Fred

Fred Grupe
Bass Guitar

Born: March 19th, 1951... the earlier years …

Fred Grupe born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised by his adoptive parents in Euclid, Ohio. Fred was deeply involved in Christian activities at an early age which included his first brush with music as he sang in the church youth choirs.

Fred then attended Baptist Christian School for his 6th-8th grade education. He then transferred to Shore Junior High in Euclid and participated in football, basketball, wrestling and track. During this time in his life, Fred took beginning guitar lessons and one of the first songs learned that wasn't from the old Mel Bay guitar book was a street version of Danny Klawon's "It's Cold Outside", which was a radio hit recorded by the Choir.

Upon graduating from Euclid High School, Fred went on to Malone College in Canton, Ohio, where he actually participated in intercollegiate basketball and track for Malone. At this time, viewpoints were vacillating and among the rubble of the Kent State slayings, Fred sincerely questioned values and principles and actually had no permanent residence for quite some time.

At Lakeland Community College, Fred met Denny Carleton, and they hit it off immediately. They eventually formed the Fa Band. Playing at first at YMCA dances and other teen venues, they branched out to playing at smaller clubs and parties.

During these times, Fred, with the help of many of his mates, produced multi-act shows billed as Fa & Friends Jam Nights, which included musicians such as Mike O'Neill, Rick Harrison, Tom Foster, Ron Bell, Mac Chafer, Anthony Vaccaro, Joe Horvath, Chris Butcher, Bob Kruck, Wally Bryson, Danny Klawon, Todd Weaver, Dave Thomas, Steve Doman, Randy Klawon, Jim Morgan, Jay Woodford, Ronny & Bobby Carroll, Jack Freeman, Dave Alexy, Al Globokar, Mike Wey, Rey Jesionowski, Dave Smalley, Jim Burkhart, Ralph Viviano, Billy (Skin) Conklin, Dick (Big Daddy) Gleason, Richard Anderson, Mike Marshall, Joe Balazic, Artie Peeler, Steve and Mark Jocum, Mike and Steve Walzak, Danny Schneider, Dave Nida, Eric Robertson, Ted Aquilla, Dave Burke, and many, many more.

Early on, Fred had the opportunity to play on WMMS Coffee Break Concert with Denny Carleton and Randy Klawon. The show was hosted by Matt (the Cat) and was held at WMMS's studio in Cleveland, Ohio.

Following the original Fa Band was a revised edition of the Fa Band which included Danny Schneider, Ralph Viviano, Denny Carleton and Fred.

Next, came Inner City, which included Danny Schneider, Denny Carleton, Pam & Bruce Moore and Fred. Inner City raced to instant popularity and became the house band at the Phantasy Night Club in Lakewood, Ohio. (Pam went on to do work with Gary Wright, Bob Seger and Meatloaf, Danny signed a songwriting contract, Bruce formed Moonlight Drive [Doors tribute band] with old friend Bill Pettijohn, and Denny created his own record label - Greenlight Records.)

At the demise of Inner City, a new band was formed (more of a recording band), called Back Alley. Back Alley consisted of Steve and Mike Walzak, Danny Schneider, Ted Aquilla and Fred.

After Back Alley came Patchwork Blue with Verne McClelland, Dan Brady, the late Bill (Mike) Perry, Kevin Weinbrecht and Fred.

Next came a period of time when Fred just jammed around and wrote several songs that received some air play. "The Christmas Star" and "Because Thou Art Perfect", recorded by Pam Stonebreaker, received air play on WCRF, a Cleveland Christian radio station, and Patchwork Blue's recording of "Good Old Country Rock & Roll" received some Ohio air play as well.

Post Y2K ...

In August of 2000, Fred was diagnosed with a severe case of Cardiomyopathy with only a 15% heart ejection fraction. Prognosis was bleak but for the grace of God, Fred still is with us today over ten (10) years later.

Fred then formed a song writing partnership with long time friend Chris Butcher. Chris took Fred under his wing and Fred considers Chris’ willingness to work with him one of his all time music related thrills. All of this led to the formation of Abbey Rodeo and Fred fully enjoys the camaraderie, musicianship and brotherhood of this group.

Also in 2000, Fred worked with many female youth singers and played bass in the band, The Girls featuring 3 teenage girls: Carrie Vieweg, Brittany Klarich, and Lauren Hull. Past Girls were Brittanney Scalise and Anna Hollingsworth. Band members were Dave Alexy, Fred Grupe, Carl Peters, Dan Rose, Walt Vieweg and Danny (Slick) Watkins. Along with playing various local venues, The Girls also opened for David Allan Coe, Toby Keith, Joe Nicholls and Logan Wells.

Also, Fred co-hosted a weekly radio show, The Cleveland Music Connection, every Wednesday drive time from 5:00 – 5:30 with Denny Carleton for two years.
And now here in 2010, Fred has joined forces with singer/songwriter, Mary Taylor-Brooks and plays bass in a band fronted by Mary that includes Doug Bukovac on lead guitar and Greg Coleman on the Zen drum.

So the one constant, obviously other than the Lord for the past 7 years, has been Abbey Rodeo. Though a few of the members have changed, the core has remained the same. What a blessing from God to be able to play with such good friends and capable musicians.

Thanks and best wishes,
Fred