Candi & The Backbeat (initially named Candi) was a Canadian pop band fronted by lead vocalist Candita "Candy" Pennella. Band members included Nino Milazzo (bass and background vocals), Paul Russo (drums and percussion), and Rich Imbrogno (keyboards). The band is best known among U.S. audiences for the freestyle classic "Dancing Under a Latin Moon", a major dance hit which also made number 68 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1988.
Originally an Italian wedding band they released their debut self-titled album Candi in 1988 on the I.R.S. Records label, which included "Dancing Under a Latin Moon", and "Under Your Spell", which was nominated for Single of the Year at the Juno Awards of 1990.Candi's "Under Your Spell" and "Missing You" were both nominated for Best Dance Recording at the same award show. Pennella was also nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year, losing to Rita MacNeil. She was nominated for the same award the next year, losing to Celine Dion.
The band, renamed Candi & The Backbeat, released the album World Keeps on Turning in 1990. The title track from the album was nominated for the Best Dance Recording at the Juno Awards of 1991.
After the promotion of the album, they decided not to continue with the project. Candy ended up marrying her drummer and currently teaches high school in the Toronto area.
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