Jerry Riopelle

Early career

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" (not the one made famous by B.B. King). This exposure helped Riopelle land staff writer and producer job with Phil Spector at Philles Records.

Riopelle had his first charting record as producer of "Home of the Brave," which as 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 (he was a member) 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.

Later career

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 large and avid fan base in Arizona during the 1970s, highlighted by his annual New Year's Eve performances at Phoenix venue Celebrity Theatre, featuring a revolving stage. Well known national acts opened for Riopelle on these occasions, including The Dixie Dregs and others.

In 2001, Riopelle invented and patented the Beamz device for creating music using lasers.

Family and current projects

Riopelle and his wife Naomi have two children, daughter Angela and son Paul. Jerry and Naomi divide their time between homes in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

Jerry and Paul are co-founders of the Beamz music system and serve as company executives for beamz Interactive.

Albums (vinyl)

Cassettes

CDs