BIOGRAPHY

Teddie Joe Neeley (not Theodore Joseph - as is so often printed) was born September 20, 1943 in Ranger, TX, USA, which will make him 66 years young this year (2009) (although, if you ask him, he's really "on his third year of 33 years old!"), and a Virgo (for those who have astrological interests).  Ted’s first record deal was in 1965, at the age of 22, with Capitol Records, with his group “The Teddy Neeley Five”, where he recorded an album entitled, appropriately enough, “Teddy Neeley”.  Later recordings include:  “Jesus Christ Superstar – The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” (MCA – 1973), “Ted Neeley – 1974 AD (RCA – 1974), “Ulysses The Greek Suite” (20^th Century Fox Records – 1978) (NOTE:  Ulysses and Quasimodo CD's are no longer available through Lazeria Music, Michael Rapp is the only source for these recordings. If you are interested in obtaining Ulysses or Quasimodo, please e-mail Kathy Herder at: HerdMusic@aol.com and she will pass along your request to Michael.), and the “Rasputin” soundtrack, currently in the works.  A tour of “Jesus Christ Superstar”, organized in 1993, including the film’s original stars Ted and Carl Anderson (as Jesus and Judas), was planned to last only 3 months, but was so successful it continued for 4 years until February, 1997.  In 2000, Ted created the role of Willie Moore in RTC's world premiere "Murder In The First". After "Murder" completed its' run, Ted worked as the Sound Consultant for Rubicon’s production:  “Lies and Legends”.  See this link for a show article entitled: "'Chapin' revue on tap' in the July 21, 2000 Ventura County Star:  http://web.insidevc.com/archives/07212000/stage/320718.shtml.

Ted's appeared as Jesus in the YTA Jesus Christ Superstar Live In Concert One Night Only Benefit on 8/13/06.  His current project, The JCS AD (nee 'Farewell") Tour (JCS Farewell Tour), took to the road on 9/8/06 for an indefinite period of time, depending upon reception (keep the bookings pouring in folks!).  Future projects include further development for “Rasputin”, Ted’s original work “Pandemonium”, and, hopefully, future engagements for “Murder In The First”; as well as other projects in the works through Ted’s Production Company Blue Bonnet Surprise, and Gary Goddard Entertainment.  Ted, his wife Leeyan, and their two children Tessa and Zakariah made their home in Texas.  Ted has a fan club for all those who would like to keep up-to-date on his doings.  To become a member, see my fan club info page.  The Club is inactive at this time, but, hopefully, it will be active again when things settle down a bit with Ted's schedule.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks to Lynne Freels (admin@medmatrx.com), we have this wonderful ancestry of the Neeley name and a numerology of Ted's birth date:

NEELEY ANCESTRY AND BIRTH DATE NUMEROLOGY

The name of Neeley or Neely is said to have been derived from the extremely ancient surname of O'Neill, which was taken from the given name of Niul or Niall. It is found on the ancient Irish and early American records in various forms of Neill, Neil, Neall, neale, Neilye, Neillye, Neleye, Ne lye, Neley, Nely, neilie, Nealie, Neallie, Neally, Nealley, Nealeye, Nealye, Nealey, Nealy, Neelie, Neellie, Neeleye, Neelly, Neelye, Neeley, Neely and others, of which the last two forms mentioned are those most generally accepted in America today and several of the others are also still occasionally used.

It is claimed by some authorities that the O'Neills trace their descent from Niul, son of Phenius Prarsa, King of Scythia, from whom was descended in about the twenty-first generation King Milesius of Spain, whose son, Heremon, became the first King of Ireland about the year 1200 B.C.

In the year 388 A.D. one Niall the Great, who was the fifty-third in descent from Heremon, was the ruler of Ireland. The direct descendants of this last mentioned Niall occupied the throne of Ireland for more than six hundred years, many of them being named Niall. The forty-sixth monarch, Daniel Armach O'Neill, is said to have died in 1064 and to have been succeeded by Malechy, who was succeeded by King Mortough Mac Neill, who died in 1168 and was the last native king of Ireland of the Hy-Niall line. from this ancient Irish line were descended the O'Neills of the British Isle, from whom many of the Neeleys and Neelys trace their descent.

There were several families of Neele, Neyle, Neile and neale living in England before the year 1500. It is not known from which of the many illustriuous lines of the family in Great Britain the earliest emigrants of the name to America were descended, but it is generally believed that all of the Neeleys and Neelys (and those families which bore the many variations of these names as well) were of extremely ancient origin and, in most cases, of common derivation at a remote period. It is also generally believed that most of the Neeleys and Neelys were of Irish Lineage and descende d from the O'Neills.

The first of the name in America was one Teague Nealy or Neely, who came from either England or Ireland to America as early as 1655 and settled in Northampton County, Virginia. Unfortunately, however, nothing is definitely known concerning the immediate family or descendants, if any, of this early emigrant.

By the early 1700's, there were Neally or Nealleys (Neely or Neeley) in New Hampshire, Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York. The descendants of these and of later emigrants of the name to America have spread into all parts of the United States and have aided as much in the growth of the nation as their ancestors aided in its founding and establishment upon this continent. They were known for their energy, industry, integrity, fortitude, determination, pride, independence of thought and action, and courage.

Among those of the Neel(e)ys who fought in the War of the Revolution were Captain Abraham of New York; Lt. Benjamin & Capt. William of Pennsylvania; James, Hugh, Isaac, James Jr., John and Alexander of Virginia; and numerous other as well from various other New England and Southern Colonies. William, James, John, Richard, Thomas, Edward, Frances, Joseph, Matthew, Benjamin and Andrew are some of the Christian names most highly favored by the family for its male progeny.

The Neeley coat of Arms hereby illustrated is officially documented in Burke's General Armory. The original description of the Arms (shield) is as follows:

"Quarterly, 1st and 4th, gu. three greyhounds' heads erased ar. collared or; 2nd and 3rd, or, a lion ramp. Double queued vert. "When translated the Blazon also describes the original colors of the neeley Arms as: "Quartered: 1 and 4 red, three silver greyhounds' heads jagged with a gold collar; 2 and 3 gold, a green lion attacking with two tails 2E"

- - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - 

Now, I'm not sure the numerology is completely accurate (Ted certainly does know how to be aggressive to promote himself  ;-) ) but it is interesting just the same:

http://www.astrology-numerology.com/num-lifepath.html, Life Path #1 is described as:

"The Life Path 1 drive in this life is characterized by individualist desires, independence, and the need for personal attainment. The purpose to be fulfilled on this Life Path is that of becoming independent. This is a two part learning process; first, you must learn to stand on your own two feet and learn not to depend on others. After you are indeed free and independent, you must learn to be a leader. Many of our Generals, corporate leaders, and political leaders are men and women having the Life Path number 1. The 1 always has the potential for greatness as a leader, but they may fail as a follower. Many 1's spend most of their lives shaking off their dependent side. When this happens, there is little time left for enjoying the rewards to be gained through independence. The individual with Life Path 1 has to overcome an environment in which it is very easy to be dependent, and difficult to be independent.

"A person with positive 1 traits abounds in creative inspiration, and possesses the enthusiasm and drive to accomplish a great deal. Your drive and potential for action comes directly from the enormous depth of strength you have. This is both the physical and inner varieties of strength. With this strength comes utter determination and the capability to lead. As a natural leader you have a flair for taking charge of any situation. Highly original, you may have talents as an inventor or innovator of some sort. In any work that you choose, your independent attitude can show through. You have very strong personal needs and desires, and you feel it is always necessary to follow your own convictions. You are ambitious, and either understand or must learn the need for aggressive action to promote yourself. Although you may hide the fact for social reasons, you are highly self-centered and demand to have your way in most circumstances.

"When the 1 Life Path person is not fully developed and expressing the negative side of this number, the demeanor may appear very dependent rather than independent. If you are expressing this negative trait of the number 1, you are likely to be very dissatisfied with your circumstances, and long for self-sufficiency. This is defined as the weak or dependent side of the negative 1 Life Path. On the strong side of this negative curve, the 1 energy can become too self-serving, selfish and egotistical. Over-confidence and impatience mark this individual."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 
CURRENT AND RECENT BIOS

Here is Ted’s bio, as it appeared in the program for his latest appearance in The Rubicon Theatre Company’s production of “Waiting For Godot” see Rubicon's season of shows for more info: (http://www.rubicontheatre.org/shows.htm):

Ted Neeley (Lucky in "Waiting for Godot") returns to Rubicon having previously originated the role of Willie in the world premiere stage adaptation of Murder in the First. Ted has been active in many facets of the arts – as an actor, singer, rock-and-roll drummer, composer and producer.  He is best known for his starring role in Jesus Christ Superstar on stage on Broadway and on National Tour.  He reprised that role for Rubicon (the production which launched the company) and in the Norman Jewison motion picture (for which he received Golden Globe^® Award nominations for both Best Actor and Best Newcomer.  Ted appeared in both the Broadway and Los Angeles companies of Superstar and Hair, as well as productions of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band in New York and Tommy in Los Angeles.  He composed music for and appeared in Robert Altman’s film “A Perfect Couple”, and the NBC movies “Of Mice and Men” and “McClaren’s Riders”.  Ted performed the music for the Tri-Star feature film “Blame it on the Night”, NBC-TV’s “Highway to Heaven” and “The Big Blue Marble” for the Children’s Television Network.  He also wrote music for and starred in Cowboy Jack Street at the Mark Taper Forum Lab in Los Angeles.  Ted recently played the title role in a workshop production and concept album of a new rock musical entitled Rasputin, written by Michael Rapp, with James O’Neil as Czar Nicholas and Amanda McBroom as Alexandra.  Ted currently lives in Houston with his wife Leeyan and two children Tessa and Zachariah.

***

Here is Ted’s bio, as it appeared in the program for his latest appearance in the Jesus Christ Superstar One Night Only YouTHeatre-America! Benefit on 8/13/06:

TED NEELEY created the title role of Jesus of Nazareth in Norman Jewison's motion picture Jesus Christ Superstar (for which he received Golden Globe^® nominations for both Best Actor and Best Newcomer. A singer, actor, rock-and-roll drummer, compose and record producer, Neeley appeared as Jesus in both the Broadway and Universal Amphitheatre productions of Jesus Christ Superstar. He performed in the Broadway and Los Angeles companies of Hair and created the titles roles in Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band in New York and Tommy in Los Angeles.

His extremely long association with Superstar includes guest starring with original Broadway and motion picture stars Carl Anderson and Yvonne Elliman in the 1976 Santa Barbara California Youth Theatre Production and in the 1977 Concord Pavilion California Youth Theatre Production again with his close friend, Carl. In 1992, Ted and Carl, along with Irene Cara (Fame) and Dennis DeYoung (STYX) embarked on a three month tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the motion picture. Within the first 8 weeks the A.D. tour would enjoy amazing success and continue to run for 4 years, becoming the longest running revival in North American theatre history. This incredible fortune allowed Ted the opportunity to reprise his role over 1700 times and created the phenomenon now known as TEDHEADS. In four weeks he will take to the road once again (possibly for the last time) in Troika Entertainment's Farewell Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Mr. Neeley composed music for and appeared in Robert Altman’s film “A Perfect Couple”, and the NBC movies “Of Mice and Men” and “McClaren’s Riders”.  Mr. Neeley performed the music for the Tri-Star feature film “Blame it on the Night”, NBC-TV’s “Highway to Heaven” and “The Big Blue Marble” for the Children’s Television Network.  He also wrote music for and starred in Cowboy Jack Street at the Mark Taper Forum Lab in Los Angeles.

Ted recently produced a workshop production and concept album of a new rock musical entitled Rasputin - Miracles Lie in the Eye of the Beholder, a story about the fall of the Romanov dynasty as seen through the eyes of Alexei, heir to the throne and friend to the "mad monk" ( a role created by Mr. Neeley). The musical reunited him with Michael Rapp (music and lyrics) with whom he had previously recorded the hit concept album Ulysses: The Greek Suite. Michael also wrote Ring of Paradise and The Enchanter exclusively for showcasing Ted's amazing vocal talents. His latest appearance was as Lucky in the Rubicon Theatre Company's Waiting For Godot, which was the centerpiece of their BeckettFest.

Through his company Blue Bonnet Surprise, Ted is also in development on several new works in collaboration with The Rubicon Theatre Company and Gary Goddard Entertainment.  

One of Ted's more recent press photos - thanks to Tina Henley (Itsokimcrazy2@aol.com) for this one!

***

Sean Grindle (rochestra@yahoo.com) posted this really cute story of a Ted sighting by Arthur Ryan!

http://confessionso favideostorecler k.blogspot. com/2006/ 07/jesus-saves-at-our- store.html

Confessions of a Video Store Clerk Observations by a former retail slave! Friday, July 21, 2006 Jesus Saves! (At our Store!) I've only seen Jesus twice in my life, once at a rest stop on I-95 in Maryland and the other while behind the counter at the video store. Back in 1990 my parents and I were driving from Virginia to PA. While at a rest stop we stopped off for something to eat at Burger King. While in line we saw Jesus in his long white tunic and red coat coming out of the restroom. My mom started laughing, the long ride had finally gotten to her. I wasn't quite sure what he was doing there, and I was too afraid to approach him and ask for directions or make some other kind of small talk. As we were driving away in our car we again saw Jesus talking to some people pumping gas at the Mobil station. It would be several years till I saw Jesus again. This time I was working a Saturday night at the store when a man with long hair in a ponytail and a small goatee approached the counter. He was dressed in jeans and a plain shirt and looked to be in his late fifties. He looked familiar but I could not place him. He asked to rent several movies all about or dealing with Rasputin. We had a few titles in stock... Rasputin, Rasputin and the Empress, Rasputin the Mad Monk. I asked the gentleman if he had ever rented at our store before, he said "no". So I asked for some identification and he produced a driver's license. While taking the info off of his card I noticed his name was Theodore Neeley. Neeley? I know I've seen that name before. Theodore? Ted? Ted Neeley? That's it, he was Ted Neeley who played Jesus in the 1973 film, Jesus Christ Superstar. He confirmed this to me and was quite surprised that I knew who he was. A coworker and I both chatted up his performance in the film, and he obliged nicely. It turned out he was rehearsing a new musical in development about Rasputin and he needed the films for research. I at the time was understudying a role in a play at a theatre where his director was the current artistic director. We chatted, I even sold him a membership to our club, but it was short lived since he was only in town while the play rehearsed. To this date I have not run into Jesus anyplace else but will keep you all posted as to his next sighting! posted by Art at 12:55 PM 2 Comments: H. A. Calles said... According to the Six Degrees of Separation Theory, since I know you (although not personally) now I’m only, just only one degree of separation away from Theodore Neeley. Another famous person to add up to my list. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_degrees_of_separation 9:34 AM   CPL said... I was delighted to have the privilege of auditioning for the very same production of RASPUTIN starring the incomparable Ted Neeley. His singing in J.C. Superstar was raw and amazing! I was up for the role of Usipov but could not portray the role due to schedule conflicts. The author and music writer/lyricist is a talented gent by the name of Michael Rapp (short for Rappagnani). He wrote many other musicals based on historical or famous characters including ULYSSES and QUASIMODO. Ted Neeley is a close and personal friend to Michael and treated everyone in the cast with respect and dignity. They all loved him. Keep up the great blog and until the next Jesus citing...CPL

***

Here is a very revealing interview from 1995. It's from the original charm.net directory, and Evil Grubbs has it posted on the JCS Forum. NIdsy (niro_roni@yahoo.com) just sent it over again recently, and I thought I'd post it here:

http://www.jesuschr istsuperstar. net/articles/ nym12395. htm

***

Another lovely piece named "Superstar Dishes," published on nwi.com on 2/20/08, while Ted was performing with JCS in Chicago can be found HERE.

***

Here is a very revealing interview from 1995. It's from the original charm.net directory, and Evil Grubbs has it

This fabulous shot, circa 1997, was taken by 
Denise Donoghue (ddonoghue@cinci.rr.com).  Enjoy everyone!
 

Courtesy of Mianne Tripp (mtripprn@hotmail.com), here is Ted's listing in Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Neeley

Ted Neeley

~~~~~~~~~~~

BOTH LINKS BELOW USED WILKIPEDIA FOR THEIR REFERENCES:

Sewing Center.com Credits Link

http://www.sewing-center.com/articles/Ted_Neeley

Theodore Joseph Neeley (born 20 September 1943, Texas, USA) is a drummer (rock), singer, actor, and composer (movie scores). Nominated for Best Motion Picture Actor in Musical or Comedy (Golden Globe Awards, 1974). Best known for his astounding vocal range in the role of Jesus Christ, in Norman Jewison's 1973 movie adaptation of Broadway stage musical Jesus Christ Superstar (in the Broadway stage version of which he was the Christ understudy and LA stage version of which he played the title role). Theatre/Film/Television/Record Credits Teddy Neeley, Capitol Records, 1966 Billing onscreen for 'Teddy Neeley Five', Dragnet Claude, Hair, LA/NY, 1969 Reporter/Leper/Jesus understudy, Jesus Christ Superstar, NY, 1971 Jesus, Jesus Christ Superstar, LA, 1972 Jesus, Jesus Christ Superstar, Universal Pictures, 1973 Jesus, Jesus Christ Superstar, MCA Records, Inc., 1973 Tommy, Tommy, national concert tour/LA, 1973 Billy Shears, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band on the Road, NY, 1974 Ted Neeley/1974 A.D., RCA Records, 1974 You Put Something Better Inside Of Me/Rainbow, single, RCA Records, 1974 Composer, The Big Blue Marble, TV, 1974 Paradise/Don't Let It Mess Your Mind, single, United Artists Records, 1975 Ted Neeley/1975 A.D., RCA Victor Records, Spanish release only, 1975 Special appearance, Nigel Olsson, the Rocket Record Company, 1975 Vocal arrangement, Tina Turner - Acid Queen, Razor & Tie Records, 1975 Guest with Disco Tex and the Sex-O-Lettes, American Bandstand, May 31, 1975 Guest with Ray Charles, A Touch of Gold, variety show, NBC Vocals, Bo Diddley - The 20th Anniversary of Rock 'N' Roll, RCA Victor Records, 1976 Backup vocals, Keith Carradine - I'm Easy, Elektra/Asylum/Nonesuch Records, 1976 Jesus, Jesus Christ Superstar, CA, 1976 Amos Richmond, The Shadow of Chikara, AVCO Embassy Pictures, 1977 Jack Muldoon, The Man from Atlantis, 'Giant' episode, October 25, 1977 Host, Rolling Stone 10th Anniversary Special, 1977 Jack Muldoon, The Man from Atlantis, 'Scavenger Hunt' episode, April 18, 1978 Ulysses, Ulysses - The Greek Suite, 20th Century Fox Records, 1978 Teddy, A Perfect Couple, 1979 Teddy/Keepin 'Em Off the Streets, A Perfect Couple soundtrack, co-wrote "Hurricane," 1979 Lionel Rigger, Starsky and Hutch, 'Targets Without a Badge: Part 1' (A.K.A.: "The Snitch"), March 6, 1979 Lionel Rigger, Starsky and Hutch, 'Targets Without a Badge: Part 2', March 11, 1979 Lionel Rigger, Starsky and Hutch, 'Targets Without a Badge: Part 3', March 16, 1979 Curley, Of Mice and Men, Metromedia Productions, 1981 Wesley, Hard Country, 1981 Vocals, Meat Loaf - The Very Best of Meat Loaf, Epic Records, 1981 Backup vocals, Meat Loaf - Dead Ringer, Epic/Sony Records, 1981 Miscellaneous part, Dead Ringer, 1981 Backup vocals, Meat Loaf - Midnight at the Lost and Found, co-wrote "If You Really Want To," Epic/Sony Records, 1983 Composer/singer of theme song, Highway to Heaven, 1984-1989 Keith Tracy, Tucker's Witch, 'Rock Is A Hard Place' episode, April 14, 1983 Composer, Blame it on the Night, 1984 Larry Bloom, Riptide, 'Wipe Out' episode, October 1, 1985 Cowboy Jack Street, Mark Taper Forum Lab, LA Composer, Summer Camp Nightmare, 1987 Composer, Caught, 1987 Jesus, Jesus Christ Superstar national tour, 1992-1997 "Gethsemane" singer, The X-Files, episode 24, season 4, May 18, 1997 Jesus, Jesus Christ Superstar, 25th anniversary reissue, MCA Records, Inc., 1998 Jesus, Jesus Christ Superstar concert, Rubicon Theatre Company, 1998 Rasputin, Rasputin showcase, Wilmington Opera House, December 18, 1999 Rasputin, Selections from 'Rasputin' - Special Limited Edition, promo CD, 1999 Rasputin, Ted Neeley and Michael Rapp Musical Sampler, MP3.Com D.A.M. CD ([1]), 2000 Rasputin, Rasputin - Miracles Lie in the Eye of the Beholder, showcase, Wilmington Grand Opera House, December 18, 1999 Willie Moore, Murder in the First, Rubicon Theatre Company, 2000 Lucky, Waiting for Godot, Rubicon Theatre Co. BeckettFest, 2004 Don Quixote, Man of La Mancha, Rubicon Theatre Company, 2005 Jesus, Jesus Christ Superstar, Vatican/tour, 2005 (proposed) All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License Source: Original text from the article in Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia: Ted Neeley.       Copyright © 2004 - 2005 www.sewing-center.com

The Iqnaut.net Credits Link:

http://ted-neeley.iqnaut.net/

~~~~~~~~~~~

Courtesy of Shevonia "Von" Thompson (dabaone@yahoo.com), here is an interesting piece on Ted's life:

Hi, Everybody

I just wanted to share this to yall while on the net tonight I found a site called www.musicalnet.com. It had a forum on it so i took a peek at it and found some information on Ted. I hope that this is interesting and fun. Brother Marv is the one that is credited with the information I hope yall enjoy it.

                                       --------------

Ted came from Ranger, Texas to LA and became a rock 'n' roll drummer. Soon, he got his fifties-style group, the Teddy Neeley Five, signed with Columbia Records and they got their lucky break with their album featuring the star-penned liner notes and photos of a short-haired, cleanshaven Ted with Darren. That was in 1964. The band split up around this time and Ted hung around LA for a while, growing his hair andfalling in with the hippies of Haight-Ashbury who were indeed around LA at that time. When HAiR opened at the Aquarius Theater in 1968, Ted auditioned for the show when replacements were called for after half the cast joined the unsuccessful Acapulco production. Ted won the role of Claude and played that role right through to the end of the time allotted in his contract.

However, Ted still hung around the theater because he was allowed access backstage as a former cast member. He would often step into the role of Claude when Allan Nicholls or someone else would be sick or simply shirk their duty. Following this, Ted flew to NY and played Claude there for a while.

Around 1970, Ted, like many in the HAiR[/] cast, bought the [i]Jesus Christ Superstar album and really dug the music. He soon heard rumors buzzing about while in NY that a Broadway production was in the works. He decided he would do his best to find a part and audition. He practiced all the male songs and decided that the songs which best fit his range were all the ones sung by Jesus and Judas. Being the devilish kind, Ted decided to go with Judas.

When auditions rolled around, Ted came and sang for the part of Judas. The director, old pal Tom O'Horgan, suggested Ted come back and sing for Jesus. When Ted did so, Tom signed him up as a chorus member and assigned him the part of the Jesus understudy. Around the later part of the run in 1972, Ted took over the role of Jesus and Carl Anderson was playing Judas. At least once, on a lark, they'd switched parts for a performance. Then both moved to the LA production.

They never really got much of a chance to do the show, because they were hired for the film and immediately sent out to Israel.

Brother Marv  

~~~~~~~~~~~ 

 TED'S AMAZING MEMORY

For those of you who think Ted won't remember you once he's met you, here is just one of many recounts on his incredible memory/total recall/photographic memory from Michael A. Smith (my own account is on my homepage).  It also comments on Ted's legendary "Tedhugs". Thanks, Moose/Lynne.:

http://www.crazedfanboy.com/npcr/mikesrantpcr209.html

It's early 1993, and I have been invited to attend the dress rehearsal of the 20th Anniversary presentation of the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar." As I mentioned in an earlier chapter, "Jesus Christ Superstar" was the first movie I ever saw alone and it left quite an impression on me. I was visiting my grandfather in St. Petersburg, Florida and he allowed me to go see the movie one afternoon.

If you are not familiar with the film, it begins with a group of school buses stopping in the desert. A group of performers get off the bus, build some quick sets and basically stage the story. At the end of the film, after Christ is crucified, the actors get back on the bus and leave Jesus behind, still on the cross. For whatever reason, them thought that they had left Jesus was very troubling to my 12-year-old mind. After much questioning, my grandfather assured me that Jesus was all right and I went about enjoying the rest of my trip.

After the show ended, I went backstage and was quite shocked to run into actor Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in both the film and the show I had just seen. Still in costume, he was the spitting image of every rendering you've ever seen of Jesus. I'm telling you, this guy must win every Halloween costume contest he enters and he probably scares the hell out of people when he attends Easter Mass. As I approached him I jokingly said, "I'm so glad to see you're all right," and proceeded to tell him my story of seeing the film. When I was finished, he looked at me and asked, in a very quiet voice, "and how is your grandfather?"

Wow! That really floored me. You hear a story like mine and maybe you kind of laugh about it, but you don't ask about granddad! "He passed away some time ago," I told him. Neeley replied, "I'm so sorry," stepped towards me and gave me a huge hug. I can't begin to tell you the feeling I was having. My friend, Marty, who was standing behind Neeley, told me that I had a look on my face like I was going to cry. It is still a feeling that is hard to explain. Anyway, we spent the next 10 minutes or so talking about the show, he introduced me to Carl Anderson, who played Judas in the show, everyone signed autographs and we said good night.

A few years later, the show comes back through Baltimore and I go backstage afterwards. In the time since I last saw Ted Neeley, I had grown a full beard and gained about 50 pounds. As Neeley came towards me, I stuck out my hand and said, "I bet you don't remember me." To my surprise, he said, "you're the little boy who thought they had left me behind at the end of the film. I love that story. I tell it all the time."

As listed on the IMDb database, and on All Music.Com/All Movie.Com (http://www.allmusic.com/  and  http://allmovie.com), and the AMG All Music Guide (http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=Btl5h8qftbtb4), (along with some internet finds by Tedheads and me), Ted’s acting, composing, recording and television credits include the following:

FILMOGRAPHY/DISCOGRAPHY

FILM

                                    FILM                                                                                   ROLE

                Jesus Christ Superstar Special Edition DVD  (2004/1973)                  Jesus Christ

(Based on a concept album project written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, and the subsequent long-running  Broadway production, this  film tells the story of the final 6 days in the life of Jesus Christ through the troubled eyes of Judas Iscariot.)  This Special Edition DVD includes an interview/commentary w/Ted and Director Norman Jewison and is due in stores on 8/31/04! http://www.jcs.pair.com/index2.htm

                Dead Ringer (1982)   (CBS Video)                                                         Back-up singer for Meatloaf
                    (Meat Loaf, the singer is followed around by a fan named Marvin (also played by Meat Loaf) but through concert after
                            concert and song after song, the performer manages to stay one step ahead of his admiring pursuer. The singer's
                            entourage and an out-of-touch television reporter provide some comic relief, in-between the musical numbers. — Eleanor
                           Mannikka.)

                Hard Country (1981)  (Universal Pictures)                                            Wesley

www.rarevideo.com

(Jan-Michael Vincent stars as Kyle Richardson, who works at a dead-end job in a Texas chain-link fence factory. In the tradition of such earlier films as Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, Richardson enjoys himself only on weekends when he whoops it up with his buddies at the local saloon. His carousing exacts a toll on his relationship with Jodie Lynn Palmer, (Kim Basinger, in her film debut). Finally, Jodie delivers an ultimatum: either settle down and get married, or she'll skeedaddle to California, there to try her luck as a country-western singer. Real-life C&W star Tanya Tucker co-stars as Jodie's best friend and role model. — Hal Erickson.  Also stars: Michael Parks, Gailard Sartain, Daryl Hannah and Richard Moll)

                Of Mice and Men (1981) (TV)                                                                Curley

                
Trade Ad from Variety:  Ted as Curley  in "Of Mice & Men.

                A Perfect Couple (1979)                                                                           Teddy
                   http://www.moviegoods.com/movie_product.asp?master%5Fmovie%5Fid=6614&movie%5Fnss=19790034
                        (An innocuous romantic comedy, courtesy of Robert Altman. Dooley is a lonely middle-aged man who is completely 
                         dominated by autocratic Greek father, Vadnis. Through a computer dating service, Dooley meets Heflin and is attracted to 
                         her. She's a rather insecure woman who plays in a rock band led by Neeley (who starred in JESUS CHRIST, SUPERSTAR). 
                         Neeley rules his extended family of musicians, singers, and hangers-on every bit as autocratically as Vadnis controls his 
                         more traditional family. Vadnis would never approve of his son dating Heflin, while Neeley so drives his people they barely 
                         have time for a social life. The film focuses on these two people (Dooley & Heflin) as they attempt to deal with their 
                        "family" problems and come to terms with one another.) 

Courtesy of one of our newest Tedheads, Dana Lee (dabaone@yahoo.com), and the website she found: http://www.selvan.com/pc1.html, we have some great pictures from this film:

   I found this great shot (above) at Jerry Ohlinger's in New York City!

Here, also, is a link for TV Guide's review of the film:

http://www.tvguide.com/Movies/database/ShowMovie.asp?MI=10452

"...a rock band led by Neeley (who starred in JESUS CHRIST, SUPERSTAR). Neeley rules his extended family of musicians, singers, and hangers-on every bit as autocratically as Vadnis controls his more traditional family... Neeley so drives his people they barely have time for a social life...Neeley and the "Keepin' 'Em Off the Streets" band provide some worthwhile music, including the songs "Hurricane" (Tom Berg, Ted Neeley, Allan Nicholls) and "Fantasy" (Nicholls)."

                The Shadow of Chikara (1978)                                                                Amos Richmond                   

www.rarevideo.com

(A Southern soldier comes home to find his wife with a Northern soldier after the civil war ends.  Also stars: Joe Don Baker, Sondra Locke, Joy Houck Jr., Slim Pickens, Dennis Fimple, John Chandler, Linda Dano.)

                                    aka The Ballad of Virgil Cane (1978)
                            aka The Curse of Demon Mountain (1978)
                            aka Demon Mountain (1978)
                            aka Shadow Mountain (1978) (USA: reissue title)
                            aka Thunder Mountain (1978)
                            aka Wishbone Cutter (1978)
                         http://www.tvguide.com/Movies/database/ShowMovie.asp?MI=26687  
                                 http://www.moviegoods.com/movie_product.asp?master%5Fmovie%5Fid=19738&movie%5Fnss=19770047               

The two pictures posted below are from "The Shadow of Chikara" - courtesy of Shevonia Thompson - otherwise known as Von (shenders@stump.navy.mil), our Tedhead in the Navy!  Thanks, Von!

This great still (above), from "The Shadow of Chikara", is courtesy of Helena - one of our Spanish Tedheads (hnc62ngg@telecable.es)!  Thanks, Helena!

                 Winter Tour (1976-1977)
                       PBS movie in 976-1977.  Ted was a fisherman and he met a younger girl who had fallen in love with him, she  
                       went on a tour with him only to find out he was only using her, and that the love she felt for him was of course 
                       nothing that he could have reciprocated.
                       Posted by Mountain Ash Witch (mountain_ash_witch@yahoo.com) - thanks, Mountain!

                 Southern Double Cross (1973)

                          George H. Company Productions, 1973
                   Adventure/Comedy
                   Location: Eaves Movie Ranch, Santa Fe (La Fonda)
                   Director: Don Edmonds

                  Cast: Anne Jeffreys, Avery Schreiber, Judy Lewis, Ted Neeley, Robert Denison.

                        http://www.edd.state.nm.us/FILM/MOVIES/madein.php?title=SOUTHERN+DOUBLE+CROSS 
                       
                      Judy Lewis is the daughter of actors Loretta Young and Clark Gable. Comedian Avery Schreiber, who with his partner Jack Burns was a
                      fixture on television in the 1960s and 1970s, and who was also the Doritos chip "Dorito Bandito, Cruncher" died of a heart attack, 
                     January 7, 2002. He was born in Chicago, IL in 1935. He was 66.

                     NOTE:  This listing is courtesy of Mianne Tripp.  All I can find on this movie is that it is a suspense thriller.

                      Fortune Street 
                 Note: This listing is courtesy of  Ann Stickford (thumperdances2@sbcglobal.net , one of our newest Tedheads. She tells me that she doubts the 
                                  film was done, but had it listed from when she met Ted years back, so I am listing it for the time being. Anyone know anything 
                                  concrete about this film? Google and IMDB had nothing.

                 Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)                                                                Jesus Christ

www.rarevideo.com

(Based on a concept album project written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, and the subsequent long-running Broadway production, this  film tells the story of the final 6 days in the life of Jesus Christ through the troubled eyes of Judas Iscariot.)                             (Note:  Ted met his future wife, Leeyan, filming this movie.  You can spot her in numerous places, most notably in the Simon Zealotes scene - "the girl on the left in the brown outfit dancing", and the Herod scene, immediately to Herod's left,  wearing a blonde, curly wig.)

                           http://www.tvguide.com/Movies/database/ShowMovie.asp?MI=2519

                                             

The Jesus Christ Superstar Oscar ad from Variety. 

RELATED FILM ARTISTS

Worked With:

Production team: Earl E. Smith (Screenwriter), Gene Taft (Producer), Robert Altman (Director), Bert Dragin (Director), Norman Jewison (Director)
Actors: Allan Nicholls, Cliff Emmich, Dennis Fimple, Winton McNair, Earle Trigg

TELEVISION

  NOTABLE TV GUEST APPEARANCES

                        SHOW                                                      ROLE/EPISODE
     

        The Tonight Show (5/24/93)                  Guest with Carl Anderson during JCS Anniversary Tour

                                                                    This little treasure was posted on usendendit.com by:  Sean Grindle: (rochestra@yahoo.com).
                                                                                           Here are the links, and the video of Ted is below:

                                                                                                                                        Ted Singing Gethsemane on The Tonight Show:
                                                                                               http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=B0C1D5050CF94EA8


                                                                                                                                       Carl Singing Superstar on The Tonight Show
                                                                        http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=E51DF20834F519C1

                 

Here are some stills from the video - courtesy of Helena (hnc62ngg@telecable.es):

       A Touch of Gold                                 Variety Show on NBC - with Ray Charles


        Riptide (1985)                                    "Larry Bloom"/"Wipe Out" (episode #3.1 (36)) 10/1/85



           Tucker's Witch (1983)                       "Keith Tracy"/"Rock Is A Hard Place (episode #8) 4/14/83

        Jerry Lewis Telethon (1979)              Sang on telethon (Thanks to Ann Stickford for finding this info!)

           Sonny and Cher (1978)                      Guest Star (see info below - thanks to Debbie (dbitker01@yahoo.com) for this find!

               http://www.justplai ncher.net/ content-16. html

               SONNY & CHER COMEDY HOUR - SEASON THREE - 1978

               SHOW 59
               Guests: O. J. Simpson and Ted Neely, Cameo appearances by Jack Palance and Dr. Joyce Brothers

                1. Sonny and Cher open the show with "Top Of the World" and an opening dialogue.
                2. "The Super Bowl Follies" -- O. J. and Ted join the regulars in a series of blackouts about gridiron antics.
                3. Cher sings "Holly Holy"
                4. "At the Launderette" -- Laverne (Cher) heads the offense in a verbal drive against football and its fans.
                5. Ted sings "Another's Lifetime"
                6. Sonny and Cher perform "River Of Love"

        The Man From Atlantis (1977-78)    "Jake Muldoon" / "Giant" (episode #1.4) 10/25/77
                                                                                                    "Scavenger Hunt" (episode #1.10) 4/18/78

          Rolling Stone 10th Anniversary        Host of TV Special  
                TV Special (1977)     

              A picture of Ted from that special (thanks, Mianne! (mtrmtrm@aol.com)):

           http://www.jmcostumers.com/html/rolling_stones.html 

                                  

And here's a video of the segment that picture came from - found on Google Video by Adam (invaderatham@yahoo.com) here:

      http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=988209650819812250&q=Jesus+Christ+Superstar&hl=en   

The Google Video poster (couldn't find the name) posted this blurb about the video:

"From the Rolling Stone Magazine 10th Anniversary TV Special in 1977, found ... on an unlabeled Beta tape at a flea market. Featuring Ted Neeley (the guy who played "Jesus" in "Jesus Chris Superstar"), featuring Patti Labelle, Yvonne Elliman and several others."  


       

         TV Pilot (The Ted Neeley Special) (1977)                                   Details to come
          Note: This listing is courtesy of  Ann Stickford (thumperdances2@sbcglobal.net) , one of our newest Tedheads. She tells me she has it listed as The 
                       Ted Neeley Special - a 90-minute pilot - from when she met Ted years back, so I am listing it for the time being. 

          McLaren's Riders (1977) (TV)                                                    T. Wood
                      A pilot that aired as crime drama on May 17, 1977.    Ted starred as one of two plainclothes motorcycle cops.

Thanks, Ann.

                        NOTE:  I will have some pictures of this pilot posted shortly, courtesy of Ann Stickford (thumperdances2@sbcglobal.net) - thanks, Ann!

           Winter Tour (1976-1977)                   Young Man (?)                  PBS - Details to come
          Note: Kathy (FatesAllow61@aol.com), one of our newest Tedheads posted this listing on Ted's List)

         Dusty Springfield Show (1975-6)       Guest Artist       
          Note: This listing is courtesy of  Ann Stickford (thumperdances2@sbcglobal.net) , one of our newest Tedheads. She tells me that this may, in effect,  
                       be "A Touch of Gold" (listed above. I will post more on this as soon as I receive the info.

       
        Thanks again to Ann Stickford (thumperdances2@sbcglobal.net) for these (for TV shots from the '70's, they're pretty good!)

        Starsky & Hutch (1975)                    "Lionel Rigger"/"Targets Without a Badge: Part 3"
                                                                                                                                    (episode #4.20) 3/16/79

        Starsky & Hutch (1975)                    "Lionel Rigger"/"Targets Without a Badge: Part 2"
                                                                                                                                    (episode #4.19) 3/11/79

        Starsky & Hutch (1975)                    "Lionel Rigger"/"Targets Without a Badge: Part 1"
                                                                                                                                    (episode #4.18) 3/6/79
                      (NOTE:  While this is a 3-part episode, Ted's character is killed off in Part 1, with some of his scenes shown before the
                                             Part 2 recap, which probably explains why the IMDb database only lists 2 of the 3 parts in Ted's TV credits.)

Trade Ad from Variety:  Ted as Lionel Rigger in the 
3-part Starsky & Hutch episode:  "Targets Without 
A Badge" (A.K.A. "The Snitch").

NOTE:  IMDb database listed Ted's appearance as part of the 3-part episode "Targets Without A Badge"
                            (episodes #3.18, 19, & 20 - air dates 3/6, 11,& 16/75). When these were aired here last on TNT, Ted was in
                            the preview for Part 2 - but the previews were from "The Snitch". Apparently, it is listed under both 
                            names, depending upon which Starsky and Hutch website you may access. Shevonia (Von) Thompson
                           (dabaone@yahoo.com) and I have been e-mailing for a while, since Von was in the service.  Von recently
                           joined Ted's list, and sent me some of the Starsky & Hutch captures posted below, then posted the website
                          link listed below to Ted's list.  Thanks, Von!  Enjoy, everyone!):

http://shpics.shahrazad.net/season4/snitch/

        American Bandstand (1975)             Guest w/Disco Tex and the Sex-O-Lettes (episode #2188) 5/31/75

        Dragnet (TV)                                    (Billing onscreen for "Ted Neeley Five")
                     (Courtesy of Stormy (otherwise known as Lisa Stormy Porter-Reiley) (stormy62@gallatinriver.net), we have this
                      interesting little tidbit:  "I was looking around on the web and found your site. Thought you might find this
                            interesting; I was watching an old episode of Dragnet, and in one of their shots they showed a club in Los
                           Angeles that had "Ted Neeley Five" on the marquis. Looked around on the web, but found nothing. But that's
                           got to be a cool tidbit of Neeley nostalgia.")
                 

THEATRE

NOTABLE STAGE APPEARANCES

                     PRODUCTION                                                                                            ROLE/VENUE

Jesus Christ Superstar - 2008-2009 A.D. (nee: The Farewell Tour (2006-2009)   "Jesus Christ" (Troika Entertainment)

Jesus Christ Superstar - Live in Concert - One Night Only                          "Jesus Christ" (Gary Goddard Entertainment)
          YouTHeatre-America! Benefit  (2006)    

Waiting For Godot (part of BeckettFest) (2004)                                            "Lucky" (Rubicon Theatre Company)

Murder In The First (2000)                                                                            "Willie Moore" (Rubicon Theatre Company)

Rasputin - Miracles Lie in the Eye of the Beholder (1999)                          "Rasputin" (The Grand Opera House)

Jesus Christ Superstar - Concert Version (1998)                                         "Jesus Christ" (Rubicon Theatre Company)

Jesus Christ Superstar (1994-1998)                                                              "Jesus Christ" (25th Anniversary Tour)

Ulysses - The Greek Suite - A Rock Odyssey (6/8/78)                               "Ulysses" (One-Night Concert in Los Angeles)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_-44WLltyY

This clip, featuring live performances of "Polyphemus" and "Find Yourself," is from a pro shot film of the original concert performance in 1978, and was posted on YouTube by Carlos Luevano, guitarist for the project. Gibson (johnlenonomusic@gmail.com) posted it to our FTNL list  To quote him, as permitted:

"30 years ago [video producer's name removed]'s company gave me the original commercial size video master of Ulysses The Greek Suite. I played it once and stored it for all these years. I recently contacted the producer of the project and told him I had the original copy. He said my copy was the only one in existence. The producer had gotten all the rights back from 20th Century Fox and has given me his blessing to produce the DVD. I am the lead guitarist on the album and DVD. The footage is crystal clear, there was no degradation from 30 years of storage. The quality of the DVD is far superior to the quality on
YouTube. It will be a couple more weeks before Ulysses the Greek Suite is for sale online."

Here is the initial post on the Ulysses DVD, by Sherry (Message #3154) on the NOTR Guestbook on 2/3/09:

Does anyone remember rocking out while watching Ted perform Polyphemus and Find Yourself, from the 1978 Ulysses concert on Youtube?

ULYSSES THE GREEK SUITE UPDATE!...Drum roll please...Finally...an official update that many of us have been waiting for! I found out that the Ulysses the Greek Suite on DVD is in the final phase of production and is set for release within a month. I was also advised that the official release date will be made available sooner than later. The issues surrounding the copyright of the product have been resolved and a sample of the concert is back on Youtube at this link:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_-44WLltyY

I think it's exciting news, and I can't wait for such an incredible treat! It's unbelievable that the video has been buried away in the archives for 30 years. How often do you find a jewel like this? Ted with the band A-440 just rock. As soon as I hear anything else, I'm always happy to share with all my friends here. Did I mention that I'm soooo excited and that I can't wait?

When the rest of this information becomes available, it will be posted, with permission, on FTNL - and here.

UPDATE:  2/23/09

Cowboy Jack Street                                                                                      (Mark Taper Forum Lab, Los Angeles)

Jesus Christ Superstar (10/20-22/77)                                             "Jesus Christ" (Concord Pavilion, Concord, CA)

Jesus Christ Superstar (9/10 (12) - 10-3/76)                                  "Jesus Christ" (Santa Barbara County Bowl, Santa Barbara, CA)

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1974 )                                         "Billy Shears" (New York)

Thank you Ann Stickford (thumperdances2@sbcglobal.net) - this is part of a review that appeared in "After Dark". The issue date is cut off, but It looks like 1/74.

Tommy (1973)                                                                                 "Tommy Walker" (National "Concert" Tour)

Tommy (2/72) (opened 2/22/72)                                                     "Tommy Walker" (Aquarius Theatre, Los Angeles, CA)

Tommy - circa 1972
Photos courtesy of Alessandra (cp.ulisse@tiscali.it) 

  
Newspaper coverage - and a partial Rona Barrett review of Tommy - thanks to Ann Stickford (thumperdances2@sbcglobal.net)

Thanks to Ann Stickford (thumperdances2@sbcglobal.net), here are copies from the original Playbill and large program(s) from the Aquarius Theatre production of Tommy. Ann, unfortunately, didn't have the original program to scan, but the
printed pages are very easy to read, and the picture copies will give you a basic idea of what was going on. Get a load of
the costume Ted wore for part of the show - Elvis has left the building - (LOL!) - but this was the "in thing" in the 1970's.
Also, one other thing I thought was really cute:  Ted's bio in both programs says that he was a three-time loser on The Dating Game!  Boy, I'm willing to bet that those three women have kicked themselves ever since!!!  LOL!  Click on any 
page to see a larger image!

Jesus Christ Superstar (1972)                                                       "Jesus Christ" (Broadway/Los Angeles)

Hair (1967)                                                                                      "Claude Hooper Bukowski" (B'way/Los Angeles)

Thanks to Ann Stickford (thumperdances2@sbcglobal.net) for sending this fabulous shot!

Even back in "Hair" there's no mistaking who this is!
Photo courtesy of Linda Fenton (lindafenton@hotmail.com) 
and http://www.orlok.com/hair/holding/photographs/hair/LAHair4.html
as listed onsite:  Linda Faust (Sheila), Ted Neeley (in front, Claude), and Ray Uhler (Woof).

HERE'S ANOTHER SHOT OF TED IN "HAIR", ALSO FROM:  http://www.orlok.com/hair/holding/photographs/hair/LAHair4.html THAT IS NOT SO RECOGNIZABLE:

"I'm a human being, number 1005963297-J..." Ted Neeley as Claude.

"I Got Life" (courtesy of: www.orlok.com/)    

HERE'S ANOTHER SHOT OF TED IN "HAIR", this one is from Helena (hnc62ngg@telecable.es), one of our Spanish Tedheads:  

COMPOSER/VOCAL ARRANGER

                Highway To Heaven (1984-1989) (TV)
                            (Michael Landon's hit TV show - Ted wrote and sang the theme song.)

                Summer Camp Nightmare (1987)  Concorde Pictures    (Composer (Music Score) / Songwriter)
                            aka The Butterfly Revolution (1987)
                            http://www.tvguide.com/Movies/database/ShowMovie.asp?MI=31108
                           

(Synthetic update of LORD OF THE FLIES has young Fascist Stratton staging a small scale revolution by having his kids take over two adjoining summer camps, imprisoning the adults.)

                Caught (1987)  USA Pictures    (Composer - Music Score)
                   http://www.tvguide.com/Movies/database/ShowMovie.asp?MI=33759
                         http://www.moviegoods.com/movie_product.asp?master%5Fmovie%5Fid=15994&movie%5Fnss=19870402 
                    

(An East Indian evangelist journeys to Amsterdam and helps a junkie to find salvation in this religious tract produced by World Wide Pictures, Billy Graham's film production company. — Sandra Brennan)

                Blame It on the Night (1984)  Tri-Star Pictures    (Composer (Music Score) / Songwriter / Singer)
                        http://www.tvguide.com/Movies/database/ShowMovie.asp?MI=11065
                        http://www.moviegoods.com/movie_product.asp?master%5Fmovie%5Fid=20516&movie%5Fnss=19840503
    

(A rock star finds out he has an illegitimate son, a military school cadet, and tries every trick in the book to buy his love.)   (Note:  Ted's wife Leeyan plays Melanie in this film.)

                 Dead Ringer/Midnight at the Lost & Found - Meatloaf (1981)  -  (Re-release 1999) 
                     "If You Really Want To" (Songwriter - along with George Meyer)
                    Epic Records/Sony Records

                A Perfect Couple (1979) Twentieth Century Fox Pictures/Lion's Gate Films (Composer/Songwriter: 
                     "Hurricane" - with Tom Berg and Alan Nicholls)
                     See details under  "Actor/Film" and "Recording Artist" sections of this  page.              

                Acid Queen - Tina Turner (1975)    (Vocal Arrangement)
                    United Artists Records

 
                
                The Big Blue Marble (TV) (1974-1983) (TV)

(See Wikipedia notes below on the series)
Big Blue Marble was a half-hour television series that ran from 1974-1983 in syndication. Distinctive content included stories about children around the world and a pen-pal club that encouraged inter-cultural communication. The show was a very early example of gentle multiculturalism.  In 1974,  A&M Records released an album of songs from the show entitled Big Blue Marble. The catalogue number for the album was SP-3401.  Funded by ITT, Big Blue Marble was syndicated to television stations, including PBS, throughout the United States and Canada. Today, C/F International owns the rights to the series. 

Photos courtesy of Mike Taylor
http://www.tvparty.com/lost-bigblue.html

I'm not sure what music Ted wrote for this show, but someone posted the theme on YouTube. No, Ted is not singing it, but here's the show's into/theme song (link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1kkx2m-JSg ):

                Captain Rainbow (Screenplay - yet to be produced)

 RECORDING ARTIST

ALBUMS

2002  -Rasputin - Miracles lie in the eye of the beholder
                FINALLY - IT'S HERE - THE COMPLETE TRIPLE CD!  See ordering info:  http://rasputinthemusical.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PLST&Store_Code=RTMS

2000  -Ted Neeley And Michael Rapp Musical Sampler    (Rasputin)
                MP3.Com D.A.M. CD  (www.mp3.com/neeley/rapp)

1999 -Selections From Rasputin (Special Limited Edition)    (Rasputin)
               (Available at 12/18/99 Wilmington showcase only)

1998 -Jesus Christ Superstar - 25th Anniversary Reissue    (Jesus)
                MCA Records




1983  -  Midnight at the Lost & Found - Meatloaf  (Re-release 1999) (Back-up Singer)
                Epic Records/Sony Records

1981  -  Dead Ringer - Meatloaf
(Back-up Singer)
                Epic Records/Sony Records

Thanks to Von (dabaone@yahoo.com), we have a little peace of Ted's history to listen to.  Ted 
toured with Meatloaf's band, The Neverland Express.  Here is a picture of the band from the 
1982 tour, with Ted's GORGEOUS mug in the back by Meatloaf, and a few other stills in concert:

                    Picture courtesy of:  http://www.meat-loaf.nl/band_boven.htm

Mark Doyle (ex-Lou Reed) on guitar, Steve Hunter (ex-Alice Cooper) on guitar, Davey Johnstone on guitar, 
Steve Buslowe on bass, Paul Jacobs on piano, George Meyer on keyboards, Eric Troyer on vocals, 
Pam Moore as a singer, Terry Williams on drums, Ted Neeley and Meatloaf.

Also, thanks to Von, here is a link to listen to a song Ted sang lead on during that tour,
called:  "Come In The Night":

http://www.realmofdreams.com/steinman/sounds.html

Website Notes on this song/medley  (did Ted spell his name the way they spelled it below at the time - I wonder?):

When Meat toured for his Dead Ringer album he included some of Jim's Neverland material, though he did not perform it himself. This task was left up to his band. One piece his band performed was titled Come In The Night This was actually a combination of Come In The Night from The Dream Engine, and The Formation Of The Pack from Neverland. Here is Come In The Night, performed by Ted "Jesus Christ Superstar" Neely and the Neverland Express.

AND - HERE IT IS ON VIDEO FROM YOUTUBE!!!  (Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0fozgOo8ek):







1981  -  The Very Best of Meatloaf - Meatloaf  (Re-release inprint 1998)    (Vocals)
                Epic Records

1979 - A Perfect Couple (Soundtrack Album)

                                          (Photos Courtesy of: http://www.selvan.com/pcmain.shtml - the complete soundtrack is available here for listening.)

1978 -Ulysses - The Greek Suite    (Ulysses)
                20th Century Fox Records

(This album has been released with both of these covers)

IMPORTANT NEWS!!!

On MAY 1st 2009 The live performance of ULYSSES THE CONCERT DVD and CD will officially be released on CDBABY.COM

1976  -  Keith Carradine - I'm Easy    (Back-up Vocals on "Honey Won't You Let Me Be Your
                   Friend", "The Soul Is Strong", and "I'll Be There")
                Elektra/Asylum/Nonesuch Records

1976  -  Bo Diddley - The 20th Anniversary of Rock N' Roll    (Vocals)
                RCA Victor Records

1975    - Tina Turner - Acid Queen
(Vocal Arrangement)
Razor & Tie Records

 

1975    - Nigel Olsson
(Special Appearance)
The Rocket Record Company

1974  -Ted Neeley/1974A.D.
                RCA Records

This is the original Spanish Cassette cover for the album, courtesy of Helena Nieto (hnc62ngg@telecable.es)  
*** NOTICE:  It says 1975 AD on it.



Thanks again to Ann Stickford for this one - must be from the 1974AD album cover art shoot.


Ann Stickford sent this real fine too - thanks, Ann!

 

1973  -Ring of Paradise -  a rock fantasy
           ITI Records, Inc.

Von (dabaone@yahoo.com) Thompson found this link. For any information on this recording, and for future purchase information, see the RappCity website here:  http://www.rappcity.com/albums.html 

 

  1973  -The Enchanter - (also written by Michael Rapp)

  
  1973   Jesus Christ Superstar (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)    (Jesus)
            MCA Records, Inc.

1966  -Teddy Neeley
            Capitol Records

 

Bobby wrote these liner notes for Teddy Neeley's first Lp on Capitol in 1966 What's a TEDDY NEELEY? I'll tell you. A TEDDY NEELEY is a five-foot, six-inch, 125-pound atomic reactor plant about to turn on the whole world. A TEDDY NEELEY is a genuine young man with a sincere desire to be a performer's performer. A TEDDY NEELEY is a 22 year old musical personality with at least 22 years of success in front of him. Why do I say all this? Because I am a TEDDY NEELEY fan. I have seen him on stage two or three times in the past year and each time the audience reaction was the same as mine. They paid attention, they grooved and they waxed enthusiastic when his performance was over. It is foolish to ponder how a young man has all the natural ability at, quote, such an early age, unquote, because the answer is very simple. The world no longer is a place in which age has anything to do with sensitivity or ability. A TEDDY NEELEY IS young, but as is the case with his generation, he has been around a thousand years. There is a lot of music in this package. There is a lot of TEDDY NEELEY in that music. There is a lot of music in that TEDDY NEELEY. Let's get it on. Bobby Darin

Photo courtesy of Linda Fenton (lindafenton@hotmail.com)  and (http://www.bobbydarin.net/bdneely) Thanks to Gibson DelGiudice  (johnlenonomusic@yahoo.com), who found this clip of The Teddie Neeley Five on YouTube.com! http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=mE4sFs0KyEE The Teddie Neeley Five performing "There's Always Something There to Remind Me" and "If He Walked Into My Life" on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour

Courtesy: Linda Fenton (lindafenton@hotmail.com)  and (http://www.bobbydarin.net/bdneely.html)

SINGLES

1975  -  Paradise/Don't Let It Mess Your Mind
                United Artists Records

                                    Thanks, Karen!

                          Thanks again to Ann Stickford for this great shot (used on the Paradise 45 jacket.

              May, 1975, United Artists press party for "Paradise".  Thanks again, Ann.

1975 - Love On My Mind (Spain Release)
              United Artists Records

          Notice the misspelled last name?

1974  -  You Put Something Better Inside Of Me/Rainbow
                RCA Records

1960's - Autumn Afternoon
              Contact (1966)
              Where You Are (1966)
              One More Tear
              Bring The Whole Family (Green Label Promo) (1966)
              New In Town (Green Label Promo) (1966)
                 Capitol Records

              NOTE:  These 45's are all available here:  http://www.gemm.com/c/search.pl?currency=US&field=ARTIST&wild=Ted+Neeley 
                             Most are off the Capitol Records "Teddy Neeley" album, but "Autumn Afternoon" and 
                             "One More Tear" are not. Collector's items, anyone? ;)                            
                             

RELATED RECORDING ARTISTS

Worked With:

Performed Songs By: Bob Strauss Barry Fasman Michael d'Abo Alan O'Day Barry Goldberg Gerry Goffin Dave Mason John Lennon Jim Capaldi

Worked With: Meat Loaf Neleam Ymmij Max Weinberg Eric Troyer Alan Rubin Dean Parks Allan Nicholls Lew McCreary Stephan Galfas Chuck Findley Rory Dodd Louis del Gatto Rhonda Coullet Steve Buslowe Roy Bittan Jim Steinman Jimmy Maelen Davey Johnstone Tom "Bones" Malone

#########################################

A MINI TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE THROUGH MEDIA & PICTURES

(or "Early Ted")

Below is a letter and bio (circa 1975), some blurbs and articles and some hard-to-find pictures from when Ted was just getting started.  What memories these bring back, I'm sure!  The top section (above the pictures) is all courtesy of Ann Stickford (thumperdances2@sbcglobal.net).  Some of the pictures in the bottom section are also from Ann, and are labeled as such below.  ENJOY!!!


   

 

SOME MISCELLANEOUS TED SNAPSHOTS

I think these are interesting - and lots of fun!  Take a look:

*  *  *  *  *  *

Helena N. C. Nieto, one of our Tedheads from Spain (hnc62ngg@telecable.es), sent me this link off the Ranger High School Exes Website (Ted is listed in the RHS Class of 1962 on the site), (7/5/05 - Diane Barnes found this link again and found pictures of Ted's old girlfriend, who died in 2003, and his brother Jackie in the "Then and Now" section: http://www.angelfire.com/tx/rangerexes/reunion26.htm.) which shows Ted's high school picture (posted below), and has an  interesting article (also posted below):  http://www.angelfire.com/tx/rangerexes/superstar.htm

Teddie's high school picture

'SUPERSTAR' finds its own niche in entertainment realm. First, it was the 2.5 million selling album, then the Broadway rock opera and then the movie. "Jesus Christ Superstar" has carved its own unorthodox road in the entertainment realm. 

The rock opera depicting Christ's last seven days is back on stage, starring Texas native Ted Neeley (RHS Class of 1962) in the title role. Featured songs include "Hosanna", "Everything's All Right" and "I Don't Know How to Love Him". 

"Jesus Christ Superstar" began as a two-record rock opera in the United States and Britain in 1970. Andrew Lloyd Webber, composer of "Cats" and "Phantom of the Opera", and Lyricist Tim Rice collaborated on it. 

After the successful album, the two men, plus Robert Stigwood, created the Broadway production of "Jesus Christ Superstar". It opened in October 1971. Advance sales topped $1 million, an astonishing number. 

Ted Neeley made his motion picture debut as Jesus in the Norman Jewison movie "Jesus Christ Superstar". It was shot on location in Israel. He received two Golden Globe nominations for his performance. 

Neeley also appeared in stage productions of "Hair", "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "Tommy". He's now focusing on writing and producing when he's not performing in "Superstar". 

Ted Neeley has collaborated with music partner Pepper Martin on a country music album. He's also developed the musical "pandemonium" for Broadway. 

On special nights at the Ranger, Texas drive-in theater, Teddy Neeley and the Teddy Bears mounted the projection building during intermission. 

Neeley and two other band members wowed audiences on those 1960's nights with slow, romantic tunes like "In the Still of the Night." Teddy performed the Teddy Bears his senior year with Joe Barker and Billy Patton. Neeley sang tunes from popular singers of the era such as Paul Anka and Bobby Vinton. 

Ranger High grade seven through 12, gathered for assembly on Fridays. The 800 or so students watched the maroon and white curtains sweep open. On sight of Teddie Neeley and the Teddy Bears, they filled the auditorium with cheering. 

Hometown success didn't go to Neeley's head. But then things were different back in the 60s. "Growing up back then was so simple and sweet, not like it is now." 

In the town of about 3,000 residents, no one locked their houses and keys hung in ignitions. It was a place where everyone knew everyone. 

Ranger teens indulged little in smoking, drinking or even dragging since few had a car. 

On Friday and Saturday nights, they hung out at Teen Town, a small club for youth run by the school. (Based on article in Ranger Times)

* * * * * *

Here is a very interesting set of 6 pictures, circa 1975, but dated 1/1/70, sent by Helena (hnc62ngg@telecable.es), which you can view online here:  

http://www.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=SRH&logsrch=1 

Ted Neeley of "Jesus Christ Superstar" at his home in Hollywood, California, Circa 1975. Classic Rock Photography Archive By James Fortune 1/1/1970

And, here is another of Silvia Toselli's (sitose@tin.it)
 latest gems, circa 1975:

 
Another illustration of "then and now" - two more great finds by Mianne Tripp (mtripprn@hotmail.com), 
here is a fabulous agency glossy of a young Teddy Joe from e-Bay and a very "serene" recent shot 
(http://ompi.onemodelplace.com/OMP_Images/Photographer/5357/5357_p_467B4EC2-2B3D-897A-2D64887A3F58D038.jpg)
from One Model Place.com.  Thanks, Mianne!

Courtesy of The Rubicon  Theatre Company

 

Here's a cute little find from Rita Liekens (du.dom@pandora.be) - the link is here if you'd like to see the website this is on.  Now, let's not all go subscribe, or there won't be any copies left for Ted!  (LOL!):

http://www.midwestbeat.com/photo4.html

Photo courtesy of Midwest Beat Magazine Online
"And on the third day he rose up and went looking for the latest
issue of The BEAT Magazine.  Hanging on to his backstage copy of our 'zine is
our good buddy, TED NEELEY, the stage and screen star of the biblical
counter-culture musical,  "Jesus Christ Superstar"."

From Rossana Casolari - one of our
 Tedheads in Italy - (magicoblio@hotmail.com),
here is a little gem she found, circa 1975:



Here are three gems sent by Francesca Fassina (miciame@yahoo.it):

Ann Stickford (thumperdances2@sbcglobal.net) sent me these fabulous shots. She was given the                                             original glossies by Alan Waite/Ted's friend/mgr:

   
                                  "The Tough guy!"                                                                        I think this was around the "Of Mice and Men" time.


             This looks like the "Starsky & Hutch" year.


 From the article posted elsewhere in this page.  Any guess as to what Ted's holding in his hand?

   
                                                  Look how young!!!                                                                    From the same article as the picture just above this one.

Young and gorgeous!!!   

I think this is circa 1972 - around Tommy!!!   

From Ann Stickford!

Another one from Ann Stickford!

#############################

TED THE FAMILY MAN

Here's a cute story on how Ted tried to help his daughter Tessa out when she was on the game show "Who wants To Be A Millionaire":

Thanks to Sean Grindle (rochestra@yahoo.com) for finding this blog online:

TESSA'S APPEARANCE ON WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE!

http://forums. go.com/abclocal/ WABC/thread? threadID= 100816

http://www.gameshow newsnet.com/ shortshots/ 012406.html

Transcript 01/24/06 Tessa Neeley Tessa Neeley Houston, TX Student Often works all day and makes $100 and is so amazed at winning $2000 that she had her boyfriend Miguel pinch her to make sure it wasn't a dream. Miguel is here as her good luck charm. $4000 What is the term for the formal hearing in which a criminal defendant may plead guilty or not guilty? A: Arraignment B: Voir dire C: Deposition D: Deliberation ATA A: Arraignment 90% B: Voir dire 4 C: Deposition 4 D: Deliberation 2 AOL A: Arraignment 33% B: Voir dire 11 C: Deposition 24 D: Deliberation 32 $8000 By definition, bariatrics is a branch of medicine concerned with the treatment of what condition? A. Alcoholism B. Hair loss C. Impotence D. Obesity PAF, her father Ted, asks for the answers to be repeated, then "Forgive me, Tess, I don't know, sweetheart" 50/50 C. Impotence D. Obesity Tess is leaning towards C but walks with $4000 Answers $4000 A. Arraignment $8000 D. Obesity Posted: 1/24/06 8:58 PM

SHORTSHOTS TUESDAY  January 24, 2006 Who Wants to Be a Millionaire by Don Harpwood, GSNN Air time:  Check listings or millionairetv.com Host: Meredith Vieira Quite the show we saw yesterday, eh? Well, at least it ended with Tessa Neeley (Houston, TX) getting to $2,000 with her lifelines intact. And today, she goes for more... Tessa is still having a hard time believing that this is happening. She actually asked her boyfriend Miguel (who is in the audience) to keep pinching her after yesterday's show, to see if she'd somehow wake up from a dream. Well, it's not a dream, it's reality; and the game continues... [$4,000] What is the term for the formal hearing in which a criminal defendant may plead guilty or not guilty? A: Arraignment B: Voir dire C: Deposition D: Deliberation Tessa asks the audience. An overwhelming 90% of the studio audience says A, but in the AIM poll, 33% says A, and 32% says D. But such a big number in the studio poll is hard to ignore, so Tessa trusts the studio audience and goes with A... and they're right! Moving on... [$8,000] By definition, bariatrics is a branch of medicine concerned with the treatment of what condition? A: Alcoholism B: Hair loss C: Impotence D: Obesity Tessa decides to call her father Ted (no, not the Father Ted from a certain Britcom), but he doesn't know. So Tessa then goes to the 50:50, which leaves C and D. She's leaning towards C, but she's not sure enough, so she walks with $4,000. Good thing, too; it was D.

#############################

NOTE:  Most of the pictures on this page were edited and/or restored by Mark Ellison (Mark from Oz) (ozmarky@bigpond.net.au) - THANKS, MARK!