Jerry Riopelle

There's no mistaking Jerry Riopelle's distinctive brand of hard driving roots rock. Riopelle's music reflects a genuine lyrical honesty with heavy doses of rhythm and blues, rock and country, flavored with a unique mix of jazz and reggae sounds. Riopelle is an artist whose work, both in the studio and on stage, has refused to be categorized. His natural ability to draw from different contemporary styles while utilizing wide ranging instrumental ideas and rhythmic variations gives the Riopelle sound a very distinct character.

Born in Detroit and raised in Tampa, Riopelle began his musical career in Los Angeles in the 1960's by learning the ropes of independent record production. After playing drums for the Hollywood Argyles he signed as a staff writer for Screen Gems. Upon hearing a single Jerry had written and produced with Clydie King entitled "The Thrill is Gone," Phil Spector hired him as a staff writer and producer for Philles Records.

Jerry soon produced a Top 20 hit, "Home of the Brave" (recorded by Bonnie & The Treasures). Two independently-produced top 40 hit singles for recording artists April Stevens & Nino Tempo and The Parade (of which he was a founding member) landed Riopelle a job as producer at A&M Records as well as a staff writer slot at Irving Music. During that time he wrote and produced for The We Five, Brewer & Shipley, The Parade, Shango, and many others. His songs have been covered by numerous artists including Herb Alpert, Joan Baez, Leon Russell, Kenny Loggins, Rita Coolidge and Meat Loaf. During his years in Hollywood, Jerry also wrote many songs and musical pieces for films and television shows.