Awards: Recently (2016), the Recording Academy recognized my 20 years of service as a voting member for the Grammys. My song, Mindworker, was recognized by Joe Glazer and Collector Records to represent America’s three million teachers in his production of “Work’s Many Voices.” (1882?) My favorite recognition was when students gave me a standing ovation at the faculty talent show for my impersonation of Elvis Presley.
Reviews: I need them. Please go to Amazon.com to review my book or cdbaby.com to review my CD. This helps others to decide what to buy. The feedback helps me be a better writer. Thanks.
Recognition: Occasionally, the Bay Area media would award student scholarships or grants based on my nominations. In addition, many of my letters of recommendation played a part in student acceptance to the college of their choice. For three years, I was on the U. C. Berkeley admissions committee, reading essays to determine who would be accepted to Cal. My article on The Beatles was accepted by the People’s Almanac (1976) which went on to reach the New York Times bestselling list.
Odd Jobs. I worked my way through college and continued in various odd jobs, mostly part-time, depending on my circumstances. I assisted pressmen in the basement of The Oakland Tribune, 1960-61. I was a driver for Mission Pak at Christmas (61-64), a dishwasher in the college cafeteria, 1961-65, a factory hand at Simmons Mattress Company in San Francisco, 1962, and a Fry Cook at T-Bones in 1963. I enjoyed being a retail clerk in Berkeley, 1970, a newspaper carrier driver for the San Francisco Chronicle, 1973-74 and a crap dealer at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe during the summers of 1964-65.
Performances: Most of my live performances have been at teacher rallies, peace events, 4th of July parades for the democrats, entertainment for various community meetings, student and teacher assemblies, classrooms, labor union halls, conferences, dinners and open mics in various venues in the East Bay and the Nevada City area. When Mayor Tom Bates of Berkeley held a Buddy Holly night fundraiser, I was Buddy Holly.
Productions: See chapter three of my book, Mindworker: Maybeck, for my experiences as a rock ‘n roll promoter. I also produced records with the students of St. Liz, Castlemont High and Lowell Middle School.
Personal: Married to Muriel, father of Kristi, who lives in Alameda, California, John Paul who lives in North San Juan, California, and Wendi, who lives in Nevada City, California. Granddaughter Chynna also lives in Alameda.