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Music drives Lorain man who is both account exec and broadcaster'Lorain native Jose “Pepe” Rivera is an account execu-tite/on-air personality for WpLW Radio 1380-AM “Kool Kit” oldies- Rivera sells commercials for different businesses'; and sometimes uses specs spots, commercials lie makes bdfore the customers hear them.When Rivera was 6 years old, his father taught him how to play the guitar. His father mpved to the United States from Piierto Rico to work at the steel mill, but also worked at home making cuatros, a small guitar with four strings, for some local musicians.HispanicHappeningsAwilda RamirezRivera admired Latino music and enjoyed forming musical groups. At one time, he played in four of them.Pepe, along with his hand the Nombres, wrote “Lady Lorain, a song adopted by Lorain and produced by Diego Martinez. The song has been converted into.a CD. More than 30 yearsago, the Nombres were called the Pacesetters.After graduating from Admiral King High School, Rivera performed with his band at weddings, clubs and parties, until he decided to move to Chicago to work with various recording groups.He traveled all over the U.S. freelancing, recording and touring. Rivera toured and worked with B.B.King, the Average White Band, Red Top and the Young Family. He also played backup music for Edwin Star, the Inkspots and the Platters.After 20 years of touring, he moved back to Lorain. He hadhis own recording studio for his personal use.He performed with B.B.King at the Front Row Theater. He also has played in Harbortown Marina in SanduskyDoug Wilber, owner of WDLW, hired Rivera about a year ago. He decided to dedicate every Sunday to a Hispanic program.Pepe is busy 5 p.m. until dusk every Friday with WDLW sponsoring Cruisin Broadway and Jammin on Black River Landing. During the summer, this is free.Rivera, along with Jose William Vazquez, a PuertoRican veteran broadcaster, are on the air everyday.Pepe said, “The Sunday program is bilingual. For those that don’t understand Spanish, it becomes an educational tool ”He continues playing with his partner, Keith Ranson, and they form the duo the Top Shelf. They perform for graduations, weddings and clubs. They play old school music and RB.Pepe says, “Music is the universal language. You listen to it from when you’re born until you die.” He is interested in our youths* talents and wishes they all could be stars. He advises them to continue their education since it helps them build skills if they choose a career-in music - ;NOTEBOOK: Sacred Heart Chapel, 4301 Pearl Ave, Lorain, will close its 50th anniversary celebration with its animal festival July 11 to 13 at the church grounds. There will be food, carnival attractions, dancing, live music and much more. For more information, call (440) 277-7231.• Mexican Mutual Society bought sponsorship of one hour of Mexican music from Radio WDLW 13.80 AM. TheSee RAMIREZ, B2» . • »
Newspaper Details
The Chronicle Telegram
Elyria, Ohio, US
Sun, Jul 06, 2003
Page 43
Full Page
Clipped by
Nathan O.
OH, USA 05 Dec 2020
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