When Opportunity Knocks… Listen!
How a 54-year-old music director wound up on a hit hip-hop TV show while simultaneously conducting the music of Jerry Garcia around the country.
THE YEAR WAS 2014. If you threatened me with imprisonment, at that time I could most likely not name a single musical selection by Jerry Garcia or a song by virtually any of the great hip-hop artists. But within months, between March of 2014 and May of 2014, I found myself as the on-camera music director for what would become the hugely successful hip-hop television show, EMPIRE while also signing on to be the orchestra conductor for a national tour for, “A Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration featuring Warren Haynes”. Trust me – for a guy who started out as a 14-year-old saxophonist playing “In The Mood” and other great big band classics in 1974, this was a pretty large departure from where I started and from my comfort zone. My education began immediately.
But that’s the point. We truly never know where the road will lead us. And for whatever trepidations I might have had about either of these opportunities, they turned out to be two of the most fulfilling, musically satisfying and rewarding experiences of my life.
For years I’ve been telling young people that when opportunity knocks, be prepared to kick the door open. You have to step all the way inside and make sure you get all the meat off the bone. Because oftentimes these life-changing events happen only once and then disappear into the ether. And you never know if and when the next opportunity will appear.
In my career I’ve been blessed with some great opportunities like the two mentioned here, but that has also been tempered with tenacity, perseverance and lots of hard work. And trust me – more than my fair share of failures. Believe me – if it was easy, everyone would be doing it. And the fact that sometimes it’s difficult makes it all the more worthwhile. We have to make sure that we don’t get obsessed with only the desired outcome, but that we enjoy the process of getting there, as therein lies the life-changing elements and tools we need to take us over the goal line.
Composers and producers are often asked what their favorite song, track or production is – the most common answer is, “my next one”. Life is meant to be a continual evolution of learning, creating and giving. For in giving, we truly do receive and the greatest joy can be found when you help create an opportunity for someone that goes well beyond their wildest dreams. With EMPIRE, I was able to put over 400 musicians and vocalists on camera during the 6 season / 102 episode run of this wonderful show. And every time I was able to give someone one of these gigs, the reaction was always like giving them the very best gift they could have hoped for on Christmas morning. I’ll never grow tired of being Santa Claus. Much is expected to whom much has been given. For many of us, giving is a moral imperative.
As for the Jerry Garcia tour, that opportunity over several years took me to great places and wonderful venues conducting some of the finest musicians in the United States. Featured artist Warren Haynes became a cherished and trusted friend and colleague and the various symphony orchestras from the Atlanta & Nashville Symphony to the Colorado and Asheville Symphony were a thrill to stand in front of while helping them to deliver a great performance.
Then there was the Colorado venue I was completely unfamiliar with: Red Rocks. Carved into the side of the Rocky Mountains, this 10,000-seat open air theatre was a place filled with history as well as a spiritual feeling of all those who appeared on this stage before us (from The Beatles to Igor Stravinsky). This easily became one of my top 5 career / life experiences. Made all the sweeter by having my wife and children in the audience that special evening.
So, when the road seems rough and untenable and taking you in a place you had no intention of going, make sure to hit the accelerator and don’t turn back. Not every road leads us to great experiences. But we never want to look back on the road we did not take and wonder, “what if?”. There are many miles ahead for all of us before we rest and more often than not, the best is yet to come.
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Rich:
This is a wonderful insight into a music mans journey. I remember playing the bagpipes with my brother on Shaftesbury avenue in London (I was 16). It came to a halt when a Bobby (Funny Hat english Policeman) came a calling and we ran and ran with our pipe boxes half open and our pound coins hitting the pavement as we ran. Luckily, as two young and fit Irishmen, we out ran the Bobby and kept a few pound coins from our busking afternoon and later enjoyed a few pints regaling our table with our escape from a British prison cell.
Thankfully later we became the official bagpipers and the only buskers allowed to march and play on regents street thanks to the Queens penchant for a slow air or a hornpipe.
Keep up the blog posts Sir and I will keep running from the Bobbys.
Cheers,
Ferdia
Ferdia! Thanks so very much for your great post…and even though you’re slightly older now then from when your story occurred, I’m guessing you could still outrun a number of Chicago Police Officers!
Rich! This is wonderful, just like you. Loved hearing all the details and it’s not surprising you realized these fantastic opportunities. You treat everyone with dignity and kindness and you’re optimistic outlook is a welcome respite in a world of cynics. I can’t wait to hear what’s next!
You are very kind, Maureen…thanks for your thoughtful comments…looking forward to seeing you and your wonderful family again soon!
Rich, I couldn’t agree more. I’ve always said that if I had planned my life, it would have been half as interesting! Thanks for a first blog so filled with your good heart. All of us are better for knowing you!!
Fr. Dennis…you should write a book! And I’ve got the title for you…your oft-quoted quip, “Take a vow of poverty and see the world!” 🙂 (always loved that line!), We could never measure the amount of good you have done on the less than straight-and-narrow path your life has been on! Thanks so very much!
Rich, I love your comments and the way you portrayed your past. One thing I learned in life after being in business for many years; never look back because you are not going that way. You are moving forward every time you help someone.
Joanie – you are absolutely right! Helping others always allows us to become better people! Many thanks!
My friend, I once thought I knew how beloved you are just from witnessing your work on non-profits. THEN: I went on the tour of the Empire set! Just *off the charts* how respected and revered you are for both your work ethic and kindness. Thank you for including us on this part of the journey. I am IN!
Hello Lisa my charming and always thoughtful friend! Thank you for taking the time to write this post and for being such a good and caring steward of others…I’m so very grateful for your friendship!
I Loved reading this Rich! What a inspiration you are to so many people. I look forward to following along on your journey!
Thank you, Jess…you are very kind! Much appreciated!
Rich, your new website is almost as beautiful as the music you so well describe. Music (as it sounds out) can’t be seen, tasted, or touched, you said, but it can be heard; I would add that the mind ultimately senses it, processes it, links it to other important life events, sensations, or emotions, and then–often in the most unexpected moments, many months or years later–recalls it. It makes us hot, or cold, or wraps us in fuzzy comfort. There’s nothing like a hot bowl of savory music in winter or a crisp. frosty mug of it in summer.
Good wishes to you as you extend this long-playing melody for many miles to come, if I can mash up some metaphor!
Hello Dr., Dr., Dr., Kevin (three Phd’s..right???). Thank you for your mashed-up metaphors and your thoughtful remarks…always grateful to hear from you…many thanks!
Rich, that is the adjective for your life!
Thank you for choosing to share the details. I am blessed to know you!
Awwww….Jean! Thank you for staying touch and for your kind remarks…it’s been many moons since our mutual friend Mr. Jim introduced us so many years ago…hope that you and your family are all well!
So happy to be included in this launch of your blog. I think the only person I know that is nicer than you is your wife Kathy. Love you !
Dear Gerry….you’ll never know how grateful I am to have you and your late, great husband and your beautiful family in our lives…and on the “nice scale” my wife has me beat hands-down…thanks so much!
” And the lark sang melodious.” Such beautiful insights shared here, Rich. Yes, you are so right: t is in giving that we receive….. now where else did I hear those lines before:) What a treasure you are to Chicago, I’ve no doubt your family, and so many of us. Wishing you continued success my friend.
Paddy – yours is a road worth noting! From County Cork to County Cook…look at the impact and the wonderful work you have done in a relatively short period of time here in the states. You are a living, breathing testament as to why immigrants have made this nation great! Thank you, my friend!
Rich, this is wonderful and the perfect vehicle for your amazing writing skills. Can’t wait for the next blog. 👏🏾😊❤️
Jeff…my sincere thanks to my TV partner-in-crime…you have raised the bar so very high for ALL of us in the music community with your numerous skills and insight. More so, you are universally respected for how you come in on a shining steed and make things better in every setting you work within…I consider myself to very fortunate to have you as a friend and a colleague! Gratefully…RD
Hear! Hear!
Ho, Ho! Thank you Lorernzo!
What a lovely idea to start this new website and blog and to begin it with your own treasured reflection of an unexpected turn in the road in your stellar career that has led to great fulfillment and the chance to give to others too. Coming off a time when we have all been so isolated, it’s really awesome to bring us together in dialogue, music and song. Thank you for that.
Thank you, Nancy…and being very familiar with your journey, you have so very much to be proud of in the numerous zigs and zags on the road your multi-faceted career has taken…all with great style, grace and success! Looking forward to seeing what’s next for you!
Life really is what you create as you live it.
I never left the country until I was 50 unless you count Hawaii!
Now I’ve been to Ireland 22 times, mostly because I took typing in high school! Who’d a thunk it? The young need to take the time to read things like this. They will truly be inspired.
Might have to make room in the paper for you . . . .
Cliff – what a tale your life could tell! And as an esteemed publisher you have been the town-crier for so many wonderful causes, events and newsworthy stories…you have been a significant voice in our community and a golden thread in the fabric of Chicago…many, many thanks!
I have one knocking right now and it won’t be too dissimilar to you learning Jerry Garcia tunes in 2 months (though I can sing Jerry tunes in my sleep and even used his lyric of “the sky was yellow and the sun was blue” to help me remember the difference between 2 Chinese leaders in my “Religions of China and Japan” class.
Great blog.
Thank you, Eileen…before I go out on the next Jerry Garcia tour I now know who to ask about insights into the Dead…wishing you all the very best on the opportunity knocking upon your door!
Rich, I love how you find joy in everything you do — it’s awesome!
Thank you, Ann…and, as you know, it’s easy to find joy in what we do if we just look for it…as it lies right beneath our noses every single day…it starts with the glass being half-full every day no matter what…thanks so much!
Outstanding as usual, my friend! Looking forward to seeing more.
Darryl…yours is another life that needs a book attached to it…your story has ALWAYS fascinated me and your ability to cut through things to get things done is why you have been as successful as you have been…so far. Looking forward to see where the road leads you next! As always…RD
Next blog….tell the Sir Paul story!
Mary Jane…HAH! It’s on my list of topics…one of the most significant non-musical events in my career…many thanks!
Love your new site and the blog. Your comments about opportunity are so true. One never knows where the road leads and sometimes you just have get down that road to find out. (Sometimes there might be a snarling dog chasing you!)
I’ve always admired the way you connect people and organizations which I’m sure has led to these great collaborations you talk about.
It reminds me of one of the great musical collaborators of all time,Paddy Maloney who passed away last fall. His journeys around the globe with the Chieftains brought musicians together in ways that many folks could never imagine. But that’s the great thing about music, it is the universal language. I too have become more open to different musical genres. Listening to Jon Batiste Grammy winning album, “We Are” reminds me why we always need to keep our ears open. It’s a terrific record.
Thanks Rich for creating this new forum
Willie…when I play connect the dots in my life, yours is a name that always appears! You have always invested so much of yourself in everything you do…and you have done so many things! And while being a son, husband, father, brother and grandfather might be atop your list, your 4000+ mile bike ride still causes me to shake my head in disbelief…now THERE’S a road worth noting…and one that years ago I’m sure you never saw yourself on. Thanks for always being there for everyone…Paddy Maloney would be proud. RD
Rich, thank you so much for including me in your mailing list for your new web site and blog. One of my fondest memories was the “IGA Pops & Mom” that you captained. You have been a great friend and a wonderful Hall of Fame fixture for all of Chicagoland.
Ron! Thank you for being such a great example to me and so many others many years ago. I’ll also always remember that magical show we did together for IGA 32 years ago and how our mutual friend Dick Smith brought us all together. That was the first time in my life I ever conducted an orchestra of that size in public (and it’s probably a good thing you did not know that at the time!). And to this day one of the things I immediately remember is how you knew the names of the 5 musicians that were traveling with me and used their names when addressing them. That level of courtesy and kindness from someone who was juggling tons of vendors, clients and details was both noticed and appreciated by all of us…Dale Carnegie would have been proud! A plaque you sent me after that show still hangs in the outer area of my office. Gratefully…Rich
Rich, your words can be so encouraging and optimistic. I thank you for posting this stuff.
It keeps me looking forward and to also remember……enjoy the process!
Kai! YES! Enjoying the process is so much a part of the experience…and I will always remember meeting you for the first time when we were on location at “The Empty Bottle” in Chicago shooting a scene for the pilot of Empire…none of us could have possibly known the road that placed us upon…remaining very, very grateful.
Rich (or should I say Santa Claus?),
What an inspiring post! Inspiring but unsurprising, knowing you, your work and your dedication to service. I actually might have to start following a blog! (And Red Rocks almost makes geology worthwhile).
Well, we couldn’t have Henny Youngman write on our blog but we are certainly fortunate to have, you!! Thank you, Scott…serving with you and getting to know you on the board at DePaul was one of the very best unintended consequences. Many thanks!
Rich, CONGRATULATIONS! We are so happy for you. Wow, wow, wow. Great adventures in your life because you are so open and willing to graciously accept invitations. You played for our Cardinal George and so many other favous people and then there was us – 100 Sisters of St. Casimir – on our 100th Anniversary. You made it the greatest event. Thank you and continued God’s blessings.
Sister Margaret! You and the good Sisters of Saint Casmir have been a blessing in the lives of so many thousands of of people that we will never know the positive affect your order and your ministry has had on others. Thank you for allowing me to be one of the beneficiaries! And thank you for your continued friendship since first meeting to plan your centennial celebration many years ago! All my very best! Rich
Bravo, Rich! Saying “yes” keeps us fresh and open to learning new things. Thanks for sharing your insights into a life well lived so far!
Hello Rita…you are the perfect example of why Mercy Home for Boys & Girls has been such an extraordinary place in Chicago for more than 130 years…because they attract extraordinary and wonderful people like YOU! Thank you, Rita!
Richard,
Congrats on your blog.It was terrific to read. Believe me, I know how much work that is. It’s great that you are sharing some of your good memories…..
Thank you so very much, Irene…I’m grateful for your warm and gentle spirit and for reaching out to comment on our new site. Hoping to see you and Arny again sometime soon…all my very best! Rich
ALL: Sorry for being late to the party gang, but please know how grateful I am to each and everyone of you for your kindness, your thoughtfulness and for simply taking the time to be a part of the conversation. Great to hear from ALL of you and I hope you’ll keep an eye out for the next ramblings from this blog site…many, many thanks! Rich
Rich, loved your blog and especially enjoyed reading the replies you received. I plan to share your blog and reinforce some of your life lessons/learnings with my older grandchildren. Thanks!!
“When opportunity knocks, be prepared to kick the door open”.
“…tenacity, perseverance, and hard work.”
“Much is expected to whom much is given.”
Bill…you are a very kind, thoughtful & gracious man…whatever insights I have gathered have been assembled by observing wonderful life-stewards like you! Grateful for your friendship, grateful for your example and for all you do for so many others. Thank you for always saying YES when asked (especially when “NO” is oftentimes so much easier…). Looking forward to seeing you soon! RD
Great post, Rich – a pleasure to read, and an inspiring story.
Thanks so very much, Mike! Hope we get to work with you again sometime soon!
Dear Rich:
What a beautiful way to start the day with your beautiful blogs; Rich you are amazing, so talented and such a loving person, How proud my favorite friend, your mother, was of you. I am so fortunate to being able to follow you and reliving your mothers love for you. You sure have made her proud. Thank you so much Rich for thinking about me and to keep posting your wonderful orchestrations. Looking forward to the next one. Lots of love to you and your lovely family.
Dear Rich; What a beautiful way to start the day with your beautiful blog. Rich, you are amazing, so talented and such a loving person. How proud my favorite friend, your mother, was of you. I am so fortunate to being to being able to follow you and reliving your mother’s love for you. You sure have made her proud. Thank you so much for thinking about me and to to keep posting your wonderful orchestrations . Looking forward to the next one. Lots of love to you and your lovely family. Marion Howey
Thanks Rich,
Great read, it made my day!
I don’t know, Rich. I think it’s probably better to just stay home and watch TV. That’s the secret of my success. Don’t listen to him, folks, IT’S A TRAP!