Rich Rotkin

Under Appreciated

RICH ROTKIN
 
 
Meanwhile, Ernie Bringas had graduated from college and was about to go into United Theological Seminary for training as a minister.  (Bringas did become a “Rev.” and served as a minister in the United Methodist Church for almost 20 years; presently, he is a college professor teaching religious studies).  He would be able to go back to the recording studio in Hollywood, but his ability to tour would be limited, so two additional members were brought in to tour with the band:  Rich Rotkin and Arnie Marcus.  They were never involved in any of their recordings, but – together with Phil Stewart – they were the public face of the Rip Chords, since Ernie Bringas was unavailable, and Bruce Johnston and Terry Melcher were much too involved in record production to tour with a band.  These Rip Chords had an appearance on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand and joined his Caravan of Stars; they were even in a Hollywood movie, A Swingin’ Summer
 
Like many (I am beginning to think most!) 1960’s bands, the Rip Chords reformed in the mid-1990’s, led by the two men who were brought in for the touring band, Rich Rotkin and Arnie Marcus, with a rotating line-up of five other men.   
 
(July 2011)
 
Last edited: March 22, 2021