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Legendary Celebration
Detroit music industry legend Harry Balk turns 90.
Judy Greenwald I Contributing Writer
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"Other kids' fathers were doctors, law-
yers, accountants:' Howard said. "But my
dad was the 'Godfather of Detroit Music: so
hip and cool. When I was in school and we
had a 'show what your parent did at work
day, my presentation involved an assembly
where the popular group the Shades of
Blue performed their hit, 'Oh How Happy'
to show what my dad did!
"He was so handsome and always wore
crisp, white, monogrammed shirts and
even smoked monogrammed cigars! With
hard work, `HB' — as he was always called
— was very successful in the production
end of the Motown music scene. Through
my dad, I got my passion for producing"
This passion was developed in Balk at
an early age. Born in Detroit's 12th Street
neighborhood, Balk, as a young man, man-
aged the Krim Theatre in Highland Park,
owned by his uncle. Howard said in order
to boost business, her father held talent
shows at the theater. A consistent winner
was singer Little Willie John, who became
Harry Balk and Berry Gordy at Motown, the Musical on Broadway
the first major talent Balk signed.
His next success as a producer involved
Del Shannon, with the hit song "Runaway" been best friends ever since. I never saw
in Ferndale, emceed the event, and on the
Balk formed Twirl Records with business
him without a hat for the first two years
DVD of the show Martin produced, Balk is
partner Irving Michanek in 1961. This
I knew him! Harry produced 11 top-10
shown saying it was the most valuable and
Detroit business lasted until 1965. Balk
records and many top 40s. He's without
touching award he'd ever received.
then formed a new label, Impact Records,
a doubt one of the most respected record
"Detroit is my heart:' he said, "a wonder-
as well as a publishing company, Gomba.
producers in the music business."
ful town, and Motown made music history.
In 1966, Balk discovered the Latino
Balk's achievements influenced his
This award is awesome! There's no other
singer Rodriguez and, in 1969, he both
daughter's success as a producer as well. A
way to describe it." Balk's words garnered
started Inferno Records and closed Impact, model in her own right, Howard learned
him a standing ovation.
after being hired by Motown's Berry Gordy, about "behind-the-scenes" work from
Martin called Balk "a visionary music
where he was the first Jewish head of A&R
him, and for the past 26 years, Ta-Dah!
producer." Balk, he said, was a tremendous
(artists and repertoire — the division of a
Productions has been at the forefront of
influence in his pursuing a career in music
record label responsible for talent
presenting top-quality fashion
production.
scouting and artistic development).
shows and special events for
"Harry made essential contributions to
Balk started the Rare Earth label
malls, TV shows and corpo-
American — and more importantly —
in 1969 and is credited with push-
rate clients. "I've followed in
Detroit's music history. I can attest to a
ing for the release of Marvin Gaye's
my father's footsteps:' she said.
time when a gambler with instinct, ramie
"What's Going On:' despite Gordy's
"Producing is my life as well."
and talent could achieve anything in the
reluctance. The album became the
According to Howard, much
record business. Harry is a Detroit treasure,
biggest success in Motown history.
of her father's career took place
and his contribution will live forever."
One friend who knows much
during his many years living in
A special item at the 90th birthday fete
Harry Balk,
of Balk's history is fellow music
California. She said he returned to is one Howard believes will create lasting
industry professional John Brooks circa 19 60
Michigan in 2007.
memories as well.
of Clinton Township.
A special event that celebrated
"My dad always signed everything with
"Harry and I met in 1961 when an
Balk's lifelong successful music career was
`Guess Who Loves You?' and a drawing of a
Italian singer I managed, Mickey Denton
the 2013 Detroit Music Awards, where he
face with a mustache and cigar. In honor of
(his real name, Gasper Badalamenti), audi-
received the Distinguished Achievement
his birthday, his granddaughter is making
tioned for Harry at his record company at
Award for his body of work in the music
mugs with 'Legendary HB 90th Birthday'
20 W Alexandrine in Downtown Detroit:'
industry.
on one side, and his signature and saying
Brooks said. "We've worked together and
Joel Martin, owner of 54 Sound Studios
on the other. He said having everyone he
14 September 24 • 2015
JI
loves together to celebrate him would be a
really exciting and proud moment."
Howard, too, showed pride as she point-
ed out the diamond ring she wears with the
initials "HB" on it, which once belonged to
her father.
"My dad gave the ring to me on my 60th
birthday:' she said. "That ring, along with a
mezuzah he wore that was given to him by
his grandparents at his bar mitzvah, were
and are very important to him.
"Dad had a hit song: 'Hats Off To Larry,"'
Howard said with emotion filling her voice.
"I say, 'Hats Off To Harry'! You're one in a
million, Dad. You're a true gold record!"
❑
Impact records label