THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 19, 1995 TAG: 9511170886
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: John Harper
LENGTH: Medium: 61 lines
IF EVERYTHING goes as planned, the road leading to Belvidere may soon be paved with the blues.
Tod Smith, son of the late Wolfman Jack, has announced plans to build a 7,500-seat amphitheater and music hall of fame on the grounds of the Wolfman's estate in this tiny town in Perquimans County.
``Everything is in Los Angeles or New York,'' Tod said during a news conference Nov. 10. ``It's time to build something in this area.''
He was joined at the news conference by his mother, Lou Lamb Smith, sister Joy Jack Smith and Los Angeles-based promoter Steve Baldwin.
``Wolfman started his career playing the blues on a radio station near here,'' Baldwin said, referring to a Newport News outlet.
``Now with a blues park right here, it's come full circle. Nothing could be more romantic than that.''
Lou Lamb Smith grew up in Belvidere and moved back in 1989.
Wolfman died here July 1, after returning from a tour promoting his autobiography titled ``Have Mercy.'' Lou said the museum was her idea.
``Wolfman really loved the blues,'' she said. ``A blues hall of fame here would make him happy.''
Tod said his father liked the blues and soul music, as well as jazz and the early country music of Hank Williams and Patsy Cline.
``We plan to bring top quality entertainment here,'' Tod said. ``But we also want to have standards. This is my mother's property and I have to protect her.''
Asked to name specific acts, Smith listed Alabama, Willie Nelson and B.B. King.
Another name mentioned was sometimes Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh, a frequent guest on Wolfman's traveling rock 'n' roll shows.
``A lot of things have been discussed,'' Tod said. ``Jazz festivals are certainly a possibility. We also may have beach music shows with Bill Deal and the Rhondells, The Drifters, people like that.''
If it becomes a reality, the blues park will cost an estimated $300,000 and willcover about 30 of the 80 acres.
Performers will work from a New Orleans-style stage, and the audience will be in festival seating.
The Smiths and Baldwin say the blues park will be a boom to Belvidere's economy.
``It'll give jobs to a lot of people,'' Tod said. ``The Chamber of Commerce is really excited about this.''
The Smiths said they hope to open the park next summer. And how would Wolfman Jack, the original rock 'n' roll animal, feel about the park?
``His presence will be felt here,'' Tod said. ``He liked to make people happy.''
ILLUSTRATION: File photo
Wolfman Jack died at his Belvidere estate July 1, after returning
from a tour promoting his autobiography titled ``Have Mercy.''
by CNB