Sha Na Na was born in 1969 when members of the Kingsmen, a Columbia a cappella group, started mixing their renditions of early rock-and-roll classics into their traditional repertoire. Soon, their nostalgia act became so popular that the band turned professional, dressing in vintage "greaser" garb. In their seventh live performance, in August 1969, Sha Na Na played the Woodstock Festival.

Still with the band are founding members John "Jocko" Marcellino (Columbia College 1972), "Screamin' Scott" Simon (Columbia College 1972) and Donny York (Columbia College 1971).