Keith Courvale

Cleveland, 1958-69

November 28, 1958 story, the TV show was the next day

Keith Courvale was a 21 year old from Cleveland who recorded an excellent 1950s rocker, first released locally, then on Dot.

Keith's given name was Keith Poulin. He graduated Cathedral Latin HS in 1955, although the story posted mentions he attended East HS also. There's no details about his musical pursuits until 1958. He adopted the name Courvale as it was a family name that he liked.

Keith recorded hsi first 45 at Audio Recording in 1958. The personnel is not sure but it's probably the usual Audio 'rock and roll' session players. The A side "Trapped Love" was credited to Jimmy Testa and it's a classic rock-n-roll record for the date. The flip side was "Steelworker Blues", credited to Kenny Vincent, a DJ on the Lorain radio station WEOL. Kenny's connection to Keith and/or Testa is unknown.

The record was a local hit, released on his own VAL label (likely with Testa's backing) and picked up a month or so after the release by Dot records. The record got a writeup in Billboard and a national newspaper record review column. He also made some local TV shows (Steps to Stardom, Frankie Yankovic show). 

Keith made some follow up recordings, which were pitched to Dot, according to the posted story. Dot must have rejected them, so he made a second 45 on VAL. "Be My Wife" was the A side and it is credited to Keith and the Dots. The song was co-credited to guitarist Leisel Stidham. The Dots must have been a ad-hoc name..or a reference to their former record label.. as there is only Keith singing with guitar and bass, an unfinished demo sound.

That was the end of Keith's recordings , but he was not done as a performer. In 1961 he was listed as performing on the national TV show Ted Mack Amateur Hour to be aired on February 12. Eight years later, he was pictured and mentioned in the article with Al Russ. 

Story dated April 20, 1969

That's about all we have on Keith. He passed away in 2004, with no mention in the Cleveland papers.

Thanks to Matt Baker

Discography:
Trapped Love / Steelworker Blues - VAL no # (RCA master J8OW-7578/9)/Dot 15844 c. Aug 1958/Sept 1958
Be My Wife / Little Girl - Val no # (RCA master K8OW-0779/80, 1959