The Hassles

| 2025

Formed on Long Island in 1964, The Hassles became one of the area’s most energetic and promising rock and blue-eyed soul bands. The original lineup—vocalist John Dizek, guitarist Richie McKenna, drummer Jon Small, and Harry Weber, who was a vocalist and played the organ and bass pedals—built a loyal following through dynamic live shows that blended R&B, rock, and soul. In 1966, after Weber left to start another band, bassist Howie Arthur Blauvelt and a young Billy Joel joined, with Joel contributing keyboards and lead vocals, helping define the group’s evolving sound. The Hassles signed with United Artists Records and released their self-titled debut album in 1967, combining spirited originals with inventive covers, including a rendition of Sam & Dave’s “You’ve Got Me Hummin’.” Their second album, Hour of the Wolf (1969), further highlighted Joel’s songwriting and the band’s growing musical sophistication. Despite regional acclaim, the band disbanded later in 1969 as members pursued new projects, with Joel and Small forming the duo Attila and Blauvelt later co-founding Ram Jam. Later on, Jon Small emerged as a leading music video and concert film director, working with icons from Billy Joel and Whitney Houston to Taylor Swift and creating the groundbreaking ‘Walk This Way’ video for Aerosmith and Run-DMC. Touring extensively across Long Island and beyond, The Hassles captured the youthful energy and experimentation of 1960s rock. Their recordings remain an important snapshot of the local music scene and a testament to a formative period in Long Island rock history.