By: Joe Strupp He's brought you the likes of The Beach Boys, the Four Tops and even Herman's Hermits at past newspaper conventions. And Dean Singleton is up to it again.
This time, the MediaNews Group CEO and occasional rock promoter has landed another '60s legend, Johnny Rivers, for one of the premier bashes at April's mammoth Capital Conference.
On the third night of the joint Newspaper Association of America, American Society of Newspaper Editors, and NEXPO gathering, Rivers, known for such hits as "Baby, I Need Your Lovin'" and "Secret Agent Man" will hit the stage.
The party is the joint offering of MediaNews Group, Gannett and USA Weekend, according to a convention schedule. It is also a farewell of sorts for Gannett Newspaper Division President Sue Clark-Johnson, who is retiring from Gannett and stepping down from her post as NAA chair.
"Sue Clark-Johnson is one of my closest friends and she is retiring and the convention needed another event," Singleton told E&P. "I looked at some options. I decided this would be something different."
Singleton, who has been known to jump on stage with past music groups he has procured for NAA gatherings in Seattle and San Francisco, called Rivers "one of my favorites." He said he only met the music legend recently through a mutual friend.
"I don?t have much musical ability, but I get up there anyway," Singleton admits about his previous appearances. "I have done it with all of them."
Singleton also cited the current difficulties in the newspaper business, saying a fun musical act during the convention would be a good diversion. "With all the industry is going through, you need to have some fun once in a while," he said. "It will make people feel good for a little while."
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To watch a video of Johnny Rivers singing "Secret Agent Man," go to
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