NEWS ARTICLES

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ARLEN
by Ben E Jet
Farmington Gazette Column for December 23, 2004

Arlen Viecelli is the greatest undiscovered singer in America. He is an Old Italian man who lays carpet in Livonia Michigan. Old as in his 50s, which is too old to try out for American Idol TV show, which I believe he would win. With better looks, stage presents and voice then Ruben Studard, Clay Aken, Kelly Clarkston or any of the cast of singers we have seen on that show. Mr. Viecelli has a voice and a vocal range that is so clear and powerful he could stand on stage with anyone from Pavarotti to McCartney.

In our Michigan area we are used to great singers. Bob Seger, Areatha Franklin, Karen Numen who sings the national anthem for Red Wing Hockey games. But Mr. Viecelli or Arlen as his friends call him, would send chills right through any of our greatest singers souls.

Arlen is no stranger to the bandstand, when he was a teenager he was the lead singer for the legendary Salem Witchcraft band. People thought he was a great singer then but the band never made it. Never went national. Now Arlen who just recorded a Christmas CD, is president of a floorcovering company in Livonia. He is happily married and the proud father of a beautiful daughter. Yes, he is happy, successful and he is-the greatest undiscovered singer in the United States of America.

Which does pose an interesting dilemma. I have always believed some of the greatest musicians in the world work at the Ford Motor Company. Just because you are a great singer or musician doesn't mean you will make a living at it. Sad but true. Health care, car payments, mortgages, the realities of life often force musicians to that dreaded day job.

If you are a great musician but over 30 with family and responsibilities are you really going to become a rock star? Would you really be willing to leave your home and tour with Kid Rock for months even years at a time?

At the same time if the greatest singer in America or the greatest musician lived around the corner from us wouldn't we have some responsibility to make note if it? To nurture it, or at least document it in some way? Should the truly greatest be a national treasure of some sorts?

Would this be a job for the local newspaper writer? The local cable TV people? Should Governor Granholm and her "cool cities" be involved? The Mayor of Livonia where our Mr. Arlen Viecelli works and grew up? How about the Mayor of Farmington Hills, which is home to Clear Channel radio stations WNIC, 106 the Drive, Channel 955, WJLB and Mix 92.3. Should they be involved? How about you? Would you call the mayor, Dick Purtain at WOMC or Eric Smith at ch 7 TV and ask them about the little old Italian singer in Livonia?

I believe we do have a responsibility to the arts. I guess if you agree it becomes your job to get involved, to help spread the word. Pass it on.

Ben E. Jet is the lead singer for Benny and the Jets band to reach him call (313) 730-1627 via e-mail benejets@aol.com see the web sites bennyandthejets.com and reverendguitars.com.