Ranger Exes Memorial-TX - RHS Class of 1962

Jesus Christ Superstar SUPERSTAR finds its own niche in entertainment realm. First, it was the 2.5 million selling album, then the Broadway rock opera and then the movie. "Jesus Christ Superstar" has carved its own unorthodox road in the entertainment realm. The rock opera depicting Christ's last seven days is back on stage, starring Texas native Ted Neeley (Ranger High School Class of 1962 in Ranger, TX) in the title role. Featured songs include "Hosanna", "Everything's All Right" & "I Don't Know How to Love Him". "Jesus Christ Superstar" began as a two-record rock opera in the United States and Britain in 1970. Andrew Lloyd Webber, composer of "Cats" and "Phantom of the Opera", and Lyricist Tim Rice collaborated on it. After the successful album, the two men, plus Robert Stigwood, created the Broadway production of "Jesus Christ Superstar". It opened in October 1971. Advance sales topped $1 million, an astonishing number. Ted Neeley made his motion picture debut as Jesus in the Norman Jewison movie "Jesus Christ Superstar". It was shot on location in Israel. He received two Golden Globe nominations for his performance. Neeley also appeared in stage productions of "Hair", "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "Tommy". He's now focusing on writing and producing when he's not performing in "Superstar". Ted Neeley has collaborated with music partner Pepper Martin on a country music album. He's also developed the musical "pandemonium" for Broadway. On special nights at the Ranger, Texas drive-in theater, Teddy Neeley and the Teddy Bears mounted the projection building during intermission. Neeley and two other band members wowed audiences on those 1960's nights with slow, romantic tunes like "In the Still of the Night." Teddy performed the Teddy Bears his senior year with Joe Barker and Billy Patton. Neeley sang tunes from popular singers of the era such as Paul Anka & Bobby Vinton. Ranger High grade seven through 12, gathered for assembly on Fridays. The 800 or so students watched the maroon and white curtains sweep open. On sight of Teddie Neeley and the Teddy Bears, they filled the auditorium with cheering. Hometown success didn't go to Neeley's head. But then things were different back in the 60s. "Growing up back then was so simple and sweet, not like it is now." In the town of about 3,000 residents, no one locked their houses and keys hung in ignitions. It was a place where everyone knew everyone. Ranger teens indulged little in smoking, drinking or even dragging since few had a car. On Friday and Saturday nights, they hung out at Teen Town, a small club for youth run by the school. (Based on article in Ranger Times) Ted Neeley Ted Neeley Ted Neeley Teddy in RHS-1962 Teddy in "Superstar" Teddy Bears Ted & The Spirals Teddy Neeley Teddy & The Spirals in the early 1960s: Alvis Rodgers, Billy Patton, Butch Owen, Teddy, Joe Barker, & Charles Ray Shugart. The Pope & Ted Recent picture of The Pope shaking hands with Ted's daughter, Tessa. In the background to the right is Ted & his wife, Leeyan. Teddy in hometown Ranger Teddy visiting his hometown Ranger & Young School Reunion of movie cast Recent reunion of the movie cast. Singer Carl Anderson died in 2004.