Johnny Restivo, born on September 13, 1943, in The Bronx, New York, is an American singer known for his contributions to rock music. At the age of fifteen, Restivo released his debut single "The Shape I'm In/Ya Ya" with RCA Victor, which peaked at number 80 on the Billboard Hot 100. This early success marked a significant breakthrough in his career and showcased his potential as a young artist. Following this release, he was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1959 but lost to Bobby Darin. Restivo's musical journey included the albums The Shape I'm In and Oh Johnny! both released in 1959 under RCA Victor. He also released EPs such as "Smarty" (CBS, 1967) and "Go, Go, Eskimo!" (CBS, 1967). Restivo's song "The Shape I'm In", co-written by Lee Cathy and Otis Blackwell, was later covered by notable artists including Dave Edmunds on Information, Shakin' Stevens on Lipstick, Powder and Paint, and The Black Sorrows as a single from their album Rockin' Zydeco. Restivo's career also extended beyond music; he achieved fame as a muscular young bodybuilder in his teens, appearing on the covers of magazines such as Tomorrow's Man and Model Parade. Despite his early success in both music and bodybuilding, Restivo did not chart another hit after his debut single.
