You've got a friend - James Taylor (COVER) - Richard Clark - C.C. Induction Ceremony
194 views · Published 8 August 2016 · 2:13 · Indexed 21 October 2026
Channel: DerisedEgami · 2016 · Music
Central Catholic High School 2016 Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. - July 24th, 2016 -I had a great time providing some guitar for my Uncle, who was inducted into his school's hall of fame. Here's his bio: Richard graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1959. While in gym class during the end of his freshman year, he was given a test in which he had to wear earphones to listen to different pitches. He was one of three people to score perfectly. At that time he was sent over to the Music Department, headed by Gerald DePrisco, and stood by the piano as Mr. DePrisco played scales. He was chosen to join the Glee Club for the following year. This began his music career. During future performances at the Holiday Inn, Richard was told that he was gifted by both Mr. DePrisco and Eve Weiher, director of Central Catholic's musicals during the 60's and 70's. In 1973, Mr DePrisco invited Richard back to Central Catholic to sing at two CCHS assemblies during the Christmas season, where he was honored by receiving standing ovations. He also performed in three operettas: "Call Me Madam" in 1957, "Oklahoma" in 1958 (Ike Skidmore) and "Showboat" in 1959 (Steve). It is worthy to note here that Jerry DePrisco went as far as writing a song for Richard to sing in "Showboat" since the part of Steve was a non-singing role. Richard attended the University of Toledo and was chosen by Dr. Lloyd Sunderman, the Director of the Music Department, to go on a tour of the Eastern United States for two weeks. He was one of two freshmen tenors who were chosen. Dr. Sunderman also offered him a music scholarship, which he reluctantly turned down. In the early 60's, when folk music became very popular, Richard performed as a singer in many Toledo-area coffee houses. After serving in the Army, Richard moved to Phoenix, Ariz., and joined a group called "The Quivari Quartet." The manager's name was Stan Zucker, from Hollywood. Venues included the Showboat Lounge in Las Vegas; Bourbon Street in New Orleans' French Quarter and Holiday Inns across the United States and Canada. In Canada, Richard and his quartet played in five different cities for the Empire Hotels. After Richard's group broke up in Kalamazoo, Mich., he moved back to Toledo to finish his military duty. In 1968, he returned to Phoenix and began performing as a solo act. This included a two-week engagement in Juarez, Mexico. This was followed by a two-year engagement as MC at Pat O'Brien's in New Orleans. In 1972, Richard moved back to Toledo and put together a group called "Dean Clark and the New Arrivals." They performed at a popular nightclub called "Big AL's" at the Holiday Inn Gristmill. They usually performed for full-house audiences of 300 people and also recorded a live album, before a full house, called the "Impossible Dream." Richard's group accepted the offer to do a radio commercial for Coopertown Tire out of Findlay. Richard eventually moved to the Boston area for about 28 years, where he played at many nightclubs and also recorded an album with the Boston Pops. He also made a 45-rpm recording of "New York, New York." During the height of his career, he was compared to the likes of Tom Jones, Englebert Humperdink and Johnny Mathis. His music was always filled with sincere warmth and emotion. His romantic style presented a brilliant mixture of troubadour and crooner. Over the span of his career, Richard performed before such stars as Paul Anka, Juliet Prowse, Paul Lynde, Burt Reynolds, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Sally Fields, Joel Gray, John Gary and many others. His last performance was in 1997 at a club in Chelmsford, Massachusetts called "Jimmy's 4". He felt it was time to go back to his hometown of Toledo to take care of his mom. To this day, he misses performing and singing, but is thankful that he followed his dream. Here is a direct quote from Richard: "In short, what is success? I find it to be loving and enjoying what you love to do and bringing much joy to all those you touched with your talent (God-given). I was so fortunate to follow my dreams, and it all started at CCHS." Now retired, Richard works out at a gym, walks and works in the yard, nurturing his cannas. He also bowls and has bowled three perfect "300" games. That's a great record for a man in his 70's.
