Richard Anthony
Joliet, Illinois, United States
Music
Press
Two years ago, Richard Anthony Goberville of Joliet decided to foster a child. The intention was for Nick, then 6, to be reunited with his family. It was Goberville’s first parenting experience.
Friends and family could not understand how Goberville could care for a child and then give him back up. Goberville felt the goal was worth the pain that might occur. So he wrote and recorded a song, “Even If,” about the fostering experience. He is donating all proceeds to Guardian Angel Home of Joliet. So far, Goberville has raised $300.
“My thought was that no matter how hard it may be to watch Nick leave, the time we had together would remain forever, that I would always have him in my heart no matter what happens,” Goberville, a Joliet Central High School physics teacher, said. He hopes his song inspires other people to foster, too.
The early days were rocky. Nick was taking medication that was ineffective for his mood disorder. Goberville worked with a psychiatrist that supported Goberville’s goal to heal Nick through love and support and to discontinue that medication. Six months into the fostering relationship, Nick’s mother signed away her parental rights. Did Goberville wish to adopt Nick?
“Of course I said yes,” Goberville said. “I couldn’t imagine life without Nick. Some have said how great and charitable that was for me to adopt him, but at times I feel selfish because I feel as though Nick has given me more than I have given him. He is such a great kid and I love him more each day.
Until now, Goberville, whose musical sound resembles a cross between pop and folk, had only written songs to share with family and friends. This included a CD he recorded 10 years ago. “Even If” was different. Goberville felt he had to share the song’s message with others.
So Goberville searched for producers of positive music and decided to work with Victor Crowl in Canada. Crowl liked Goberville’s music so much he offered to record two nine-song CDs for the price of three songs. The first CD will be released at the end of April. The second will be ready in fall.
Goberville is accomplishing his goal of circulating “Even If.” Several radio stations in Wisconsin, Oklahoma and Kentucky have played his song. So has Internet radio Jango.com. The remaining songs on his CDs deal with love, being cheated on, loneliness and connection with others.
“I’ve had some people listen to some songs and say things like ‘that is exactly how I’ve been feeling,’ ” Goberville said. “To know that someone is touched by my music is a great feeling.”
“Even If” can be ordered from iTunes. Donations to Guardian Angel Home can be made through Goberville’s fundraising page at www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/richardanthony/guardian-angel-of-joliet. For more information about Goberville’s music, visit www.richardanthonymusic.com and www.reverbnation.com/richardanthony. - Herald News
Discography
It's Time to Get Away
Inside
Photos
Bio
Illinois is known for it's Windy City, Bulls and well, Bulls. An outsider only knows the pop culture references made of each state, but to its inhabitants, it's plainly home. To Richard Anthony it's the place he was born and bred, went to college and still calls home today. A quarter of a decade in New Lenox, IL then onto Lewis University earning a BA in physics only to go on to National Louis University in Wheaton, IL to get his Masters in Science Education. Putting his acheivements to work, Richard's taught the last 15 years at Joilet High School.
But growing up with a pianist mother, it was only a matter of time before Richard's musical side took over. Richard reveals, "Music means to be able to touch a soul. I remember the moment I got hooked on Barry Manilow. I just lost my childhood "crush" and heard the song "Old Songs" and it seemed to be written just for me. At that moment I realized the power of music. Being able to convey thoughts so that others can relate. That's what makes songwriting both challenging and fun for me."
The mad scientist never took to song...or did he? Richard Anthony is not a mad scientist persay but he is a Jekyll Hyde of sorts. A physics teacher by day and a budding musician by night. All the while being a father to a young boy he took in some years ago. His son, Nick, is the inspiration behind his single "Even If." Richard says, "It was my response to family members that asked me how I could risk getting attached to a child, not
knowing if he may go back to his birth parents someday." Not only inspiring a song, but a reason to give as well, Richard plans on donating, "between two charities. One is based in Chicago "Mercy Home for Boys and Girls" (or called Mission of our Lady of Mercy) and the other is based in Joliet, "Guardian Angel Home."
The mind of an intellectual, the voice of a popstar and the heart of a saint, Richard Anthony has all bases covered but is ready to take on the world one step at a time with his musical endeavors.
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