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Sheri Nadelman, My Love Letter to Cliff Roles

| Sheri Nadelman |

The ever so British-American local treasure, Cliff Roles, has been a friend of mine for many years.  It is a known fact that creative people are drawn to each other.  We met when I was starting out in the Sarasota music scene, and he was starting out as a photographer.  

Cliff’s colorful background includes 38 years spent in Germany in the music industry which led to becoming the head of promotion and international marketing manager of Mercury Records.  He looked after some of rock and roll’s royalty, including Elton John, Celine Dione, Robert Plant and Roger Waters to name a few. (Gosh, I wish I knew him back then!!!)  It has served him well, as he has developed quite the reputation as a local rockstar himself.  He has worked hard to earn the reputation as the premier event/society photographer.  I know first-hand that he has a way with people like no one else.  His portfolio includes a who’s who of the Sarasota movers and shakers who adore him and his feisty in your face attitude. 

Cliff Roles

I know I’m leaving so many facts out, but I wanted to share a few.  What people may not know about Cliff is that he has been an actor, having done theater as well as voiceovers.  He’s been a model, a radio host, event emcee and a circus ringmaster.  He is also a writer and has also published books of his extensive world travels in photographs during his journeys, known as “Walkabouts”.

He has won awards in just about every aspect of his career.

One of the loveliest things, in my opinion, that he has done was to take photos of families during lockdown known as the Pandemic Chronicles.  I am honored to have been one of his subjects for that project.  I’m also extremely proud that I was a one of his first subjects during those early days of his career as a portrait photographer.  We have a mutual respect and support for each other. 

I think it’s safe to say we have both grown as our respective careers flourished.  We never let each other forget how far we’ve come and how proud we are of each other.  That has meant the world to me.  In fact, it was Cliff’s recommendation that I take on the role of The Acid Queen in the Player’s production of “The Who’s Tommy”, a role that would literally change my life.

Very recently, Cliff has been dealing with some health issues and so he is retiring.  He will be spending more time with his lovely wife, Maria, and their adorable twin granddaughters whom he adores.

I know I’m not alone when I say we are all going miss having Cliff in attendance as the busy social scene gets under way.  I, for one, will miss him giving orders to “move this way or that way” to get the best photo, all done in that fabulous Englishman accent.

Wishing you all the best I want to say thank you dear Cliff, for all the memories.

Check out www.cliffroles.smugmug.com

Sheri Nadelman Photos

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