Rock n roll band leader Paul Revere died peacefully on Saturday at his home in Idaho. He was 76.
Born in Idaho in 1938, he began his music career there as a teenager in the 1950s. Real success followed after his band’s move to Portland, Ore., where they transitioned from The Downbeats to the highly successful, nationally recognized Paul Revere and the Raiders.
In 1963, Revere met Portland-based DJ Roger Hart, who was then hired as the band’s manager. Appearances on Dick Clark’s Where the Action Is followed, as did great fame.
“It was network television that introduced five faces to the nation, all of whom contributed to an image of hard rock humor that endeared them to fans everywhere,” says Hart. “Daily, teens across America tuned in to the Dick Clark (television series) … It was then that the hits began.”
Paul Revere and the Raiders were celebrated as teen idols, spending 12 years at Columbia Records, participating in two Dick Clark-produced television series, and performing several times on programs such as The Ed Sullivan Show and Batman.
After their teen idol status began to fade by the end of the 1960s, Revere restructured the band into “a well oiled machine, with occasional spare parts,” according to Hart.
Paul Revere and the Raiders were inducted to the Oregon Music Hall of Fame in 2007, and the Hit Parade Hall of Fame in 2010.
The band is booked to play an Oldies Cruise in 2015. Revere wrote about his excitement to play live on his official Facebook page in August.
“Even though I’ve had some health issues, nothing can stop the old man,” wrote Revere. “I jump on my tour bus and go from city to city, packing a trunk full of great Raider songs, tight pants and bad jokes – all against the doctor’s orders!”
But the doctor’s orders, and his declining health, eventually forced him to retire from the band.
From the same post, “Well, you can’t ignore doctor’s orders forever, and I have to give in this time or these wonderful men and women might stop trying to help me. It breaks my heart to have to stay home while the band goes out without me to our next block of dates. You don’t even know how much it kills me.
“So come out and see my boys, and tell them how much you miss me. We have the absolute best fans. I love you all and will see you soon. … The show must go on!”
He leaves behind his wife of 35 years, Sydney Revere.
