Shown in this photo- Left to Right:
Top row: Roger Pace, Arnie Barry, Jim Gregory, Jim Keady
Bottom: Denny W
ard
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Roger Pace (November 24, 1944-May 29, 2001) Birth Name Roger D. Paesch.
Great American entertainer who performed in Boston and Baltimore in 1967 known for his high energy performances of R & B Soul music. In addition to fronting the band, Roger played several instruments including saxophone and drums. He was nicknamed “Mr Blue Eyed Soul” because of his high energy, fast dancing, and funky performances. His performances were similar to the late James Brown and most recently-Michael Jackson.
Early days Roger resided in the Essex section of Baltimore. He once told a band member that he performed on stage in a Vaudeville show at the age of 3 years old. However, this can not be verified because in the 1930’s most vaudeville shows were closed.
Rogers parents were John and Thelma Paesch. According to Roger’s aunt Patricia, John and Thelma, Roger’s parents loved to dance, especially the jitterbug. But she didn’t know if Thelma’s family were in vaudeville. Apparently the Paesch family was not in the music business. Roger’s father was a crane operator and his grandfather worked for a whiskey distillery, according to the 1910 and 1930 censuses and also their pre-WWII draft registration cards.
Marriage: Roger’s marriage is unverified but sources reveal that Roger was married to a woman named Inez and they had one son, Johnathan born about 1987. At a later date, Roger and Shelly (see comments) were married and two children were born.
Final Chapter:
Trudy Morgal fills in a couple blanks on Roger. He went in the hospital for a biopsy … for what exactly Trudy wasn’t sure … maybe liver. He was in the hospital overnight and apparently went into cardiac arrest in the middle of the night. He wasn’t in the hospital for a heart problem so he wasn’t on monitoring equipment and he died before anyone knew he was in trouble. It may have been his body’s reaction to the invasive procedure, or whatever … “just one of those things” as Trudy puts it … and very sad. Trudy echoes what we all have been saying … “Roger was the best.”
Rogers aunt Pat stated Roger’s funeral was crowded with musicians and club people and that Roger was buried with his sax.
Shelly, Rogers girlfriend recalls “Leaping Larry playing his harmonica in honor of Roger’s life. It was a scene out of a movie….. and I felt as though I was watching it unfold from somewhere up above. It was surreal to say the least. I knew a chapter of my life was coming to an end. My heart was deeply broken and part of me left this earth w/ Roger.”
Let’s hear it for ‘im, ladies and gents, THE Hardest working man in show business, Mr Blue Eyed Soul…..
ROGER PACE!
A Young Roger
Roger Paesch and Johnny Gillispie
Roger & Doug onstage at the Intermission
The Intermission Lounge, photo taken shortly after the 60's-70's band era
In the dressing room of the Intermission Lounge
Doug Messenger-- Guitar Player extraordinaire
Roger and Judy Kay
Fred Petty booking agent for Roger (1965)
Dave Farrell and Clem at the Intermission
Sal & Muzzy
Jeanne Roberts at work in Fred Pettys office
Jeanne Letendre-Roberts with Muzzy
Jeanne Roberts
Muzzy & Bob Esposito
Sam
Tink
Phil Kawa
Everett and the Skeemers
Jack, Muzzy, Bob Enos Al Boudreau, John Paiva
Snapshot of Roger in his dressing room in the basement of the Intermission
Jackie Joyce with unidentified friend
A young Roger Pace
Roger Pace and the Pacemakes 1964-65
This section is dedicated to the musicians who worked around the zone in the 60-70′s and are now passed away:
Golden Joe Baker (Sept 2003 age 67). Elvis Impersonator http://www.goldenjoebaker.com/
Steve Colt (March 25, 1943-December 07, 2005)
EPPING — Stephen A. LeColst, 62, died suddenly on Dec.7, 2005, at the Rockingham County Nursing Home, Brentwood.
He was born March 25, 1943, in Lynn, Mass., to Stephen A. and Gertrude (Andrews) LeColst. Mr. LeColst grew up in Lynn, Mass., and attended the local school system. Music immediately had an impact in his life, as he was a singer in two music bands, TheDel Mingos and then Steve Colt and the 45′s. He traveled all over the country singing and taking in the culture through the 1960s until 1970.
http://o.mfcreative.com/f2/file00/objects/9/c/a/09cab1bc-7924-444f-b218-8fdfb310856b-0.jpg
David Farrell Aug 2, 1949-Aug 12, 1991 in San Diego. Bass player
Judy Kay 12/17/49 -May 5, 2004. Passed away after a long
career as a vocalist, the last 15 years or so spent performing with
Joey Dee and the Starliters under the stage name of Judy Lee
Dennis LaVita Sr. Jan 3, 2008 age 59. Guitarist and Vocalist
http://www.wickedlocal.com/cambridge/news/obituaries/x531360764
Dennis Haddad (Denny Ward) Drummer for Roger Pace Dec 26, 1945- June 6, 1994 Saugus, MA
Everett Miles (Everett Botelho), Aug 21,1943-Dec 19,2001. Front man and sax player in Everett and the Screamers.
Bill Mazzocca (Muzzi), 1942(?) – June 23, 2006. Saxaphone player for Roger , Everett & the Screamers and other Boston Bands.
Scimone Brothers Played with Roger Pace in the early months of 1967
Robert Scimone (Bobby) Guitarist for Boston based bands May 23, 1943-March 22, 1986 Boston, MA. Worked with Roger Pace early 1967
Richard Scimone (Dickie)bass player for Boston based bands (no specific dates found at this time). Worked with Roger Pace early 1967.
Disclaimer
This blog was created for the use of all the musicians, dancers, co-workers and fans of Roger Pace. The originators of this blog have attempted to be as accurate as possible. However, it should be noted that some information found here may be unverfied and based on individual or hearsay accounts. We invite all interested users to submit any pictures , videos, audio recordings or any media that you feel may contribute the memory of Roger Pace, his bandmembers, the band era of Boston’s Combat Zone, Baltimore, or any location where Roger performed. The webmaster reserves the right to delete any material deemed inappropriate for this blog.
