Lighting – 2018
In 1972, Polin and Morrissey launched Polico Lighting, Rhode Island’s first stage lighting and design company, and achieved national prominence for their work with Boston and J. Geils. Morrissey continues their work with East Coast Lighting and is a noted philanthropist. One of their early hires, LeRoy Bennett of Warwick, moved onto international fame with Prince, Paul McCartney and the Grammy Awards.
The Hall of Fame continues to honor people who work behind the scenes – those who make the people out front look and sound good. In 2018, the Board focused on the art of stage lighting and design and celebrated the innovative and groundbreaking work of three artists who put Rhode Island on the map in the field of lighting and stage production.
Before the 1970s, performers simply relied on whatever lighting was available at the venue they were playing. In the late 1960s and early ‘70s, the psychedelic light show became part of the performance, but in many cases, it overshadowed the band – making the music the “soundtrack” to the light show. In 1972, two young music fans, 16 year old Andrew Polin of Fall River and 20 year old Bob Morrissey of Warwick, recognized the need for concert lighting which would enhance the performance and showcase the band and they formed Polico Lighting.
They began providing stage lights for regional bands including local favorites Susan and Johanna Wild with Jon Butcher. Growth was rapid and by 1976, they were the lighting designers for multi-platinum band Boston. Among the additional techs they hired during this time was a kid named LeRoy Bennett of Warwick. The company’s reputation for innovation and exciting productions led to major tours in the early ’80s with J. Geils, the Allman Brothers, Jerry Garcia and others. The mid-1980s saw a drop-off in touring concert business, but Polico continued to thrive by concentrating on regional events such as the Newport Jazz & Folk Festivals. In 1995, the partners split with Andrew moving into event production with Presentation Technology A/V and Bob continuing on with a new name, East Coast Lighting & Production Services. Bob remains committed to new technologies and ECLPS’s creative, innovative and award-winning designs have kept them at the top of their profession.
In 1980, LeRoy Bennett left Polico and became lighting director for a then up-and-coming artist named Prince for his “Dirty Mind” tour. The success of that tour led to a 14 year collaborative, artistic relationship and established LeRoy at the vanguard of his field. As his reputation grew, so did his client base – his resume boasts superstars from every genre including The Who, Van Halen, David Bowie, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Madonna, Lady GaGa, Bruno Mars, Beyonce, Jay-Z and Paul McCartney. In 2012, he founded Seven Design Works to deliver his award-winning productions to television during Super Bowl half-time shows, Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductions, and other special events. LeRoy is recognized worldwide as one of the most iconic innovators in cutting edge production, lighting, and stage design. In 2016, Total Production International magazine declared him “A Musical Visionary” and he continues to infuse his creative visions onto the world stage.
