Born on Sept. 20, 1943 in Ranger Texas, Theodore Neeley started out as a drummer at 7 years old and grew to become a singer, actor, composer and arranger. He is best known for his role in Norman Jewison's 1973 film Jesus Christ Superstar, which won a 1974 Golden Globe Award.
Ted claims he just always wanted to be a rock and role drummer and surrounded himself with as much contemporary music as possible. "I was working with a great band all from the same high school. Gigs lead to road tours that lead to California and before I realized it I was cast in Hair." Hair led to Superstar, then Tommy, then Sgt. Pepper. This road has given Ted an opportunity to work in several capacities in the industry from acting, singing, and composing to even film editing.
"We were not only the best band in a small town in Texas; we were the only band in the area and working constantly. The draft eventually broke up the band leaving Ted to go out on his own. It also gave him an advantage - that of a great drummer who could also hit all the high notes. That became a real asset to Ted.
Ted credits the director/co-creator from Hair, Tom O'Horgan, as one of the single best influences and his mentor regarding his career. It was Tom who convinced Ted to go out for Superstar. He told him, "these folks don't know you but you should grab up the music and show them what you've got." I tried out for Judas, a role I really wanted.
After the audition, Tom put his arm around me, said, "that was wonderful now come back tomorrow and sing the other guy." So I did just that and I've been singing the 'other guy' ever since."
Ted also credits the brilliance of Norman Jewison (producer/writer/director of Jesus Christ Superstar) to his success. "He had such a wonderful concept of how to do this. These two gentlemen are the biggest influences in my life to this day."
About the show…
The production history of Jesus Christ Superstar, though criticized from some religious groups, was generally well received. During the filming of Fiddler on the Roof, Barry Dennen (who played Pilate on the concept album) suggested to Norman Jewison that he should direct Jesus Christ Superstar as a film. After hearing the album, Jewison agreed. The film was shot in Israel with Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, playing Judas, Yvonne Elliman, who played Mary Magdalene, and Bob Bingham as Caiaphas. Rounding out the principle cast was Josh Motel as King Herod, Kurt Yahgjian as Annas, Philip Toubus as Peter and Larry Marshall as Simon Zealotes.
Some of the lyrics were changed for the film, partly enriching its content ("Hosanna", "The Temple"), and partly making it more acceptable for a Christian audience.
Twenty years after first playing the role, Mr. Neeley gained renewed success - and a new generation of fans - in the lead role of Jesus in the 1990s touring company of Jesus Christ Superstar. This modernized version of the original production included a day-glow temple scene and a glass crucifixion cross lit from within. The tour criss-crossed the nation multiple times during its five year runs. 
Ted happily sheds light on the production: "It's remarkable for me to see the transition of this piece from how it was "perceived" initially to how it is "received" by so many young people just chomping at the bit to get into this business." Ted goes on to share, "When the production opened in 1971 it was viewed as the ultimate blasphemy. We fought our way through picket lines to get into the building with several people convinced that we were going to destroy the religious fiber of the community. So as we worked our way through the crowds, I would ask a few folks, have you seen the show or heard the music? Of course most said 'no.' I would invite some people to see the show as my guest and maybe we could address some of their concerns. The people who did come in always walked away loving the piece. So it did grow into people supporting and loving the show. It's especially wonderful for young people who can now enjoy and learn about something they may have only read and relate to the humanity of the piece. It's grown into a comfort zone now. People come time after time and bring their family and friends and I get see old friends and meet new friends and it's a wonderful thing to happen to me at this stage of my life."
