (l-r): Joe, Rob and Dave Caruso
Photo 2 (l-r): Dave, Joe and Rob Caruso

STORY

• For the 2008 CARUSO reunion show on August 1st, Dave and Rob Caruso bring back vocalist / bassist Richard "Quinn" Quenneville, guitarist and vocalist Walter Anthony, drummer Eric Freeman, and guitarist Lee Thomas.  Joe Caruso adds sax and guitar to several tunes.

CHRONOLOGY

• Dave celebrates 3500 live shows

STORY

• CARUSO reunion show with Mike, Joe, Dave & Rob (first time in 15 years!)  The band of brothers joins 7 other bands in honoring their good friend, Dan Drotar at the Pier 500 in Wyandotte, MI.  Performing with CARUSO are Arnie Newman (guitar), Walter Anthony (guitar), and Allen Liggett (guitar).

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

STORY

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

CHRONOLOGY

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

AUDIO

"CARUSO: The 80s
Remastered"

In January, the songs from "CARUSO: The Albums, 1986 - 1989" are remastered and made available on CD and through digital outlets like Apple Music and Spotify.

STORY

• On January 13th, Dave returns to Boyd Arthurs Middle School to discuss songwriting with Mr. Kopera's music composition class

• Rob and Dave Caruso reunite on May 20th at Wyandotte's Yack Arena, along with CARUSO Band alum Walter Anthony on guitar and friend Jeff Nolen on bass

CHRONOLOGY

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

STORY

• For his 5th songwriting clinic at Boyd Arthurs Middle School on October 15th, Dave challenges Mr. Kopera's music composition class to consider "What makes a song original?"  He plays examples from popular music and his own forthcoming album using guitar, piano, vocal and audio samples to demonstrate creative concepts for writing, arranging and recording original songs.  Two students won copies of Dave's "Elizabeth Parker" CD for their participation.

CHRONOLOGY

• 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 speaks to Mr. Kopera's Music Composition class at Boyd Arthur's Middle School.  Using "Your Fake Friends" and "Champion" as examples, he talks with the students about songwriting form and fields their questions about writing and performing.

• TV's Grand Event (the Trenton Grand Hotel in Trenton, MI) hosts a retrospective solo concert of Dave's music, featuring sneak previews from his upcoming album, plus songs from previous CDs.

Photo:Dave Caruso

AUDIO

"Cardboard Vegas Roundabout"
Dave Caruso

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

REVIEWS

"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

• Dave returms for several engagements at TV's Grand Event in Trenton, Michigan and appears for several solo shows in Waterford, MI.

• In July, Dave launches a music store at his website, DaveCarusoMusic.  The first two items for sale are his new CD and promotional poster. 

• On August 1st, Dave releases his new album, "Cardboard Vegas Roundabout."

AUDIO

"Champion"
Dave Caruso

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

REVIEWS

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

MUSIC VIDEO

"Champion"
(Pet Sounds Tribute)
Dave Caruso

STORY

• In January, Dave airs monthly "Live To Your Living Room" music parties (streaming concerts).

• TV's Grand Event books Dave for more shows in February and April.

• Dave is invited to play at the prestigious International Pop Overthrow - Detroit music festival on April 4th.

• Dave Caruso and Rob Caruso bring the CARUSO band the Trenton Summer Festival's 40th anniversary on June 26th.  Joining the brothers are band alums Kevin Holevar (bass), Randy Casquejo (guitar), Arnie Newman (guitar) and Rob's daughters, Natalie Caruso and Julie Caruso.

• Dave writes and records "Listen To This."  Radio Host Jeffrey Raskin chooses it as the theme song for "The Big Show," his melodic pop music discovery program on "Pop That Goes Crunch" radio.

• Jim Prell interviews Dave on The Music Authority.

• Dave is invited for an interview and performance on "Friday Night Live with Jill & The A-List" at Cave Radio Broadcasting.

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

CHRONOLOGY

• April 5th marks the 40th anniversary of CARUSO's first paid engagement.

STORY

• Rewind 94.3 invites Dave to co-host the Dance Hall Days radio show with Brad & Rik.  The theme is "Pop Goes the 80s" and Dave provides some of his favorite 80s tracks, plus music by CARUSO and his own songs.

• Dave hosts his own radio show, "My WAVlength," on Pop That Goes Crunch radio.  Each installment features songs sharing a musical theme, with commentary by Dave.

• International Pop Overthrow-Detroit kicks off on April 7th.  Dave is the first artist on the schedule.

• In September, Asher School in Southgate, Michigan hosts Dave's new weekly, 6-part songwriting course, "The Secrets To Better Songwriting."

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

AUDIO

"Buddha Pesto Manifesto"
Dave Caruso

On October 30th, Dave puts out his 3rd solo album, "Buddha Pesto Manifesto."  All songs were written, recorded and produced by Dave in his home studio.

REVIEWS

#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

STORY

• WHFR radio host Phil Maq interviews Dave and plays several of his songs on March 20th.

• Allendale Elementary School asks Dave to participate in Career Day.

• Dave is now teaching 3 songwriting courses at Southgate Asher School.

• The Hangabouts invite Dave to join them for a festival show at Dexter Days on August 8th.

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

• Dave stops by Rewind 93.4 to appear as a guest and play a few live songs on the Strange Magic radio show.  The show's theme is "Piano Men."

• Dennis Hamilton, who had been a teacher and mentor to Dave and who, along with his students, recorded the CARUSO band's first 5 music videos, passes away.  The Trenton High School auditorium is posthumously dedicated to him.

STORY

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

• On January 24th, Alan Haber interviews Dave on "Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation."

• In February, Dave appears on "Behind the Mic," with Pam Rossi.

• In March, 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 unite for a "Saturday Morning Live" Facebook video call, during which they share stories about the CARUSO band.

• Dave creates 4 more songwriting courses for Asher School in Southgate, Michigan: "Rewriting to Improve Your Songs," Music Theory & Ear Training for Songwriters," "Arranging for Songwriters," and "Songwriting CSI."

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

• During the week of 10/21, Dave's album, "Buddha Pesto Manifesto," reaches the #1 album position on the Top 10 Albums chart by Phil Maq of WHFR.  BPM stays on the chart for 10 weeks.

CHRONOLOGY

• In May, Dave receives his 100th music copyright.

STORY

• As Songwriter Stories reaches its 14th episode, it continues to build its guest list and appears on PlayerFM's 2019 "Best Songwriting Podcasts" and Feedspot's 2019 "Top 20 Songwriting Audio Podcasts."  College radio show "Indie Pop Takeout" and the "Chasing the Essential" podcast regularly feature nods to Songwriter Stories.

• Dave subs on keyboards for Detroit-based dance hits band, Fifty Amp Fuse.

• By year's end, Dave has created over 100 hours of class material for 14 different eight-week courses for his community education series, "The Secrets to Better Songwriting."  He has taught these courses for 7 semesters in Southgate, Michigan and led his first course in Dearborn this year.

Photo: Dave Caruso subbing on keys for
50 Amp Fuse, with Steve Cooley on drums.

AUDIO

"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."

REVIEWS

#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

MUSIC VIDEO

"Elizabeth Parker"
(2015 CARUSO
performance footage)

MUSIC VIDEO

"Your Fake Friends"
(2015 CARUSO
performance footage)

STORY

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

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

• The Secrets To Better Songwriting has grown to 20 courses which Dave has taught in Southgate and Dearborn, Michigan.  Wayne County Community College picks up one of Dave's songwriting courses, and Dave continues to lead his classes across the country using Zoom.

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

CHRONOLOGY

• Piano Wars!, Dave's dueling pianos entertainment company, celebrates 20 years in business

STORY

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

• Dave Caruso, Summer in the Park: The 60s, the 70s, & Me -- an outdoor concert on August 11th -- features Dave's favorite music from the era, mixed with his own songs.

CHRONOLOGY

• 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

AUDIO

"In the Face: 35th
Anniversary Deluxe"
CARUSO

The newly remastered 1987 CARUSO album, "In the Face" is reissued with 12  additional rare, live, remix and bonus tracks.

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

MUSIC VIDEO

"Going Places (Live)"
CARUSO

STORY

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

MUSIC VIDEO

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

STORY

• New Orleans 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 invited Dave to record keyboard parts for their song "Girls Club," which appeared on their album, "Detours and Consequences."  Dave performed the song with the band live on 05/31/25 at the Trinity Theatre in Livonia, Michigan.

• Dave begins listing his piano sheet music arrangements at SheetMusicDirect and SheetMusicPlus.

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

CHRONOLOGY

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

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

STORY

• Rob Caruso begins a full time music teaching business with Rob Caruso Music.

Photo: Dave Caruso gigging in Downtown Detroit.