Saturday, June 30, 2012

Rock Lines: April 21st 2012- Rock Hall, David Spero, Dick Clark and more!



Congrats to David Spero of The Cleveland Rock n'Roll Hall of Fame. Finally having the induction ceremonies held at the Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio had to be a career highlight for Mr. Spero last week.

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(Jim Carver(Left) with David Spero- October 2012)

I had the honor of meeting Mr. Spero at the Autism Speaks Benefit Concert at the Rock Hall of Fame last October.
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David and Herman Spero on the set of The Upbeat Show.

David started his career at age 13, holding the cue cards during the production of The Upbeat Show. Herman Spero (David's Father) was the producer. The Upbeat Show was aired on Saturdays featuring host, Don Webster on WEWS-TV with a bevy of international, national and local musical talent.

It was common for the local show to tape up to 10 acts per show. In return for appearing on The Upbeat Show acts would be booked to play surrounding local venues in the Cleveland area. Thus earning more financially and gaining exposure with the public.

David went on to becoming a Disc Jockey at WMMS until he became the longtime manager for The Michael Stanley Band. Later, Mr. Spero started his own management group and has managed many legendary touring acts including: The Eagles, Joe Walsh, Richie Furay,The Raspberries, Alice Cooper and Yusuf Islam (formerly known as Cat Stevens).

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(Photo used courtesy of: raymaclean)

Dick Clark (82 years old) passed away earlier this week. Mr. Clark was an entire generations host with the weekly TV show- American Bandstand (1956-1989). Mr. Clark was the forever young looking teenager, who gave kid's something exciting to look forward to with new music, live bands and dancing. He helped set American music trends and record charting for artists. Dick was TV's first rock n' roll disc jockey.

Mr. Clark would go on to produce the ABC television shows: "American Bandstand", "Where the Action Is", "Action" and numerous Hollywood game shows as well as "Dick Clark's Rockin' New Years Eve."

In those days a band wasn't considered to have hit the big-time until they performed on American Bandstand. Several Ohio bands did including The Music Explosion, The Ohio Express, The Lemon Pipers, The Outsiders, The All Sports Band and The Michael Stanley Band.

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(Photo used courtesy of: Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com)


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Michael Stanley Band with Dick Clark on American Bandstand November 1983

What was Northeast Ohio's connection with Dick Clark besides sharing some of the same artists that appeared on American Bandstand and The Upbeat Show?

Find out- here!

levon helm heinrich kLAFFS.jpg Levon Helm performing with The Band.

Photo courtesy of: Heinrich Klaffs
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(Levon Helm.)

It was sad to learn of the passing of 71-year old Levon Helm, the drummer/vocalist of The Band. I was aware Levon had been suffering from COPD for many years, however; it was news to me that he was suffering from throat cancer. Levon was a uniquely gifted vocalist who exemplified the term- "The Show Must Go On!"

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(Ted Nugent photo used courtesyof: chascar.)

Ted Nugent made the news earlier this week and earned a meeting with Secret Service Agents regarding political hate rants towards President Obama. The common man would have been arrested for one thing or another, but Ted seems to have escaped being charged somehow. I am not a Democrat, however; I feel his remarks aren't serving Mitt Romney's political campaign well or his own career.

Nugent's opening slot for his upcoming tour with Styx and REO Speedwagon is still in the works, but it is safe to say... stay tuned!

Until We Meet Again, Jim Carver
Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School "Band of Gold"
Something Meaningful that Matters!

www.successthroughmusic.com

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