TED (TEO) HERRERA

Ted (TEO) Herrera was introduced to Classic Rock & Roll by his Mother Virginia (Boots) in Electric City, Washington in the mid 1950’s. Boots used Ted to practice the latest dance steps for the Bop and the Swing, which she called, Rock & Roll Dancing. This meant that she needed Ted to hold her hands, while she twisted and twirled in her full skirted dresses of the day. Being a “Natural Born Dancer” gave Ted’s feet a chance to practice various moves according to what was playing on the radio, jukebox or phonograph.  Ted’s singing career began in the 5th Grade after he joined the Grand Coulee, WA, and Elementary School’s Choir as a 1st Soprano. His voice did lower a bit during Jr. High School as a Tenor and surprisingly as a Baritone in its Special Choral Octet Group. In the beginning of the 8th Grade at Pioneer Junior High School, Ted met a fellow student named Steve Barone, who played Lead Guitar and taught him to play Rhythm Guitar behind songs like “Pipeline” and “Walk Don’t Run” among other favorites. Since the “Beatles” were coming to the USA in 1964 and we all saw them on the Ed Sullivan Show (“Shew”) in Black and White, Steve and Ted decided to start a Band called “The Hustlers” with a Lead Guitar (Steve), Rhythm Guitar (Ted), Drums (Jerry Riley) and 3 Singers (Bob, Stuart and Jim). Their first Gig was during the Annual 1964 Pioneer Jr. High Carnival & Dance, which started with a Talent Contest.” The Hustlers” won First Place by performing a cover version of “Twist & Shout” by the “Beatles”, with Ted singing the Lead part. The dance that followed cleared out the Math Class Room. Most of the girls where screaming and dancing, while the nervous and shy boys, just hung out in the corner of the room. You might say that a life long dream of performing was begun that evening. Ted, Steve and Bob started a Trio (No Name) which focused on 3 acoustic guitars and 3 part harmonies in the late sixties and early 70’s with songs by the “Beatles”, “Crosby, Stills & Nash”, “The “Mommas and the Papas”, and “Simon & Garfunckle” to name a few. Ted went away to college to pursue the Sciences, but managed to Minor in Music with his voice, as the instrument of choice. Choir has always been an important part of Ted’s life performing in both operas (e.g.-‘Amaull and the Night Visitors”) and Musicals (e.g.-“Man from La Mancha”). The 70’s 80’s and 90’s brought Ted a variety of performance opportunities as a solo act and with other musicians for jam sessions. In the 1985 thru 1993, Ted was Lead Singer and Rhythm Guitar Player for a Band called “Crisis” in Ohio and “Krises II” in Sweden. After 4 years in Sweden, it was time for this Rolling Stone to collect his guitar and fly back home to the Good Old USA. Stops in New Mexico; Santa Cruz, CA; Indianapolis, Denver and finally ending in Pleasanton, CA. This brought Ted into contact with Rick (Roy) Zuniga a tenor in the VCC Church Choir. In the fall of 2006, Rick asked Ted if he would be interested in joining “Magic Moments.” Ted is now an honored member of this well known and very popular local 50’s & 60’s Rock & Roll Review Band. Back