Rockin' The Corps
An American Thank You
On April 1, 2005, more than 44,000 American military and their families received an unparalleled American thank you. This was the largest military show on American soil in U.S. history. In the tradition of Bob Hope’s USO military tours, the non-profit organization Support the Corps, organized by D.C. philanthropist, Joe E. Robert, Jr., together with his friend, Spencer Proffer and a number of Hollywood’s superstar celebrities and rock stars donated their time and talents to a landmark concert entitled “Rockin' the Corps” on the beach of Marine Base Camp Pendleton, California. It was emotionally gratifying for these Marines to know they were appreciated, after the sacrifices they have made for our country. Spencer served as the lead producer, working with his long time friend, superstar music manager Doc McGhee (Bon Jovi/Motley Crue+). They put on this star studded concert and subsequent multi media event featuring Beyonce/Destiny’s Child, KISS, Godsmack, Ted Nugent, Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi), Darius Rucker/Hootie & the Blowfish, Ja Rule, hosted by Cedric the Entertainer. Spencer wanted the troops to have some levity during the concert so he decorated the evening with the comedy of Jay Mohr & Louie Anderson, as well as appearances by the Hooters Calendar Girls and the San Diego Chargers Cheerleaders. Quincy Jones, Joseph E. Robert Jr. and Jerry Inzerillo served as Executive Producers.
Celebrity presenters included Sharon Stone, Mary J. Blige, Randy Jackson, Heather Locklear, Marissa Tomei, Alyssa Milano, Carmen Electra, Michelle Rodriguez, Mark Valley, Cindy Crawford, Chris Tucker and NBA legends Karl Malone and Bob Lanier.
Here is a 2:03 minute excerpt from the Event:
Spencer was able to cash in many of his lifetime favors to get top TV, radio, print and online media across the country to cover the event. ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT aired two featured segments. Additionally, Access Hollywood, Extra, E! Entertainment Television and People Magazine gave RTC prominent national exposure.
Spencer and Emmy winning composer- long time Proffer collaborator, Lawrence H. Brown, wrote and produced the moving opening musical tapestry for the DVD called “Evolution of A Marine”. It punctuated a montage of powerful visual images, in black and white, shot at Camp Pendleton showing the various chapters of a young Marine’s life from the time they get to the Base, their routines up to their graduation.
Click below to hear the theme 'Evolution Of A Marine':
General Colin Powell received a Regal Entertainment Big Screen Concert ticket by Support The Corps founder, Joe E. Robert. A portion of all ticket proceeds went to support the Event, U.S. Marines and Their Families through Support The Corps, Inc., a Tax Exempt, non-profit charitable organization. The event was exhibited in 132 Regal Cinemas, United Artists and Edwards Theatres nationwide on Monday, June 27th, 2005 at 7:00 pm local time.