This Day in Rock History: November 17th

Time to take a look back into this day in rock history: November 17

1966

Aretha Franklin was the first female performer to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Poster courtesy of Raw Sugar Studio

2013

This happened in Streetsboro? Let’s back up a bit. Early Cleveland rock and roll legend Sonny Geraci made his mark with the Outsiders and later his own group Climax.

He was well loved by audiences and his fellow musicians, often volunteering for benefits to aid others in need. When Sonny fell ill his friends with the Streetsboro Family Days along with great help from Dennis Tufano (Buckinghams) held a benefit for him. It was a mini-Woodstock of famed acts from the 50s to the 70s with additional items offered by groups like KISS and other bands to be auctioned. Here’s a short summary of some of the acts that appeared.

At one point most of the artists took to the stage to salute Sonny with one of his signature songs.

But the goodwill effort put forth by all the artists hit a snag that shrouded the event in controversy.

Still, the situation was resolved, money was recovered, and even some jail time for the person found guilty. Sonny’s family benefitted from the show, and we all benefitted from Sonny’s years of entertainment.

2013

Blues Traveler played the Streetsboro venue the night after the Sonny Geraci benefit.

Poster courtesy of Raw Sugar Studio

2016

Folksinger Jonatha Brooke has a Northeast Ohio connection with her work on former Clevelander Tommy LiPuma’s Blue Thumb label.

Poster courtesy of Raw Sugar Studio