![['The Ducats play the Old Mill in St. Johns in 1968. They are, from left, Lewis Skinner, Jim Crewe, Dave Parsons on drums, singer Claude Caines and Bob Battiste. The Ducats earned the Stompin Tom Award for 2008. ']](https://saltwire.imgix.net/ducats-to-receive-ecma-stompin-tom-award-1013423.jpg?cs=srgb&fit=crop&h=568&w=847&dpr=1&auto=compress%2Cformat%2Cenhance)
Rock ’n’ roll is the music of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. That’s the era of the baby boomer generation. So it’s safe to say that rock ’n’ roll is the soundtrack for this provinces’ biggest demographic.
And it’s safe to say that more local rock ’n’ roll musicians performed live on stage in this province than any other music genre.
So now it’s payback time before it’s too late.
Many of the local rock ’n’ roll pioneer musicians are now into their golden years. Some have already passed on. And with their passing so passes all the history, facts and stories.
We need to preserve this history before it’s too late. Bands like The Ravens, Du-Cats, Keatniks, 5 Synns and many, many more must not be forgotten.
We need to recognize these musicians for the contributions they made to our musical culture. There is no financial gain or step in status with this recognition. This is simply a thank you for their contribution to our province.
All that is needed is space in an existing public building or a park or a wall to at least list the musicians names and their contributions.
Provincial or municipal, it doesn’t matter.
We will gladly volunteer our time and expertise to this cause.
On Sunday, Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. at The Old Mill we will be holding our thirdTribute Jam to help make the hall a reality. Please show your support.
Greg Dodd
NL’s Rock and Roll Pioneers Committee
St. John’s
