Jack Calmes was a pioneer in the entertainment industry whose ingenious spirit and entrepreneurial drive transformed live music production and beyond. Born on October 21, 1943, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Calmes built a successful career spanning the worlds of music, technology, and entertainment. As a musician, inventor, and founder of pioneering companies, he changed the way live events and entertainment were experienced worldwide.
Musical Beginnings
Calmes grew up in Dallas, Texas, where he built an early passion for performance and music. A naturally gifted guitarist, he formed the high school band The Eternities. The group quickly gained local fame and set the stage for his music career. Calmes also studied technical production at Southern Methodist University, which laid the foundation for his career in live event innovation.
Founding Showco: Revolutionizing Live Music Production
In 1970, Calmes co-founded Showco, a company that changed live music production. Recognizing that live performances required high-quality sound systems, Showco started designing and manufacturing advanced audio systems that changed the way concerts were experienced. The company began to provide sound systems for some of the era’s biggest acts, including Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and Fleetwood Mac.
Calmes also invented lighting and stage designs for live shows. This commitment made Showco a leader in live production, earning him a reputation as a visionary who understood both the technical and the creative aspects of entertainment.
Syncrolite: Illuminating the Industry
Building on the success of Showco, Calmes founded Syncrolite in the early 1980s. This company developed high-intensity automated lighting for concerts, theater productions, and major events worldwide. The groundbreaking lighting technology by Syncrolite was used for Super Bowl halftime shows, Broadway productions, and Olympic ceremonies.
Calmes’ ability to innovate and push technology boundaries won him many awards. He constantly sought ways to improve the audience experience, ensuring that his contributions would always be at the forefront of entertainment.
A Multifaceted Career
His most visible contributions were his companies, but Calmes also continued to perform music. His many band careers reflect his enduring love for the art form that first inspired his career. He worked in music and technology as well as in film and television production.
Personal Life and Legacy
Jack Calmes was known for his professional success as much as his larger-than-life personality and infectious enthusiasm. He was a mentor to many and a friend to countless others in the industry. Those who worked with him liked his creativity, vision, and willingness to push boundaries.
On January 5, 2015, Calmes passed away. He changed the way live music and events were produced, ensuring that audiences worldwide can experience performances in new ways.
In conclusion, Jack Calmes was a visionary who combined artistry, technology, and business to redefine the entertainment landscape. From pioneering live music production with Showco to illuminating stages worldwide with Syncrolite, his contributions resonate in every concert, theater production, and live event that benefits from his innovations.
