Column for December 23, 2004
Gordon Arlen Viecelli is the greatest undiscovered singer in America. He
is an old Italian man who lays carpet in Livonia Michigan. Old as in his 50s,
which is too old to try out for American Idol TV show, which I believe he would
win. With better looks, stage presents and voice then Ruben Studard, Clay Aken,
Kelly Clarkson or any of the cast of singers we have seen on that show. Mr. Viecelli
has a voice and a vocal range that is so clear and powerful he could stand on
stage with anyone from Pavarotti to McCartney.
In our Michigan area we
are used to great singers. Bob Seger, Areatha Franklin, Karen Numen who sang the
national anthem when we had Red Wing Hockey. But Mr. Viecelli or Arlen as his
friends call him, would send chills right through any of our greatest singers
souls.
Arlen is no stranger to the bandstand, when he was a teenager he
was the lead singer for the legendary Salem Witchcraft band. People thought he
was a great singer then but the band never made it. Never went national. Now Arlen
who just recorded a Christmas CD, is president of USA Floorcovering in Livonia
734 458 1000. He is happily married and the proud father of a beautiful daughter.
Yes, he is happy, successful and he is-the greatest undiscovered singer in the
United States of America.
Which does pose an interesting dilemma. I
have always believed some of the greatest musicians in the world work at the Ford
Motor Company. Just because you are a great singer or musician doesn't mean you
will make a living at it. Sad
but true. Health care, car payments, mortgages,
the realities of life often force musicians to that dreaded day job.
If
you are a great musician but over 30 with family and responsibilities are you
really going to become a rock star? Would you really be willing to leave your
home and tour with Kid Rock for months even years at a time?
At the same
time if the greatest singer in America or the greatest musician lived around the
corner from us wouldn't we have some responsibility to make note if it? To nurture
it, or at least document it in some way? Should the truly greatest be a
national treasure of some sorts?
Would this be a job for the local newspaper
writer? The local cable TV people? Should Governor Granholm and her "cool cities"
be involved? The Mayor of Livonia where our Mr. Arlen Viecelli works and grew
up? How about the Mayor of
Farmington Hills, which is home to Clear Channel
radio stations WNIC, 106 the Drive, Channel 955, WJLB and Mix 92.3. Should they
be involved? How about you? Would you call the mayor, Dick Purtain at WOMC or
Eric Smith at ch 7 TV and ask
them about the little old Italian singer in
Livonia?
I believe we do have a responsibility to the arts. I guess if
you agree it becomes your job to get involved, to help spread the word. Pass it
on.
Ben E. Jet is the lead singer for Benny and the Jets band to reach
him call (313) 730-1627 via e-mail benejets@aol.com see the Websites bennyandthejets.com and
reverendguitars.com.