http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=147172
Rock producer and historian Denny Somach today announced the establishment of the Classic Rock Society of America. The organization will be devoted to the preservation, promotion and celebration of classic rock music by the artists, musicians, producers and fans of the most popular musical category of the past fifty years.
Somach is a recognized expert on classic rock and considered one of the architect's of the classic rock radio format, which has become dominant in broadcasting and attracts millions of listeners. He has produced over 7,500 hours of classic rock programming and maintains one of the largest archives of audio, video and data related to the topic. Somach has also authored numerous articles and books on the subject and appeared as an authority on such shows as "Today", "Larry King", "CBS Early Show" and "Dateline NBC".
"The appeal of classic rock artists like THE BEATLES, THE ROLLING STONES, THE WHO, LED ZEPPELIN, PINK FLOYD, THE DOORS, MOODY BLUES, YES, GRATEFUL DEAD, JETHRO TULL, AEROSMITH, STYX, DEEP PURPLE, QUEEN, THE ALLMAN BROTHERS and many, many others has never been more popular," said Somach. "Classic rock has become cross-generational and is the most popular rock music format not just in the US and Canada, but around the world."
The Classic Rock Society of America (CRSA) is an organization where people from all over the world can experience and commemorate their favorite music. Many colleges and universities have classes about this music and it is being taught everywhere. The CRSA will act as a resource center for students and teachers, enabling them to further enhance their study of classic rock.
CRSA was inspired by the U.K.'s Classic Rock Society, with a membership of thousands, and Classic Rock magazine, a publisher, recording label and music promoter. Both organizations are dedicated to the growth of all classic rock music. The U.K.'s Classic Rock magazine presents a number of live shows, including the recent High Voltage festival, which featured ZZ TOP, FOREIGNER, ASIA, BACHMAN-TURNER, URIAH HEEP, ARGENT and a reformed EMERSON, LAKE AND PALMER to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
Rick Wakeman is the honorary Chairman of the U.K. Classic Rock Society. "When I contacted him about the Classic Rock Society of America we were launching, he immediately lent his support and thought it was about time something like this was established in America," said Somach. "Subsequently the other founding board members including John Wetton of ASIA and Dave Cousins of THE STRAWBS have publicly announced their support. "I have also spoken to over fifty musicians, producers and managers who are more than happy to not only lend their name but become actively involved in the Classic Rock Society of America," added Somach.
The Classic Rock Society of America will debut as an interactive web site and its own radio channel. It will also include marketing and promotion entities. The virtual society will eventually have a physical location where musicians and fans can visit and enjoy the many facets of the musical genre. Somach said, "We have already been contacted by a couple of municipal development organizations about locating a facility in their communities."
More details will be announced in the New Year and further information can be obtained by contacting [email protected].
