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“Rusty Young of Poco asked, ‘Why are you crying?'”
[Gigi Shapiro has spent her professional life in the music industry, working alongside the biggest producers, promoters, and artists in the business. She has some awesome stories, which we share here in an ongoing series.]
You could say that my career in the music industry started at a 1974 Poco concert in Central Park. I was fifteen years old and sitting right down front.
Their music moved me to the point that I started crying when they launched into my favorite song, “A Good Feeling to Know.” I could see Rusty Young looking down at me from behind his pedal steel guitar.
He mouthed, “Why are you crying?” I managed to convey back that I loved the band and the song so much. Music was everything to me. Rusty let me know that I should head to the backstage door to meet them after the show. I did, and was greeted by a gentle giant named “Big George.” I told him that Rusty had asked me to come back, and to give him the message, “The girl with the long blonde hair who was crying is here.” Big George had a smirk on his face, but when he returned, he gave me a backstage pass and said, “Come on back, young lady.” Rusty came over to me, gave me a hug and asked, “Now, why were you crying?” I explained that they were tears of joy.
He was really moved and commented, ”If our songs can do that, it makes it all worthwhile.”
Related: “If It Wasn’t for You…” Richie Furay
I was introduced to the other band members, including my first real crush, Timothy B. Schmidt (who later asked for a cigarette!), their managers and the promoter, Ron Delsener.
I asked Delsener if his daughter went to my school since there was a girl with the same last name a few grades below me. He said, “Yes” and I smiled. I wasn’t shy and knew this might be my only chance, so I asked, “Mr. Delsener, do you ever need any summer help?”
He said, “Not this summer, but call me in a few months – things can change,” and gave me his business card. I was happy!
Just three days later, I was in the front row at an America concert. John Hartmann, one of the managers I’d met during my time with Poco (and brother to SNL comedian Phil), recognized me and asked, “Hey Gigi – want to come backstage?” He and his partner managed both groups. He tossed me a pass and I went back and got to sit on the side of the stage. As Gerry Beckley sang “Sister Golden Hair,” looking in my direction at various points in the song, I thought he was really singing to me.
Related: “America: The Capitol Years”
America’s tour manager, Larry Penny, asked me and a friend if we wanted to go back to their suite at the Sherry Netherland Hotel (during the day) for a party. We agreed and walked over. Yet around 6 PM, I got ready to leave, telling my hosts that I had a big math test I needed to study for. They were impressed that I didn’t want anything, and then offered a special pass the next time either Poco or America came through town. I was apparently now “their favorite NYC fan.” Are you kidding? Of course, I said “yes” to that pass!
A few weeks before either band came to NYC, I’d get a call from the office manager with the dates and places of the show. There would be two tickets and backstage passes waiting for me. Even when I went to Miami to visit my grandfather over Christmas break, I called the office. They arranged a car for me and my cousin to get to the stadium –and later, a helicopter ride to get to the hotel where they were having a party (I was so scared, never having been in a ‘copter before). Remember – I was in high school!
No one ever pressured me to do anything. They must have known I was a virgin – or at least, not a groupie. I always left the concert or party with just a simple smile or hug.
‘Cause for me, it was all about the music. And it still is.
[PS –How did NOT wanting to meet one of the biggest rock stars on the planet lead to my gig with Delsener? Stay tuned…]
-The CS Team
Another great story by my friend Gigi Kulick who has so many stories about the music industry, especially in the 79’s, in my opinion, some of the best music ever created. Fascinating.
… An amazing story, from someone who had a front row seat to the soundtrack of our lives
Gigi always has juicy and fun tidbits to share of her time in the music biz. Her stories are interesting and insightful and her photos are wonderfully candid. I look forward to more exclusive, inside scoops of my favorite artists!
What a great story! Would love to hear more about her experiences in the music business.
Great great story by a wonderful story teller.
I was at the same concert …. but no one invited me backstage LOL!!
A beautiful story, like a real life, G rated “Almost Famous!”
I had not heard about the VERY beginning of Gigi’s music career and I can’t wait to hear more. She obviously made a huge impression by just being her fascinating self with a huge heart.
Great story of course. Keep ’em coming.
Very nice story. Good music should move us emotionally.
Very cool story about a great time in the music industry – real insider’s take. Fascinating.
The living history about the genesis of our industry comes to LIFE when GiGi opens her book of true tales. Who’s making s’mores before the next installment of RnR Campfire Tales?? Keep spilling the beans GiGi.
Loved hearing Gigi’s well written first hand story about a great band.
Keep those stories coming Gigi – love reading them!
As a performer and singer myself, it’s really cool to be able to read stories like this. I hope to read many more!
NO ONE I know has more amazing stories to tell, or tells them with as much heart and sincerity, as Gigi. I’ve repeatedly told her (as have many) that she needs to write a book. But for now, at least, her series here is a good start!
You are the best storyteller Gigi!!! It’s like going back in time…with all the bands we love..but the icing on the cake??? Your personal experiences told with such verisimilitude! You really bring it front and center and make the reality of those times come to fruition!!
Amazing experience! You were so young yet unafraid to hang out with your idols! The fact that they respected you and followed up with more invitations shows how much of an impression you made. Glad to know the origin of your music industry connection! Keep writing and sharing, Gigi!
Gigi is amazing. She’s been there behind the scenes while some of the world’s great music has been born. Great article. Enjoyed it very much. Looking for more. . .
What a fabulous story, Gigi! Love that no one pressured you to do anything you didn’t want to do. Good guys! I would have fainted if Gerry sang Sister Golden Hair to me! 😍😍👏👏
WOW! Great story!!!!!!!!!
What terrific experiences!
I miss the days when fans could get close the the artists and the music they love. Once again, Gigi was in the right place at the right time during more innocent days.
Yet another great story! Gigi has that wonderful combination of the knack of being in the right place at the right time, and the magic to turn it into an adventure. The woman (or in this story, girl) you’d love to hate from envy, but you end up just loving. Can’t wait to hear more of her adventures!
Love the sweet nostalgic feelings brought on by Gigi’s adventures. Keep em coming!
Gigi, most people only see a persona, but you get to meet the people. That’s prescious. Especially when they are nice. You got season tickets. Hope you kept a diary…
A Great Trip Down Memory Lane!!!!!!!!!! I can’t wait for the next one!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, great story Gigi ! Keep the stories coming , PLEASE !
Gigi keep those great stories coming. MH
I love hearing stories about our rock and roll heroes! And to hear them from people who were right there, in the front row, back stage, in the helicopter! Fantastic! Thank you Gigi. Can’t wait to hear more!
I met Gigi through a mutual Facebook friend and I feel like i’ve known her my whole life. Gigi has shared some stories on FB, but I never read anything quite as in depth as this. I felt like I was a fly on her shoulder sharing this with her. As someone who was bullied for more years than I care to say, I was thrilled to read great things happen to great people. Gigi, you need to write a book that details all the amazing things that you’ve experienced throughout the years!
Aw thank you all so much for your supportive and introspective and encouraging comments.. I hope to have many more stories to share with you here and hopefully soon a book… I adore you all!
What a TREAT, Gigi… love your casual, informative, and always fun writing voice, artfully weaving your wonderful memories and insights. Eagerly looking forward to the next one!! 🌬♥️
Love this…Such an innocent time. I will never hear “Sister Golden Hair” in quite the same way.
I have been in the business of music since 1965…a player all my life. Among others, I toured and recorded with The Sunshine Company, Loggins and Messina, Chris Hillman, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Pure Prairie League, and Gary Morris. As you can imagine, I have many stories.
I say this because Gigi has many as well and she tells them one hell of a lot better than me. I am sure we bumped into one another more than once along this crazy path we have chosen to be on. I suggest that we push her to write an autobiography. I, for one, would be a buyer. The scene she was in was…as flipped out, crazy, weird, wonderful…exciting, as perfect…as any you could possibly imagine. When real shit was happening. Music was king…and rehearsal…far more than a four letter word.
Gigi, m’dear, you rock. Keep it coming. Makes me smile.
Peace to all,
M
Thanks for sharing this story Gigi! I love your Facebook posts about your NYC music adventures and look forward to more “long form” stories! Hope all is well with you!
Enjoyed the read. They knew you were special, Gigi.
What a wonderful remembrance, Gigi. Can’t wait for the next one!
Wonderful story. Gigi. And I am pretty sure I attended that show. Just love all those beautiful memories of summer days in the park. Please share more! Best. -Corey