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Ron Tavernit Reveals Secrets Behind Musicians’ Stage Names

Ron Tavernit's new book uncovers the stories behind famous musicians' stage names.

News Summary

Retired radio host Ron Tavernit has launched a captivating book titled “How the Heck Did They Get Those Names?” that uncovers the origins of stage names for over 170 musicians. Drawing on his three-decade career in Detroit radio, Tavernit shares intriguing anecdotes about artists like Chubby Checker and Conway Twitty. His journey from DJ to author reflects a deep-rooted passion for music, making this an essential read for music lovers and trivia fans alike.

Detroit’s Own Ron Tavernit Unveils the Secrets Behind Iconic Stage Names

Ever wondered how some of your favorite musicians ended up with their catchy stage names? Well, if you’re in the Detroit area, you’re in luck! Retired radio host Ron Tavernit, a familiar voice in the Motor City for over 30 years, has just published a fascinating book that unravels the mystery behind the stage names of more than 170 artists. At 75 years young and living in Romeo, Michigan, this former DJ and music aficionado has put together a delightful read titled “How the Heck Did They Get Those Names?.”

A Career Spanning Three Decades

Tavernit’s journey through the world of radio is nothing short of impressive. He wore many hats during his career, taking on roles that ranged from DJ to newsman, producer, and even a public affairs director. His radio adventures took place at various prominent stations, including WBRB, WTWR, WCXI, WHND, and WOMC. Among fans, he’s well-remembered for spinning records and interviewing the stars of the day.

The passion for music runs deep for Tavernit. He pursued education in music theory and composition at Wayne State University after his time at Macomb County Community College. He even graduated from the Specs Howard School of Broadcasting, proving that a solid foundation helps create a successful career in the radio world.

From Airwaves to Authors

After retiring from radio, Tavernit took on a new challenge as the executive director of the Utica Community Schools Foundation for Educational Excellence. However, his love for music never wavered, and that’s when inspiration struck. During a class reunion dinner, a conversation sparked the idea for his book, leading him to explore the reasons behind famous musicians’ unique names. It took Tavernit several years of dedicated, intermittent work to research and compile the information, culminating in a 230-page treasure trove of stories.

The Stories Behind the Names

In “How the Heck Did They Get Those Names?”, readers are treated to an array of intriguing stories. For example, Chubby Checker was born Ernest Evans, taking inspiration from the wife of Dick Clark. Another fascinating tale reveals that the country music star Conway Twitty started life as Harold Lloyd Jenkins, cleverly blending names from Conway, Arkansas and Twitty, Texas to create his memorable stage identity. And let’s not forget about The Beatles, who had quite the evolution before landing their iconic name; they were once known as names like Johnny and the Moondogs and the Quarrymen.

Tavernit takes a moment to point out that many of these stage names weren’t even personally chosen by the artists themselves, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the stories he shares. It’s like peeling back the layers of a musical onion and finding all sorts of interesting bits inside!

Get Your Copy!

If you’re ready to dive into the world of stage names, Tavernit’s book is available for just $20. You can find it on popular platforms like Amazon, Google Play, Barnes & Noble, and Apple’s iTunes Store. Whether you’re a music lover, a trivia buff, or simply looking for a fun read, “How the Heck Did They Get Those Names?” is sure to entertain and inform. So grab a copy and enjoy uncovering the stories behind the names that have become a part of our musical landscape!