Denny Carleton: A Cleveland Music Mainstay

Denny Carleton is a veteran musician, songwriter, and author whose career spans over five decades of Cleveland’s rich musical history. From the garage rock explosion of the 1960s to his work as a contemporary Christian artist and music educator, Carleton has remained a prolific figure in the Northeastern Ohio arts community.

Early Career and The Choir

Carleton first entered the spotlight in 1965 with the high school band The Lost Souls, a group that became a staple of the Euclid and greater Cleveland "Battle of the Bands" circuit. Though the band didn't release a record during their original run, their recordings—including Carleton's original composition "If These Are Men"—later gained cult status among garage rock aficionados.

In 1968, Carleton joined The Choir, one of Cleveland’s most legendary groups (famous for the national hit "It’s Cold Outside"). He served as the bassist and a vocalist during a period when the band's repertoire expanded into jazz and R&B. His time with The Choir solidified his reputation as a versatile performer, playing alongside future members of the Raspberries.

Diversity in the 70s and 80s

Throughout the 1970s and 80s, Carleton was a "chameleon" of the Cleveland scene, moving through various genres:

• Rock and Punk: He played with bands such as Moses, Milk, and even had a stint with the seminal punk band The Pagans.

• The Window: In the 1980s, he led The Surprize Band (later renamed The Window), a power-pop group that played heavily across the region.

• Green Light Records: Demonstrating an early independent spirit, he founded his own label, Green Light Records and Tapes, in 1983 to release his solo work and collaborations.

Literary and Educational Work

Beyond the stage, Carleton has made significant contributions as an author and teacher:

• Instructional Books: He has written several guides for aspiring musicians, including Learn Theory on Guitar in Plain English and Learn Guitar Chords Fast.

• Memoir: His book Welcome To My World provides a first-hand account of his life and the evolution of the Cleveland music scene.

• Teaching: As a long-standing faculty member at the Fine Arts Association in Willoughby, Ohio, he specializes in guitar, ukulele, and songwriting.

Contemporary Work and Legacy

Today, Carleton is recognized as both a secular songwriter and a Christian artist. He hosts the Cleveland Music Connection radio show and podcast, where he interviews fellow local legends and preserves the history of the "Cleveland Sound."

With over 12 albums to his credit and original music aired on hundreds of radio stations worldwide, Denny Carleton remains active as a solo performer and leader of the "Denny Carleton and Friends" concert series. His career serves as a bridge between the classic rock-and-roll era of Cleveland and the modern independent music movement.