Richie Onori

Label: Onori Records
Released: August 2012
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
7/10

Richie Onori - The Days Of Innocence CD

The secret is in the name of this soft Seventies flavoured rock album from US Sweet drummer Richie Onori – it harkens back to a more innocent and simpler time, lyrically and musically, which is a double edged sword.

On the one hand, some may find it overly simple – clichéd, even. But look past that and tap into the goal of the project, and you will find a collection of gems that cover a particularly wide remit, whilst never losing Onori’s gentle fingerprints (despite a list of players as long as your arm).

The title track is an Eagles-like Seventies pastiche that references Don MacLean’s American Pie; there’s the Dylanesque Gypsy Rose; a touch of Leonard Cohen-does-boogie on the vibrant Goodbye Cruel World, and even a Charlie Daniels flavour to the country rocker Runnin’ Down The Devil’s Road.

The eclecticism is admirable – especially when the liner notes tell us Onori sings, plays guitar, drums, percussion and harmonica!

Space Boogie Woogie’s tasty slide playing, female backing vocals and juke joint piano lend this foot stomper a glammy T-Rex-ish feel, before Party Queen sees Onori go down the esteemed Ian Hunter route with a song that would have sat happily on any Mott The Hoople album.

None of this should be taken to imply that The Days Of Innocence is anything less than cohesive and personal. Onori is the thread that holds it together, his voice simple, tuneful and effective throughout, his playing tasteful and restrained. Innocent. Simple without being simplistic.

Best Years Of Our Lives and I Don’t Want To Lose Me are both love stories in their own way, while Mend My Broken Wings is a scorching bluesy rocker worthy of Indigenous or the Fabulous Thunderbirds.

Saving some of the best for last, Candle In My Heart is a beautiful track, summoning up the spirit of all that is great about The Eagles and infusing it with an Elton John pop sensibility. Album closer Toy Soldiers features a duet between Onori and Robbyn Kirmisse to great effect, leaving us on a moody and atmospheric note.

If you can look past your need for constant visceral thrills and spills, and just put your feet up for the better part of an hour, you’ll find a lot to dig in this album – not least of which is some happy memories of a time when things like mobile phones, emails, Facebook and Twitter weren’t constantly pulling at our attention. - 100% Rock Magazine - Shane Pinnegar

Rock Over America CD Review – Days of Innocence

From Melissa Martinez at Rock Over America.com:

Artist: Richie Onori
Album: The Days of Innocence
Label: Onori Records
Reviewer: Melissa Martinez
Date: Aug 28, 2012

Richie Onori, probably best known as the drummer for The Sweet, has recently released a CD of solo work. While you may know Richie as a great drummer, on ‘The End of Innocence’ he does a lot more than keep a steady beat. He handles vocals, guitar, and harp at times, proving that he’s a multi-talented musician.

This album has a California Rock feel, with shades of the Blues, moments of Pop appeal, and a true feel of a simpler time. Lyrically it comes across as an emotional journey for Richie that he’s decided to share with listeners.

The title track reminded me of something that would have been on the airwaves in the late 60’s. With its easy and laid back vibe it certainly takes you to a simpler time. ‘Goodbye Cruel World’ has a Rockabilly feel to it with the tempo and composition, while the next track, ‘Runnin’ Down the Devil’s Road’ has the feel of an old Country tune.

‘Candle In My Heart’ is a lovely ballad, and shows more diversity in the song styles that Richie is capable of pulling off. Personally, ‘Space Boogie Woogie’ was my favorite track on the CD. On it elements of the 70’s Rock sound meet with classic Boogie Woogie, and just make the song a lot of fun to listen to.

While on first listen it may seem a little simple, the thing to keep in mind is that when an artist gives you a CD that isn’t full of effects you get to appreciate the talent. Sometimes it’s nice to take a break from screaming guitars and lyrics that are full of anger. Richie gives an album that is intelligent and well produced, allowing you to appreciate the obvious talent throughout. - Rock Over America Magazine - Melissa Martinez

Richie Onori is an accomplished drummer whose diverse artistic endeavors could make a professional juggler look like an amateur. He’s been playing with a who’s who of musicians, his own band Heaven & Earth, iconic glitter rockers The Sweet, pursuing solo projects, and is also a talented singer, songwriter, guitarist, and businessman.

“I’m proud that I’ve built these things up and I’m not just one-dimensional,” Onori says. “I think the idea of being multidimensional and really climbing the mountain and trying to reach your goals will keep you going in life.”

Graduating from “hitting on pots and pans,” Los Angeles native Onori began playing drums at age 11, citing seeing The Beatles on Ed Sullivan as a huge motivator toward a musical career which has included work with such luminaries as Rick Derringer, Ronnie James Dio, Paul Rodgers, Uli Jon Roth, Slash, Steve Lukather, and one of his heroes, Keith Emerson. “Keith Emerson was an amazing experience, because I was a huge Emerson, Lake & Palmer fan,” he describes. “And he comes to my house, and loads some keyboards into my studio space. The next thing you know, I’m looking at Keith Emerson, and we’re playing together. So instead of looking at him as one of my idols, we’re relating together as fellow musicians working on a project together. It’s really gratifying to work in your craft and get the opportunity to play with some really, really advanced players.”

Humble words coming from a man who is quite advanced himself, having melded various styles into his own impressive drumming technique, which first drew attention to him in the LA-based progressive rock band Satyr, featuring former Quiet Riot members Pat Regan and Chuck Wright. “I have the jazz chops because I started off in a lot of jazz technique. And Carl Palmer, I liked the progressive thing. Then I got very involved in John Bonham and the hard rock type stuff. So I like the power, and I also like the finesse.”

Onori’s creative appetite additionally led him to learn how to play guitar, which he discovered “is a thing I’m really passionate about,” and to write songs so he could utilize lyrics to communicate vital messages. An ardent Jimi Hendrix fan, Onori had the opportunity to play guitar alongside Hendrix’s brother, Leon, at a Tower of Power benefit. And how did it feel to step out from behind the drum kit? “Terrifying,” he recalls with a laugh. “I was so worried to do it. And I pulled off the show, and then played some pretty big festivals after that.”

Steve Priest from Sweet got up and we did Fox On The Run and we hit it off.

Onori and Heaven & Earth band-mate, Stuart Smith, who are now recording their third album, were to get more of a piece of the action at a Hurricane Katrina benefit in 2005. Onori found himself drumming with most of the performers that night, including The Sweet. “[Original bass player] Steve Priest from Sweet got up and we did Fox On The Run,” he says, “and we hit it off. And when it was time that Steve decided to go out [on the road] again, I was the likely candidate. And ever since, we’ve been doing five years of playing with everybody you can imagine. Sweet is such a legacy band — they’ve had so many hits, from Ballroom Blitz to Little Willy — that audiences are always ready to have a lot of fun, so along with that, you end up having a lot of fun on the road.”

Amidst the whirlwind of playing with Sweet and Heaven & Earth, Onori also found time to catch his breath and record two solo CDs, The Days Of Innocence (now available on iTunes at richieonori.com, with video clips upcoming on YouTube) and American Fighters. Commenting on his multiple projects, he says, “I talk to a lot of other musicians who were gaining their recognition from one band, and it’s all about that one band. But because of what I’ve done, I’ve been able to really spread myself out there and have so many different experiences, so there’s been so many different peaks on so many differen - Screamer Magazine July 2012 - by Merryl Lentz

Richie Onori, a well-known, world-class drummer, has devoted this last decade to extending his abilities by preparing himself as a vocalist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Onori knew he had found his calling when he started to write songs which communicated his beliefs about societal issues that were not being addressed by other artists. He believes music is a vehicle that can be used to communicate truth and awareness, as well as to promote change, which has been the case for many influential artists in our most recent history. He has recently completed his first full-length concept CD, which evokes messages and visions that he believes are important to communicate. Through his music, Onori exposes the root causes of mankind’s downward spiral. His work is titled “Moment Of Truth.”

Inspired by the groups of the ‘60’s and ‘70’s whose messages helped to transform the world, Onori believes that artists can once again rise to the occasion and help shape our world and realities with real vision, truth, and leadership.
ALL ACCESS MAGAZINE recently sat down for an interview with Richie.

AAM: Who is Richie Onori?

RO: That’s a good question, sometimes I wonder myself. I guess you could say I am somewhat multi-dimensional. First, I have a drumming career and currently with the likes of “the Sweet” and “Heaven and Earth” as well as doing quite a lot of session work. Second, I am a Guitarist/Singer/Songwriter with a lot to say and I can draw upon my many life experiences and personal points of view. Finally, I am an international businessman running two companies as well as owning the Wine Cellar Recording Studio. Many of my friends say that my name …ONORI … is quickly becoming a kind of “brand name” in the music business. I am not sure if that is correct or not, however if that is so, well I can only be proud of that as Onori “the so-called brand name”, just like Richie Onori, is all about music and that can only be a good thing!

AAM: When did you first start playing music, and with whom?

Richie OnoriRO: I was hanging out with Beethoven (just kidding maybe … laugh). I started when I was 11 years old and haven’t stopped making music since. As a kid I played with anybody that I thought was good. I got my first break when I was 16 playing with the group “? and the Mysterians” (who had the hit song “96 Tears”) and then I joined a group called “Satyr” with a cast of amazing musicians and we had the great experience to open shows in Canada for Alice Cooper as well as Aerosmith.

AAM: Wow, that is interesting, so you got into performing at a very early age and in at “the deep end” so to speak. Who were your early musical influences?

RO: I have so many influences but my # 1 has to be Jimi Hendrix because he had it all. Last year I did a California tour with Uli Jon Roth and we did primarily Hendrix tunes with a few Scorpion songs sprinkled in. Uli really nails the Hendrix tunes. As for myself as a guitarist I really am influenced by the Blues. As far as drums go I was influenced by Buddy Rich to Clive Bunker (of Jethro Tull fame), Keith Moon and Mitch Mitchell.

AAM: Now, an interesting change in music for you. You are an accomplished world-class drummer, yet you have decided to play guitar and sing on your new project … why the change?

RO: I love the drums and I will always get pleasure from drumming at the highest levels in music. However, expressing myself vocally with my guitar in my hand is the ultimate in terms of creativity, relaying stories, messages and emotions. I love laying down my drum track and then building, expressing and presenting the song with my guitar and vocals. It is me … all the way, and I love that freedom to build, develop, perform and my express music this way!

AAM: Tell us about your most recent solo project, and discuss some of the songs on it.

Richie OnoriRO: Well, myself and my good friend and President of the label that I am signed to, Gerry Gallagher (SO - All Access Magazine

DECEMBER 12, 2011 - Drummer RICHIE ONORI, born and bred in Los Angeles, has built his career working with some of the most influential musicians in the fields of rock and jazz, including, among others, KEITH EMERSON, RICHIE SAMBORA, RICK DERRINGER, STEVE LUKATHER and ROBBIE KRIEGER A versatile percussionist with the ability to perform in many styles, hard rock has always been one of RICHIE's favorite genres--not surprisingly, having grown up cutting his teeth on CREAM, JIMI HENDRIX and DEEP PURPLE. Early in his professional career, Richie was part of popular L.A. progressive rock band Satyr, featuring ex-QUIET RIOT members PAT REGAN and CHUCK WRIGHT. After years of of being an in demand session player, ONORI has stepped from behind the drum kit for his forthcoming CD 'MOMENT OF TRUTH' – a sturdy collection rockin tunes that speak to the unstable times that we are living in. - ROCKWiRED RADiO

DECEMBER 12, 2011 - Drummer RICHIE ONORI, born and bred in Los Angeles, has built his career working with some of the most influential musicians in the fields of rock and jazz, including, among others, KEITH EMERSON, RICHIE SAMBORA, RICK DERRINGER, STEVE LUKATHER and ROBBIE KRIEGER A versatile percussionist with the ability to perform in many styles, hard rock has always been one of RICHIE's favorite genres--not surprisingly, having grown up cutting his teeth on CREAM, JIMI HENDRIX and DEEP PURPLE. Early in his professional career, Richie was part of popular L.A. progressive rock band Satyr, featuring ex-QUIET RIOT members PAT REGAN and CHUCK WRIGHT. After years of of being an in demand session player, ONORI has stepped from behind the drum kit for his forthcoming CD 'MOMENT OF TRUTH' – a sturdy collection rockin tunes that speak to the unstable times that we are living in. - ROCKWiRED RADiO

Richie Onori is a multi-talented musician and versatile percussionist who released two CD’s with Stuart Smith’s band Heaven and Earth, and has a new album in the works. He also teamed up with Stuart Smith in Sweet about five years ago and has toured extensively with them. Richie Onori is currently focusing on his Solo Career, and will be releasing two CD’s in 2012, “The Days of the Innocence” and “American Fighters.”



Metal Babe: First of all, congratulations on being nominated for Artist of the Month on Rockwired.com. You have my vote!



RICHIE ONORI HEADSHOT1 200x300 Interview with World Known Drummer and Solo Artist Richie Onori

Richie Onori: Thank you so much !



Metal babe: You definitely have a lot going on these days, with your Solo Material, Sweet, your work with Stuart Smith, and you have two of your own businesses. Let’s start off by talking about the first of your two upcoming releases, “Days of Innocence.” What can you tell us about the CD?

RO: I am so very much excited about “The Day’s of Innocence.”

It has some poignant messages, storytelling, and a few “about love” types of tunes. One song is called “Goodbye Cruel World.” I guess you can figure out what that’s about; I had a couple of bad months…



Metal Babe: What is the meaning behind the title track?



RO: It’s about me and people that experienced the 60’s 70’s and 80’s musical renaissance and growing up in this magical musical time. Things are different now. Sometimes I wished I could back to those times when life and families were different.



The last lyrics of the song are:


RICHIE ONORO GERRY GALLAGHER SIGNING PIC 200x300 Interview with World Known Drummer and Solo Artist Richie Onori

Richie Onori and Gerry Gallagher

NOW THE WORLD’S A DIFFERENT PLACE

PEOPLE LOST IN CYBERSPACE

WITH YOUR CELL PHONES YOU CAN’T REPLACE

HAS THE MUSIC DIED



Metal Babe: What is the expected Release Date for the CD?



RO: Gerry Gallagher from Sola records (www.solalabel.com) and I are shooting for a late March/April release and launch.



Metal Babe: You also plan on releasing another CD, “American Fighters,” some time in 2012. What inspired you to release a full-length concept CD?



RO: I think many artists like to make statements about what’s wrong in the world and offer their own beliefs to bring about awareness through their songs. My inspiration comes from my own experience of knowing and understanding the truth on what’s behind the curtain. I think mankind is at tipping point and now it is my time to make a statement through my music.



Metal Babe: Your CD focuses on messages of truth, awareness, and change. What is the most important message that you are trying to get across?



RO: Many of my protest type songs on “American Fighters” were written in the 90’s and early 2000 and I find them extremely relevant in today’s menacing world. Many issues I cover are addressing greed, the environment, politics, inappropriate taxes, drugs, both prescription and street. Additionally we need our people to come together instead of being sidetracked and confused by the suppressive and oppressive forces. Finger pointing is what they want us to do and thus picking a side is what people are conned into believing. It’s just a trap. We need to go after the correct targets, and that’s what I try to do with the messages that come through my music.



Metal Babe: Do you have any plans to do a solo tour or any upcoming shows in the works?



RO: Yes, in the works. We are talking about dates in Japan and Europe, but first we will do some local warm up gigs before we have the launch party gig! Stay tuned www.richieonori.com. We are putting together an all-star band for the shows.



Metal Babe: That’s awesome. I will definitely keep a lookout. I saw on your website that you will be at NAMM this year. Will you be doing a Signing or Performing?



RO: I have two compa - Metal Babe's World - Alison "MetalBabe" Cohen

Glenn: From an early age, what brought you into wanting to play?

Richie: That made me wanna play?

Glenn: Yeah.

Richie: Well I was into as far as stylistically.. my brother was a guitarist and he was into the whole surf music thing - Dick Dale and all that so I was influenced by but it was really by watching The Beatles and I came from a very musical family. So it was like The Beatles and The (Rolling) Stones - all that yeah - the English Invasion turned me on.

Glenn: So many American artists say the same thing as well. Rickey Medlocke said that as well.

Richie: Yeah.

Glenn: Incredible really.

Richie: Yeah.

Glenn: Just blame us. We're the fault for it all - we'll take the blame.

Richie: Yeah, yeah. You brought the Devil to us.

Glenn: Exactly. How were your first bands when you first got playing as a drummer?

Richie: Well the first bands that I played in I was with, probaby before I turned professional I must have been in 30 or 40 different bands and I was highly influenced by Jimi Hendrix - I was really into Mitch Mitchell - I loved Hendrix and so with Cream and Ginger Baker and all that and my first gig was a gig was with the guy ? (Question Mark) and the Mysterians which was '96 Tears' which was actually a big hit. I didn't play on the record but I played years later so that was my 1st thing.

Glenn: What was it that took you from playing in smaller bands to where you are today - how did you first make that big break to the big league so to speak?

Richie: Well I played with a pretty progressive band. It was kinda like a cross between Genesis and Led Zeppelin and Yes. I was a pretty young kid at the time and Chuck Wright who people know from Quiet Riot and then Pat Reagan who produces Ritchie Blackmore's records and well known keyboard producer - he was in the band and we were in a band called 'Satyr' and we had a huge following here in Los Angeles - it's just people were nuts and it broke chemistry within the group and our first break was (that) we opened shows for Alice Cooper on the 'Welcome To My Nightmare' Tour and so we went to Canada, we came back and we were in the Hollywood scene and we played some fantastic shows here too mainly and then Aerosmith came to The Starwood one night and opened for us and they were called 'Dr. Jones and the Inturns' and it's actually in Steve Tyler's book - it's in the Aerosmith book about the night they played The Starwood and so we were the band that was actually headlining. They came in as 'Dr. Jones and the Inturns'. So that gave me the confidence that between that and Alice Cooper and doing all that to make that jump that you're somebody.

Glenn: Yeah and I guess after a while that everybody are very similar as people once you break down that barrier of megastardom and you get talking to them and they are no different to anybody else a lot of the time.

Richie: Yeah.

Glenn: It makes things a lot easier.

Richie: Yeah that's right.

Glenn: What made you want to play drums? What was it about the drums?

Richie: My Mom was a dancer, she danced with Mickey Roonie and Judy Garland so she got me into tap dancing and all this dance thing so I was rythmical and my Dad, I just started and my brother was a guitarist so he kinda already had that domain and so i started hitting pots and pans with sticks to keep the beat while my brother played and so forth and they saw I was really interested and they got me a toy drum set and the next thing you know they bought me a nice Slingerland kit and hooked me up with a teacher and then I started playing.

Glenn: What would you say your favourite kits have been over the years?

Richie: Well I think drumset wise I had a really nice Ludwig. I had a Gretsch. I am currently with DW - I've been endorsed by DW for probably close to 15/16 years and I like the DW. I really like the DW stuff.

Glenn: Is there anything that really stands out about the DW stuff against the other stuff that's around.

Richie: - Metalliville - Glenn Milligan, Editor

I went to NAMM (National Association of Music Merchandisers) for the first time in Anaheim, CA in January. It was staggering -- the equipment, the instruments, shows, musicians, merchandise, lectures -- overall, an overwhelming amount of information. It was fun to walk around in a Singingbelt t-shirt, imagining and strategizing for the future.

Hands down, the highlight of the adventure was finding the Onori Entertainment booth and having the opportunity to meet Richie Onori. If there is a "living legend" DIYer, it is Richie. The current drummer for '70s multi-platinum Brit-rock band The Sweet (on tour with Journey in March), Onori is also a songwriter, recording artist (SOLA Label) and major music merchandise entrepreneur. Owner of Onori Guitar Straps, he has worked in music merchandising for decades and currently, he also represents and distributes Albion Amps in the U.S.

One of he most welcoming and open people you can meet, Richie has the most years of pragmatic experience as an indi artist, musician, and entrepreneur of anyone I know. He has much to say about making a living making music and the many hats one wears as a DIYer to get it done.

RG:When did you start playing?

RO: I started playing drums at age 11. I picked up guitar a little later. In the late '90s I formulated my song ideas and recorded my first tunes.

RG:How long have you been making a living making music?

RO: Since a teenager I was paid for my artistic abilities. However, making a living consistently as a full time musician is easier said than done. The financial wants and needs when you're in your 20s compared to the responsibilities of later life caused me to wear many hats to reach my goals.

RG: How has your business -- Onori Guitar Straps and now Albion -- affected your music career?

RO: It has only enhanced it. Being an entrepreneur I tend to look at all my projects as one business. I can handle my reps, customers and staff from any remote city or airport I'm in. I believe, and it has been my intention, that each one of my endeavors can go hand in hand and can feed off of each other creating a better opportunity for a higher level of branding...

It's the passion of music that drives me and it's a challenge and a balancing act sometimes to say the least, but I find it very exciting and I rarely have time to be bored. Playing drums or guitar or writing songs and singing or selling and being the boss, its all one thing to me and it all seems so necessary for me to do.

2011-02-03-RichieOnori.jpg

RG: You must often have people starting out -- or those struggling in the middle -- asking you for guidance. What comes to mind?

RO: Have fun doing it and gain or explore your talent you innately have inside of you. Give yourself time to develop and be open to have success. Don't limit yourself because of age or self imposed barriers because if you really want something you'll figure out a way to get it.

RG: I can hear that limitlessness in your music.

RO: I believe in "PFANA" People For a New America" it's the idea of combining the principles of the old and new ideas of changing the planet by new ways of thinking. By respecting our environment and our liberties, and implementing a tax system that makes sense and being open to other ways to heal our bodies and minds.

RG:You were touring extensively in major bands, what inspired you to start Onori Guitar Straps when you did?

RO: I was touring with Bobby Kimball from the multi-platinum group Toto in the late 90's and at the same time I had my own successful rep firm. The problem with being a manufactures rep is when you start making too much money, and at the same time have a career in music, it tends to make people jealous. I was making a great high six figure income from my rep firm, but I was hung out to dry when my partners and the manufacturer teamed up against me. So the answer to your question is threefold 1) I knew I could do it because I did it before so - Huffington Post - by Ruth Gerson

I went to NAMM (National Association of Music Merchandisers) for the first time in Anaheim, CA in January. It was staggering -- the equipment, the instruments, shows, musicians, merchandise, lectures -- overall, an overwhelming amount of information. It was fun to walk around in a Singingbelt t-shirt, imagining and strategizing for the future.

Hands down, the highlight of the adventure was finding the Onori Entertainment booth and having the opportunity to meet Richie Onori. If there is a "living legend" DIYer, it is Richie. The current drummer for '70s multi-platinum Brit-rock band The Sweet (on tour with Journey in March), Onori is also a songwriter, recording artist (SOLA Label) and major music merchandise entrepreneur. Owner of Onori Guitar Straps, he has worked in music merchandising for decades and currently, he also represents and distributes Albion Amps in the U.S.

One of he most welcoming and open people you can meet, Richie has the most years of pragmatic experience as an indi artist, musician, and entrepreneur of anyone I know. He has much to say about making a living making music and the many hats one wears as a DIYer to get it done.

RG:When did you start playing?

RO: I started playing drums at age 11. I picked up guitar a little later. In the late '90s I formulated my song ideas and recorded my first tunes.

RG:How long have you been making a living making music?

RO: Since a teenager I was paid for my artistic abilities. However, making a living consistently as a full time musician is easier said than done. The financial wants and needs when you're in your 20s compared to the responsibilities of later life caused me to wear many hats to reach my goals.

RG: How has your business -- Onori Guitar Straps and now Albion -- affected your music career?

RO: It has only enhanced it. Being an entrepreneur I tend to look at all my projects as one business. I can handle my reps, customers and staff from any remote city or airport I'm in. I believe, and it has been my intention, that each one of my endeavors can go hand in hand and can feed off of each other creating a better opportunity for a higher level of branding...

It's the passion of music that drives me and it's a challenge and a balancing act sometimes to say the least, but I find it very exciting and I rarely have time to be bored. Playing drums or guitar or writing songs and singing or selling and being the boss, its all one thing to me and it all seems so necessary for me to do.

2011-02-03-RichieOnori.jpg

RG: You must often have people starting out -- or those struggling in the middle -- asking you for guidance. What comes to mind?

RO: Have fun doing it and gain or explore your talent you innately have inside of you. Give yourself time to develop and be open to have success. Don't limit yourself because of age or self imposed barriers because if you really want something you'll figure out a way to get it.

RG: I can hear that limitlessness in your music.

RO: I believe in "PFANA" People For a New America" it's the idea of combining the principles of the old and new ideas of changing the planet by new ways of thinking. By respecting our environment and our liberties, and implementing a tax system that makes sense and being open to other ways to heal our bodies and minds.

RG:You were touring extensively in major bands, what inspired you to start Onori Guitar Straps when you did?

RO: I was touring with Bobby Kimball from the multi-platinum group Toto in the late 90's and at the same time I had my own successful rep firm. The problem with being a manufactures rep is when you start making too much money, and at the same time have a career in music, it tends to make people jealous. I was making a great high six figure income from my rep firm, but I was hung out to dry when my partners and the manufacturer teamed up against me. So the answer to your question is threefold 1) I knew I could do it because I did it before so - Huffington Post - by Ruth Gerson