Claude Papesch
Blind New Zealand multi-instrumentalist and rock & roll figure.
A blind musician who could play many instruments, Claude Papesch performed with New Zealand bands and Australian blues acts like Chain and Savage Rose. He also made his own solo records and is a key figure in New Zealand rock and roll history.
Quick Facts
- Birthplace
- New Plymouth, New Zealand
- Died
- 2 February 1987
- Occupation
- Musician
- Instrument
- Organ
- piano
- saxophone
- Label
- His Master's Voice
- Associated acts
- Johnny Devlin & the Devils
- Chain
- Savage Rose
Facts from the source article.
Career
In the late 1950s, Papesch was a member of Johnny Devlin & the Devils, playing piano and saxophone. In 1964, he served as musical director for two major New Zealand record companies. That same year, he wrote a song for Wellington singer Maurice Cook, which was recorded with orchestral backing; Papesch acted as arranger, directed the session, played piano, and added vocal backing. By 7 May 1966, The New Zealand Herald reported that he was head tutor and founder of the New Zealand College of Entertainers in Auckland. Papesch moved to Australia with Tim Piper and played in an early formation of Chain; his keyboard work appeared on the B-side of the Chain single "Mr. Time". He was with Chain from August to October 1969, then left with Ace Follington and Tim Piper to form Savage Rose. Papesch was elected Deputy Mayor of the Blue Mountains City Council in 1984, representing the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Rylstone districts; he left the position due to illness. He was also an active member of the Labor Party.
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