Although I live in a somewhat rural area, we are fortunate to have a nice performing arts theater in a nearby college town and over the years, I have been able to see Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, Patti Labelle, Bettye Lavette, Gladys Knight and other fine ladies of song.
But tonight for the first time ever I was able to see Johnny Mathis on his Voice of Romance tour. The man will turn 87 in a couple of weeks, so to even WANT to still be out there performing at that age is amazing.
The voice was in fine form and still shows quite the impressive range. He did all the major hits you would expect, with about a 30 piece orchestra behind him. Most of the songs were delivered in medley form but that was OK.
He opened the show with about a 35 minute set, and then comedian Gary Muledeer, whom I had actually heard of, entertained the crowd for maybe 20 minutes. Gary said he had been with Johnny for 28 years. Johnny then came back and closed out the show with another 45 minute set.
Understandably, most of his numbers were the ballads he is famous for, but he did close out the evening with a rollicking version of Let the Good Times Roll, as he left the stage to a well-deserved standing ovation. Glad I got to see this legend after admiring him and collecting his music for the better part of 50 years.
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