March 21, 2007 marked the 55th anniversary of the Moondog Coronation Ball - the original rock concert produced by DJ Alan Freed that put Cleveland on the map as an innovative music town and brought the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum to town. Since then, Cleveland has seen its share of musical success, earning a reputation as a town with good local radio stations that were powerful enough to "break" new acts. National acts started in Cleveland as well, but they had a bit more of a challenge.
In honor of the anniversary of the first Moondog Coronation Ball, WKSU's Vivian Goodman took a look at a rock history that included WMMS, Sonny Geraci and the Raspberries, and a memorable Bruce Springsteen concert, as well as the current rock scene being perpetuated by today's youth. Listen to her story and find extended interviews, photos, and links below.
Northeast Ohio's Rock past is also the subject of a new Grey & Co. book, "Cleveland Rock & Roll Memories" by Carlo Wolff. WKSU created an exclusive Rock Memories quiz: Kathleen Hogan, Steve Allen, Jo Dorado, Craig Thompson and Josie Smith had the most answers correct and will each receive a prize pack that includes a copy of the book and two passes to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum.
Is the Heart of Rock and Roll Still Beating in Cleveland?A Look at Cleveland's Rock Scene, past and present, on the
55th Anniversary of the Moondog Coronation Ball
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
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Reporter Vivian Goodman |
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(7:26)
Drummer Jimmy Fox was one of the founding members of the James Gang, one of the
finest American power trios. The group, with guitarist Joe Walsh and bassist Dale Peters,
wrote some of classic rock's favorite anthems. Walsh went on to join the Eagles, but the
James Gang regrouped for a reunion tour last year.
Dewey Forward founded and operated Peabody's in Cleveland Heights and Peabody's Down Under
in the Flats from the late '70s to the mid 90s. He was also responsible for booking acts
at the influential Cleveland clubs.
Sonny Geraci forever has a place in rock history as the lead singer of the Cleveland
quintet the Outsiders, who scored a number five single hit with the infectious
"Time Won't Let Me" in 1966. Geraci has the rare distinction of reaching the Top Ten
as the lead singer for another outfit, the L.A.-based Climax, who scored a hit with
"Precious and Few" in 1972.
John Gorman was program director for WMMS during a period of phenomenal success in
the '70s and '80s. The station was remarkably influential locally and nationally,
and is credited with helping to break such acts a Bruce Springsteen, Roxy Music, and
David Bowie.
From 1961 through 1965 Bocky and the Visions were arguably Northeast Ohio's most popular
local band. At Cleveland Public Hall the group opened for the Rolling Stones, the Beach
Boys, the Dave Clark Five, Chuck Berry and others. Drummer Buddy Maver went on to perform
with several other Cleveland bands, before becoming the talent booker at the Cleveland
Agora.
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Photo of Alan Freed: From the book "Cleveland Rock & Roll Memories." Photo courtesy Janet Macoska
Photo of Bruce Springsteen: From the book "Cleveland Rock & Roll Memories." Photo by Janet Macoska
Photos of "Call Me Constant," "The Agora," "Green Means Go," "John Gorman," "Robert LuConti," and "Dewey Forward": By Vivian Goodman
Book cover: "Cleveland Rock & Roll Memories." Photo courtesy Gray & Co., Publishers
Sample chapter: Excerpted from the book Cleveland Rock & Roll Memories (c) 2006 by Carlo Wolff. All rights reserved. This text may not be reproduced in any form or manner without written permission of Gray & Company, Publishers.