Lake Shore Drive—Ted Aliotta with Johnny Amato and the band

Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah’s Lake Shore Drive—a tribute to the iconic Chicago lakefront highway—became a regional hit in 1972. By then, Ted Aliotta had already left the group as its drummer. Still, if you asked Ted, he’d tell you he wrote the song and Mitch stole it. That part hardly matters. What matters is the passion.

Ted, Johnny, Stacy, and Stubbs were our house band. Ted was a character—equal parts mischief and music. A real throwback to banana peel smoking, counterculture swagger, and unapologetic eccentricity. His passing on March 21, 2025, saddens me deeply.

He will remain a vibrant highlight in my memory: a larger-than-life impresario of music and mirth.

These recordings stand as a testament to the extraordinary talent of the performers—and, perhaps most importantly, to our soundman Brett, who masterfully captured these moments in history and crafted the soundscapes we’re able to enjoy now and for years to come.

Flatlander’s lives on in the hearts of many who were there, often helping to lay a foundation that shaped who they would become. I’m proud to call them friends, and grateful for the opportunity to have created a safe, nurturing space that recognized talent and gave it room to grow into a light that continues to inspire others.

For Jason Lopez

Eric Feltman
2025