Rich Spina has become one of Cleveland’s most enduring musical talents. He has maintained a steady profile as lead singer, songwriter, musical director, road manager, keyboard player and record producer.
Rich’s professional career began in the 1970’s fronting a band that became known as LOVE AFFAIR. Over the ensuing decade, that band evolved into a tight professional recording act that released two albums & an EP nationally and had a hit record with “Mama Sez,” a rocking pop song that Rich co-wrote.
When LOVE AFFAIR folded, the next endeavor for Rich was a solo project he dubbed RICHARD & THE HEARTBEATS. That band would not last as long as his previous project, but would give him national credibility once again with another original song entitled “Somebody Loves You” – a track that received a national pick in Billboard Magazine and regionally hit the top 10 in airplay.
From 1987 through 2004 Rich was with GARY LEWIS & THE PLAYBOYS; as musical director, road manager, keyboardist and singer. During that time he backed countless other artists such as BILLY J. KRAMER, MITCH RYDER, LOU CHRISTIE, IAN HUNTER, FABIAN and MARK LINDSAY plus many, many more. Rich has also toured as musical director, keyboardist, singer and road manager for:
· The Sensational Sixties Tour 1998- 2005 ·
· The Rock-n-Roll Army Tour 1999-2001 ·
· The 30 Years Of Rock-n-Roll Tour 1992 ·
· The Super Rock Of The 60’s Tour 1988-1991 ·
In 2000 Rich performed with the legendary acid rock band DAMNATION OF ADAM BLESSING on keyboards and vocals when the band reunited for their first concert in 28 years at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Two years later Rich's own band LOVE AFFAIR would reunite for the first time in 18 years on that same stage.
In 2002 and 2003 Rich was the bandleader and keyboard player for The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame benefit concerts.
In 2006 he became the keyboardist/guitarist & tour coordinator for HERMAN’S HERMITS STARRING PETER NOONE. Rich also plays piano in his church praise team and is a member of the Christian/Gospel group U41.
When not on the road, Rich spends his time producing and writing songs for other artists in his studio, RBS Recording. Some of the artists that have recorded his songs are SONNY GERACI, GARY LEWIS and BILLY HUFSEY, to name a few. Additionally, Rich has produced sessions for BILLY J. KRAMER and MARK LINDSAY.
