About Jerry Riopelle
Jerry Riopelle was an American singer-songwriter, musician and record producer born in Detroit, and raised in Tampa, Florida, and known primarily for his hard rock performances and for his record production. He mixed rock, country and jazz with R&B and was an inductee into the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.
Riopelle began his music career in the 1960s in Los Angeles working as an independent record producer. He played drums for The Hollywood Argyles and later signed with Screen Gems as a staff songwriter. At Screen Gems, he wrote and produced, along with Clydie King, a single called "The Thrill is Gone" . This exposure helped Riopelle land staff writer and producer job with Phil Spector and Lester Sills label Philles Records.
Riopelle had his first charting record as producer of "Home of the Brave," which was recorded by Bonnie & The Treasures reached #77 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the summer of 1965. He later produced top 40 singles for The Parade and April Stevens & Nino Tempo. This led to an opportunity to work as an A&M Records producer and a role as a staff writer at Irving Music.
Riopelle produced and wrote for The Parade, Brewer & Shipley, We Five, and Shango. His songs have been covered by Leon Russell, Herb Alpert, Kenny Loggins, Rita Coolidge, Meat Loaf, and others. Jerry also wrote various pieces for Hollywood TV shows and films.
Riopelle had a fan base in Arizona during the 1970s, and performed in New Year's Eve performances at Phoenix venue Celebrity Theatre, featuring a revolving stage. Acts opened for Riopelle on these occasions, including The Dixie Dregs.
In 2001, Riopelle invented and patented the Beamz device for creating music using lasers.
He died of complications from cancer on December 24, 2018, at the age of 77.
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