A lifetime of music results in Hall of Fame honor for Clear Lake’s Rich Mock

A Clear Lake man whose passion for music has spanned more than 30 years will be inducted into the Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame in September.

Rich Mock calls the honor a surprise which is both humbling and flattering.

“Just out of college I was referred to a band and did shows on the Holiday Inn and casino circuit every night Monday through Friday in the Great Lakes region.  I’m very realistic at this point in my life.  I’m not seeking fame or fortune.  I just enjoy making music,” said Rich.

These days Mock, together with his wife, Tina, and friend, Nate Benzing, are known as The Mockingbirds.  Many have enjoyed the group playing during local Thursdays on Main events, or opening for shows at the Surf Ballroom.

The Mockingbirds was formed four years ago, shortly after Rich and Tina moved to Clear Lake from Nashville, Tenn., where they had spent nine years involved in music.  Rich said he moved to Nashville to

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accept a job as a piano tuner and technician in the music community there.  He also played with bands and on his own when the opportunity presented itself.

Today, the Mason City, Iowa native combines his love of music performance with his expertise as a piano tuner.  He also offers private guitar lessons.

Rich says a former guitar student pursued his nomination to the Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Music Association’s Hall of Fame.

Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Director Tim Coffey studied guitar under Rich’s tutelage.

“He is an excellent teacher, very patient, and developed unique ways to teach me, to include playing live music with some of his fellow musicians. I got a real taste for what I didn’t know about the bass!” said Coffey, adding his nomination was seconded by a summer intern at the Chamber who knew Rich and enjoys his music.

“I’m not sure if it was timing or being in the right place at the right time, but when Tina and I moved back here she took a part-time job at the Chamber and at some point the idea came up that we should play at a Thursdays on Main,” explained Rich.  “Thursdays was gaining traction and the next thing we were asked to open for a show at the Surf.”  The group has also entertained during the Chamber’s Harvest Fest.

Rich also knew of Ventura music teacher Nate Benzing, and asked if he would join in as a drummer.  Tina plays bass guitar and sings with the Mockingbirds.  The trio performs about 15 times during the year.  Rich and Tina together play six to eight dates as a duo, and he does another half-dozen shows a year as a fill-in for other bands, he said.

“Music has been a big part of my life and I feel fortunate that I have been able to enjoy it in so many ways,” he said. “I’m going on 32 years now doing what I love.”

Mock started his music career at age 14 when he formed his first Rock and Roll band in high school, but his interest in music started long before that. In the summer of 1979, his dad bought him his first guitar at the age of eight.  He started taking piano and guitar lessons.  After high school, his band played in the bars and clubs and at fraternity parties in Ames. He later majored in Performance Guitar at Music Tech College in Minneapolis, Minn.

“When I think about the Rock ’n Roll Hall of Fame I know there are so many musicians out there who are more deserving than I am.  I think about those I played with when I was a teen and wish they could tell their stories and share their music in this way,” Rich said.

Mock will be among the entertainers at the Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Music Association’s Induction Spectacular 2018 scheduled for Labor Day weekend.  Prior to the event the Clear Lake Arts Center is having a party in his honor.   A Sham-Rockin’ & Rollin’ with the Mockingbirds party will be held Saturday, March 17, from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m).   Tickets may be purchased at the Clear Lake Arts Center, 17 S. 4th St., or call 641-357-2998.  Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

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