McNeese State University - Log Yearbook (Lake Charles, LA)

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With three video screens and the latest audio equipment, Rick Springfield awed Lake Charles fans with all of his greatest hits. (Photo by B. Monds) Singing his 1981 Grammy Award-winning hit, “Jessie’s Girl”, Rick Springfield rocked the jam-packed Civic Center at his Novem- ber 19 performance. (Photo by B. Monds) Singing his first American hit, “Sunglasses at Night’, Cory Hart preps the crowd for Rick Springfield. (Photo by T. Maricle) Rick Springfield 25

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With a sell-out crowd and an action-packed performance, the Rick Springfield concert was Record Perfect The Lake Charles Civic Center was host to the Rick Springfield con- cert held on November 19, 1984 with special guest Corey Hart. Fans looking for good seats packed the Civic Center grounds hours before the concert. Corey Hart opened the concert with his hit song ‘‘Sun- glasses at Night,’’ and prepared the crowd for the main attraction of the evening, Rick Springfield. Springfield has become known worldwide for his hits, ‘Don’ t Walk Away’, ‘‘Love Somebody’’, and ‘‘Bop Till You Drop’. During the past few years Springfield has concen- trated on his film debut in ‘‘Hard to 24 Student Life Hold’’ in which he served as both star and soundtrack producer. This production allowed him to form his own company, and to prepare for the production of his next motion picture. Springfield has also demon- strated his talent by winning a 1981 Grammy for his song, ‘‘Jessie’s Girl” and by appearing as special guest on a number of television shows. The success of Rick Springfield was definitely shown by his sell-out con- cert at the Lake Charles Civic Cen- ter, with area fans of all ages looking forward to Springfield’s next tour, hoping he will return.

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The addition of a new lead singer and the success of their number one single ” Night Shift” opened the way for the Commodores to make A Classic Comeback Motown recording artists, the Commodores, appeared in the Lake Charles Civic Center on April 14, 1985. Opening for the group was the eldest daughter of America’s number one recording family, singer Rebbie Jackson. Jackson enter- tained with songs that included her hit single, ‘‘Centipede’’ preparing the crowd for the highlight of the evening, the Commodores. With Lionel Richie no longer with them, his replacement, J. D. Nicho- las, of England, has proven to be an asset by offering new life to the group. The other members of the Commodores, William King, Ronald LaPread, Walter Orange, and Milan Williams, who have been together since their early college days at Tus- kegee Institute in Alabama, also feel that this addition was a plus. While the changes that have tak- en place have brought new life into the group; the Commodores also feel that if something is good, to re- 26 Student Life main good, it needs to undergo changes. These changes paid off in 1985 when ‘‘Nightshift,’’ their musi- cal tribute to the late Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson rose to the top of the music charts. The success of this single opened many new doors for the group, who, as a result of this success, were able to bring their new style of music to cities across the country, including Lake Charles. The absence of Lionel Richie did not limit the appeal of their earlier hits which also brought fans to their feet. The group, being dedicated musi- cians, feel that their first duty is to their fans, and this was proven by their high energy performance in Lake Charles Civic Center. ‘‘The Commodores feel first that we have to perform,’’ LePread explained. “The show is the most important thing, especially when the people are there. To be on stage is probably my biggest thrill.’