Today we’d like to introduce you to Rick Newton.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Baton Rouge, Louisiana. February 9, 1964. This changed everything. The Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. Pretty quickly, most of my friends were in a band, in a garage or living room somewhere making music. It was crazy!
I started off playing bass, moved over to lead singer, and after an argument between the manager and drummer , I was asked if I could play drums and lead sing at the same time. I said I didn’t know if I could do that , having never played drums. I was then asked (told) to get back there and try. Been back there ever since!
I had lots of opportunities to hone my craft. Mostly stayed with the same band for several years. It was a great time to be alive. Learned new songs constantly! Every day there was a new song on the radio and you had to keep up.
Then life and job and raising kids slowed the music down. There was no regular gigs but plenty of opportunities to keep playing with friends. When life changed again I got back into music. Blues band for 10 rears, my own band for 5 years, the I moved to Texas.
I had to find a place in the music scene when I got to Texas. Then, hello Covid! It was tough ! I didn’t want to Zoom music. I kept connecting with musicians here on FB. Finally I connected with a like minded musician and we started building a band from scratch. I don’t remember how many players we went through but it just didn’t work. So we ended the quest.
However, one of the guitar players we had let me know he was interested in moving toward creating another band. Perfect! I HAVE to play music.
So Gordon Powell and I found some talented people to create a band. We reached a level where we were ready to “ get out of the garage”. I did the legwork and got us some gigs! When the client booked us she asked what the name of the band was……uh..uh..thinking…uh…Newton Powell Band! That’s us.
We too have been thru personnel changes. Temper tantrums, no commitment, always drama every where.
The lineup we have now is the best we’ve had. We are all friends, always prepared. We rehearse once a week trying to keep our playlist fresh. The 4 of us can sing and harmonize. We all have different responsibilities within the group. We are gigging! It’s fun!
Also, anytime a kid walks up to the stage he/she will be asked if they want to sit on the drums! We have engaged a lot of kids! The parents are terrified that they may want a set of drums for Christmas! I always give the kids a signed drumstick!
Rick Newton, Manager, Drums, Vocals
Gordon Powell, Music Director,Guitar, Vocals
Neal Drennan, Guitar, Vocals
Rick Thompson, (RT) Sound Guy, Bass Guitar
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s usually hard to find a “team Player”. Personalities are always fun to deal with. We had a couple of guys play with us and we now refer to them as the Grumble Twins. Phew! That was a challenge.
And we had a guy who criticized everything we wanted to do and whined about everything. A big crybaby who was never prepared. And the biggest pain of all are the members who whine about how much am I getting paid. It’s All About The Money! If you are in this for the money you’re never gonna be satisfied
A plus for us is that we know several guys who can come in and sub if one of has to be out
The biggest struggle is booking gigs. Clients don’t want to pay a reasonable fee for booking a band.
They have their favorites and kinda stay with them. Every now and then they will add a new band. Usually has to be right time at the right place to get on the list. And in most venues there is not any comps for the band. Also the big question from the client is “How many people can you bring?” If the venue is not doing a very good job at running their business, the people that follow us aren’t going to come anyway. Live music is a great addition and benefit to the venue but we are not the savior of your business.
I still make calls in person. It’s a lot of work but it usually works in our favor.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I was in the restaurant business for 45 years. Family owned business in Baton Rouge. The business is being operated by my son. We have been in business 72 years!
Jay’s BBQ. We are feeding multiple generations!
The hard work and customer service habits has served me well in the restaurant business and also in the music business. I have had opportunities with some of my restaurant clients to help them with things in their business operations and to help sell them on how music can help their business.
My business now is the Newton Powell Band.
What sets us apart is the songs on our playlist that appeal to a multitude of people.
Our new tagline is …Tribute to FM Radio… deep cuts that a lot of people are not playing. It is a lot of fun to see people with different tastes tapping their feet and singing along!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Don’t quit trying! If music is your dream date, keep pursuing Her! If you put in the effort you will reap the rewards!
All I wanted to do was keep playing music and that is just what I’ am doing!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://NewtonPowellBand.com
- Facebook: Newton Powell Band
- Youtube: Newton Powell Band
- Other: Google, Newton Powell Band
