The Villanaires…
were originated by two brothers, Virgillio “Babe” Perry, and the late Leo Perry. They first started performing on their front porch, to an audience that grew to the whole neighborhood.
The original Villanaires were Leo Perry, bass and guitar player; Babe Perry, first tenor, and rhythm guitar player; Lenny Thompson, second tenor; Billy Perry, soprano; Edwin Gonsalves, first baritone; Henry Duarte, second baritone; and Adelino Pete Paulo played drums.
When Lenny left for Military Duty, Kenny Alves joined the group. It was late in the career of the Villanaires when Jerry Alves, Ron Vieira, and Eddy Lopes joined the group. Other notable musicians that backed the group were Gene Dias, organ/keyboard; George Andrade, saxophone; Joe Lewis, multiple instruments; Kenny Pimental, tenor Sax; Phil Riley, lead guitar; Bob Santos, lead/rhythm guitar; Manny Silva, saxophone; Paul Peterson, multiple instruments; Jimmy Silva, drummer; Donnie Pine, drummer. There were also many more great musicians.
After over a decade of absence from the music scene…
The Villanaires reemerged as primarily a vocal group in 2007. Former members Ed Lopes and Ron Vieira along with Jay Savoy and Jim Bevis were the first line up until Jay Savoy left in 2013.
Buddy Torres joined the group keeping four singers in the line-up. Then, in 2014, Ed “Hodgie” Badessa joined the group. Later that year, Ron Viera retired. The line-up remained until 2016 when a fifth singer Paulie Aiello joined the group. Buddy Torres and Hodgie Badessa remained in the lineup until their retirements in 2020. In 2023, the group saw the addition of Paula Frost and later that year Paulie Aiello retired.
The Villanaires continue to entertain audiences throughout Southeastern Massachusetts with their current lineup consisting of Ed Lopes, Jim Bevis, and Paula Frost.
