DON MANCUSO
Rochester Guitar Legend
If life is like a song, Don has lived a symphony. A native of Rochester, NY, he’s been playing guitar since the age of six. A keen ear and study of the Rochester music scene allowed Mancuso to hone a unique style and an intense stage presence. Mancuso’s acclaimed artistry, versatility and professionalism have earned him the respect of his peers plus the accolades of worldwide audiences.
Over the years Mancuso has worked with a host of artists including: Lou Gramm, Ian Gilan and Dan McCafferty, Imaginary Few, Johnny Smoke, The Park Ave Band, Linda Rutherford & Celtic Fire, Jessi Hamilton, Regi Hendrix, and Billy Sheehan to name a few.
Presently Mancuso divides his time between playing rock ‘n roll, writing & recording guitar for artists worldwide and teaching a new generation how to rock!
DON MANCUSO
Rochester Guitar Legend
If life is like a song, Don has lived a symphony. A native of Rochester, NY, he’s been playing guitar since the age of six. A keen ear and study of the Rochester music scene allowed Mancuso to hone a unique style and an intense stage presence. Mancuso’s acclaimed artistry, versatility and professionalism have earned him the respect of his peers plus the accolades of worldwide audiences.
Over the years Mancuso has worked with a host of artists including: Lou Gramm, Ian Gilan and Dan McCafferty, Imaginary Few, Johnny Smoke, The Park Ave Band, Linda Rutherford & Celtic Fire, Jessi Hamilton, Regi Hendrix, and Billy Sheehan to name a few.
Presently Mancuso divides his time between playing rock ‘n roll, writing & recording guitar for artists worldwide and teaching a new generation how to rock!
DON MANCUSO
Rochester Guitar Legend
If life is like a song, Don has lived a symphony. A native of Rochester, NY, he’s been playing guitar since the age of six. A keen ear and study of the Rochester music scene allowed Mancuso to hone a unique style and an intense stage presence. Mancuso’s acclaimed artistry, versatility and professionalism have earned him the respect of his peers plus the accolades of worldwide audiences.
Over the years Mancuso has worked with a host of artists including: Lou Gramm, Ian Gilan and Dan McCafferty, Imaginary Few, Johnny Smoke, The Park Ave Band, Linda Rutherford & Celtic Fire, Jessi Hamilton, Regi Hendrix, and Billy Sheehan to name a few.
Presently Mancuso divides his time between playing rock ‘n roll, writing & recording guitar for artists worldwide and teaching a new generation how to rock!
MANCUSO LIVE!
Rochester Music Hall of Fame
Black Sheep
In 2025, Don Mancuso was honored with induction into the prestigious Rochester Music Hall of Fame, recognizing his legacy as founding guitarist of the legendary rock band Black Sheep. Alongside powerhouse vocalist Lou Gramm, Don and the band made waves throughout the 1970s, and put Rochester rock on the national map.
This induction celebrates not only the groundbreaking sound and fearless spirit of Black Sheep, but also Don’s decades-long contribution to the local and national music scenes. From unforgettable guitar solos to countless collaborations, Don has always pushed the boundaries of performance and creativity.
Being welcomed into the Hall of Fame is a testament to the dedication, heart, and passion that have driven Don’s music career for over 40 years — and it marks a new milestone in a journey that is still going strong today.
Watch the unforgettable induction performance below
Black Sheep
The legacy lives on
Well, let me take you back to the beginning. It all started with my love affair with music. From the moment I picked up my first guitar I knew music was my calling.
It’s funny how opportunities come knocking when you least expect it. One day, bass player Bruce Turgon heard me playing outdoors at a dance gig with a band called Maelstrom. I guess I was playing pretty loud because he heard me from half a mile away! He liked what he heard and invited me for an audition. That chance encounter led to some incredible experiences, starting with the formation of Black Sheep with Lou Gramm.
Those early days were a whirlwind of gigs and adventures. I was pulled out of high school, and we toured the nation, sharing stages with icons like Procol Harem, Ted Nugent, and even KISS.
We were young, hungry, and ready to conquer the world. We caught the attention of A&R folks, and before we knew it, we were playing at Max’s Kansas City in NYC in front of several record labels.
Chrysalis Records took notice and offered us a deal, marking us as their first American act. Although our time with them was short-lived, Capitol Records soon came knocking, offering us a three-record deal.
And so, the self-titled album “Black Sheep” was born, crafted in the heart of NYC at the iconic Record Plant studios. Follows soon after with the album “Encouraging Words”.
It was a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, but through it all, the music never stopped, and the legacy of Black Sheep lives on.
Black Sheep Releases
Rochester Music Hall of Fame
Black Sheep
In 2025, Don Mancuso was honored with induction into the prestigious Rochester Music Hall of Fame, recognizing his legacy as founding guitarist of the legendary rock band Black Sheep. Alongside powerhouse vocalist Lou Gramm, Don and the band made waves throughout the 1970s, and put Rochester rock on the national map.
This induction celebrates not only the groundbreaking sound and fearless spirit of Black Sheep, but also Don’s decades-long contribution to the local and national music scenes. From unforgettable guitar solos to countless collaborations, Don has always pushed the boundaries of performance and creativity.
Being welcomed into the Hall of Fame is a testament to the dedication, heart, and passion that have driven Don’s music career for over 40 years — and it marks a new milestone in a journey that is still going strong today.
Watch the unforgettable induction performance below
Black Sheep
The legacy lives on
Well, let me take you back to the beginning. It all started with my love affair with music. From the moment I picked up my first guitar I knew music was my calling.
It’s funny how opportunities come knocking when you least expect it. One day, bass player Bruce Turgon heard me playing outdoors at a dance gig with a band called Maelstrom. I guess I was playing pretty loud because he heard me from half a mile away! He liked what he heard and invited me for an audition. That chance encounter led to some incredible experiences, starting with the formation of Black Sheep with Lou Gramm.
Those early days were a whirlwind of gigs and adventures. I was pulled out of high school, and we toured the nation, sharing stages with icons like Procol Harem, Ted Nugent, and even KISS.
We were young, hungry, and ready to conquer the world. We caught the attention of A&R folks, and before we knew it, we were playing at Max’s Kansas City in NYC in front of several record labels.
Chrysalis Records took notice and offered us a deal, marking us as their first American act. Although our time with them was short-lived, Capitol Records soon came knocking, offering us a three-record deal.
And so, the self-titled album “Black Sheep” was born, crafted in the heart of NYC at the iconic Record Plant studios. Follows soon after with the album “Encouraging Words”.
It was a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, but through it all, the music never stopped, and the legacy of Black Sheep lives on.
Black Sheep Releases
AURORA
A FUSION OF TALENT AND ROCK IN ROCHESTER
In the mid-1970s, the Rochester, NY music scene witnessed the emergence of a unique Rock Fusion band, Aurora. This group was a melting pot of diverse musical talents, characterized by their innovative sound and energetic performances. At the heart of Aurora’s distinct style was guitarist Don Mancuso, whose previous work with the hard rock band Black Sheep had already established him as a formidable presence in the music world.
Don Mancuso brought his signature guitar skills to Aurora, infusing the band’s sound with a blend of rock and intricate musical experimentation. His tenure with Aurora lasted for two impactful years, during which he played a pivotal role in shaping their musical direction. Mancuso’s transition from Black Sheep to Aurora showcased his versatility as a musician, adeptly moving from hard rock to the complex rhythms and melodies of Rock Fusion.
Aurora’s lineup was further strengthened by Mark Miller on drums, known for his later work with Talas V2 alongside Billy Sheehan. Pat Petrone contributed his skills on guitar and vocals, bringing experiences from the Flintcreek Band, while Greg Brown’s bass lines anchored the band’s sound.
Together, these musicians created a fusion of styles that resonated with audiences, leaving a lasting impression on Rochester’s music scene. Although Aurora’s time was brief, the band remains a testament to the vibrant and eclectic musical culture of the 1970s.
In 2024, Aurora is set to release two new singles, “Stand Up” and “Pull Me Off” continuing their legacy of musical innovation.
LISA GEE – SHUT IT DOWN EP
Deko Entertainment Recording Artist
Deko Entertainment proudly presents Lisa Gee‘s Debut EP – Shut It Down, featuring the electrifying guitar virtuoso, Don Mancuso.
The single and music video, titled “How Can This Be,” spotlight Mancuso’s exceptional guitar skills, which have left an indelible mark on the rock and blues scenes. With decades of experience and a reputation for blistering solos and emotive melodies, Don Mancuso’s performance in “How Can This Be” is a testament to his remarkable talent and a must-see for fans of virtuosic guitar playing.
Don Mancuso’s contribution to Lisa Gee‘s EP showcases his ongoing commitment to pushing musical boundaries and captivating audiences worldwide. “Shut It Down” is now available on major music platforms, with the music video for “How Can This Be” providing a mesmerizing visual experience that perfectly complements Mancuso’s electrifying guitar performance.
LIPS TURN BLUE
MIG Music Recording Artists
Lips Turn Blue is a prime example of how the human spirit can always endure if it so desires. One might say the band which a growing number of industry insiders and music fans are recognizing as a brand new act with a very bright future, has a past that reaches nearly four decades. Rising from the ashes of a popular upstate New York band called DDrive during the Covid 19 Pandemic, the group transformed itself into Lips Turn Blue (LTB) with original songs that would eventually become its debut album.
The debut album features a wide variety of musical styles and textures, all crafted around the powerhouse rhythms of LTB and the remarkable voice of Phil Naro. From hard rockers like “Build My Castle,” “Just Push” and “Better Than I Used To Be,” into the more progressive feel of “Blood Moon” and introspective tracks such as “Pray For Tomorrow,” “Crazy In Love,” and “Life’s Crazy Ride,” the record excels in its diversity and sonic landscapes.
The album even contained a remake of Black Sheep’s “Chain On Me,” which was written by Mancuso and Lou Gramm, as well as a Mancuso/ Naro original, “A Little Outside,” which features Gramm on lead vocals and Naro on backing vocals.
