Richie Plass "The Dad"

I met Richie May 12, 1972. I can’t tell you what I thought at the exact moment it happened. You see that was the day I was born. I was born Cathleen Patricia Plass. The first daughter of Noreen and Richie Plass. My parents went on to have 2 other children, maybe someday you will hear their stories too. But this one is mine, the first born, the one "who looks so much like her father". (If I had a penny for how many times I’ve heard that in my 34 years of life… well let’s just say I’d be a rich girl.) In the years to come that phrase would be replaced by " and you act just like your Dad too!!" And honestly, I never get tired of hearing it because it’s so the truth! When you see my picture, you will understand, and if you get to meet me, it will come full circle! But I am writing this to give some of you people that have only known my Dad as a singer, writer, teacher or friend a different look into his life. Some other pieces to the puzzle that is his life. So I hope you enjoy reading it and much and I did writing it!

I do have to take this time to say this; my parents raised me very well. Not with all the things I ever desired, but with the ability to make it as a human. What do I mean by that? I think it would take me too long to explain it in detail. But here is an example; when I was 13 years old, my mother found cigarettes in my top dresser drawer. My punishment from her, I had to tell my Dad!! WHAT??!! HE’S GOING TO KILL ME!! You see my Grandfather (his Dad) died at the age of 54 from emphysema caused by cigarette smoking! This to me at the age of 13 was like telling me to pull the trigger. Well of course I put this off for days. Then one night my Mom came into my room, told me she was going to run some errands and if I had not told my Dad before she got back, then SHE was going to tell him and the ass whooping would begin!! (Not literally, but you know what I mean) So, she leaves and I go into the kitchen where my Dad is washing dishes. I tell him I have something that I need to tell him. I am so scared at this point that I was shaking from head to toe. As I begin to tell him that Mom found cigarettes in my room I begin to cry horribly. I tell him how sorry I am and that I know cigarettes are bad for you and on and on, crying the whole time. He sat down and listened to all I had to say and when I was finished, he "lectured" me a bit about how that it’s bad, and Grandpa died because of cigarettes and so one. Then when he was done he says "Are you going to smoke again" and my answer of course was "Never again Dad" and his response was "Well good, cuz we only got 2 ashtrays in the house" I busted out laughing and the conversation was done. I’m sure I was grounded from the phone for a week or some other horrible punishment for a 13-year-old girl, but it was the way that conversation ended that stayed with me til this day. You see many years later my Dad told me that my mom of course had already told him before hand what had happened and this particular night was "set up". And when I came in and started telling him and crying, he said he felt so bad for me! That catching me smoking was a big deal at the age of 13, but it wasn’t the end of the world. That is what I mean by saying they taught me well, that life goes on, the good goes along with the bad. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff. That as long as I believe in myself, I can do anything! Those are the things I would like to teach my children.

So, my relationship with my Dad was always a good one. He was funny, liked to listen to loud music when Mom went to work, acted goofy and is really the person you see today! My Dad has not changed in one bit! When I got older I use to go with him when he would play in the band on weekends. You see music has always been an important part of his life. And because I looked up to him so much, I started listening to music and finding the kinds that I liked. Although I have to admit, I did try and like the kinds that he did, thank god it was the Beatles and Elvis and not Liberace (no offensive to the Liberace lovers). And because I liked music so much I was in musicals when I was in high school and then later, when I would go and listen to the band, I would sing a song or two. I’m no Bette Milder, but I can sing The Rose pretty darn good. And my Dad was always there saying "good job Babe". He was and still his my hero.

After high school my Dad and I became "drinkin buddies". Oh those days were something else I tell you, but again, I’ll save those stories for some other time. But there was a good 2 or more years that the only person I hung around with was my dad. He was my best friend. I could tell him anything! ANYTHING! We would talk and talk on our way to some gig somewhere, or on the way home so he wouldn’t fall asleep =) I would make him tell me old stories about when he was growing up, or when he was in school. We would talk politics, to some degree. Or just bullshit about anything! Those days I cherish! Just me and my Dad!

Now time has passed, I moved away, he moved away, and then he moved back again. I don’t see him play in the band as much and I don’t see him as often as I like or as I should. But I know that is ok with him. Why you ask? Because he’s told me. We have a very open, honest relationship. So things have changed, times have changed, I’ve grown up, and he’s growing old. But, one thing remains the same, I love him! I love him so much it hurts! (And that’s no bullshit) Without my Dad, I would not be the woman I am today! Strong, independent, out spoken, courageous, brave and god damn funny!! So when I see things like this website, it makes my heart happy. To know there are SO many people that love my dad for the same reasons I do. He has a thing about him that draws people to him. You hear him talk, or especially if you hear him laugh, you just want to know what it is! And then he starts to talk and you want to hear more and more. I am honored that I have had that opportunity for so many years. So to you, Richie Plass, my father, my mentor, my friend, I thank you… and I will always be your little Pooter!