T aking the stage at the Las Vegas Hilton was a long-time coming but man it was sweet as could be. Right now, a couple weeks later I’m humming “Viva Las Vegas” baby. The feeling I felt that Friday night, April 30th, I am still feeling now. It is an experience on so many levels: career milestone, living in Las Vegas, a personal achievement, recognition for The Imperials and all-in-all, my own “Friday Night Lights” to remember.
When I performed at the Hilton, I joined all the greats that had headlined that famed stage in years past. Elvis sang the song that rings true to this day—“Viva Las Vegas.” He sang that song for a long time and it became the “National Anthem of Las Vegas.” That Friday night I was “connected” with my old friend Elvis. I even was allowed, by the Hilton, to use Elvis’ dressing room suite. It was great man. He was there—I could feel it.
I also had the same feeling way back in 1970–71 (my memory ain’t quite sure) when we were performing in the Theater Lounge at the same time Elvis was. Now comes the complete truth: we did perform at the Hilton, but we never headlined (until Friday, April 30th that is). It was the International Hotel and Casino back then. This was before Baron Hilton bought the complex and renamed it the Las Vegas Hilton.
I have so many fond memories of the time I spent there performing with some of the greatest that America has ever produced: folks like Redd Foxx, Ike & Tina Turner, Bobby Vinton, Frank Gorshin, to name a few. Redd Foxx always comes to mind since he took me under his wing (Sammy too but Redd even more) now that I think back.
We were performing together and Elvis was in the main showroom. The staff tipped us off to say Elvis was coming to see our show. He did too. He sat in one of the back booths with his Memphis Mafia entourage.
Redd Foxx and I were invited to his booth after our performances—“Thank you very much.” I could not resist using that line here. You can only imagine how it felt sitting with the “Blue Hawaii Creole Kid” himself, Elvis Presley. Wow! It was “the beginning of a beautiful friendship”—just like Bogie in “Casablanca” to Claude Rains. Over that period of time, we had lots of occasions where we did all sorts of stuff with “El.”
Clarence Collins was also a part of our buddy system. Elvis would call Clarence over to shoot guns out in the desert at night. This way Elvis could do what he wanted in Vegas without the fans and crowds he attracted. I got other Elvis stories, but I think I will save them for the book I have to write. The Little Anthony book is coming—but I don’t know when.
HILTON REDUX (AND A THANK YOU, TOO)
I really don’t want to go on too much about that Friday night at the Hilton but if I didn’t thank some people I would be remiss. It is not “an Academy Award thank you” but it is my way of imprinting my appreciation. A “high five shout out in print,” if you will.
The Hilton was so gracious and they treated me like a star. Their crew and staff were top notch in their respective fields like lighting, sound, wardrobe, stage management, staging. They added elements making the night so special. Most of all, a big thank you goes out to Rick White and the Hilton’s Entertainment & Promotions departmental teams.
I can honestly say the Hilton performance was the most rewarding of my entire career which now spans over 50 years. Everyone turned up to see that show and I am so glad they did. We filmed it. I really can’t give you a release date yet because it is that new.
My friend “Jaybird” was there. His real name is Jay Debland but his nickname is “Jaybird.” He teaches flying—wide-body planes and is a part-time bodyguard. He is a massive guy who used to work with Chuck Norris. “Jaybird” also used to train horses. The guy is a modern-day “Renaissance Man” I tell you. Thanks for looking after me.
The Hilton performance was a “rock star night”: Elvis’ dressing room, star treatment, headlining, billboards all over town, 4 camera shoot and my family cheering me on. I had always dreamed of this special night and it was even better than I had ever dreamed.
NKOTB WILL KNOCK YOU OFF YOUR BLOCK—THEY’RE THAT GOOD I do not like to flaunt my name but I really was curious to go see New Kids On The Block when they headlined The Palms a week or two back. They were amazing and I learned a few things watching their show. The lighting and their staging was to be applauded. I loved their dance routines and coming from an old group dancer, these boys had to practice a lot to be as good as they are. You gotta work to hit their stride.
I could tell Donnie Wahlberg is the driving force behind the group. Joey McIntyre and Jordan Knight and company can sing with the best of them. I was impressed man and my wife Linda had a blast. I had to be the oldest guy in the room—maybe the oldest person. This may be their only “reunion” but it is something to see (and hear, at times).
90% of NKOTB’s audience was comprised of screaming young ladies, in their 20s and 30s. At given points and songs, the ladies were deafening with their screams. Foolish me, I am trying to listen to melody and harmonies—watch their dance moves. Screaming girls will win out and oddly, that kind of “fanatic” is fun to watch (and remember).
The Palms, PR Plus and the NKOTB’s management company, especially Josh Russak, I want you to know I appreciated the hospitality. It was a great night—thank you.
THE GREAT LENA HORNE—AN END OF AN ERA
I noticed the other night on TV Land they broadcast the episode of “Sanford And Son” where Lena Horne was the guest. How appropriate and with Lena passing, it marks the end of an era. She may well be the last of the Hollywood star generation that danced, sang, acted and really created the term we call “celebrity.”
I loved Redd Foxx man and this particular episode was a fitting tribute to Lena. Even the part where she initially thinks Fred (Redd Foxx) was going to capitalize on her visit to his house. Bubba and guys were going to pay $15 each. In the end, Fred tells her he was collecting for her charity. She kisses him and Fred grabs his heart.
In the episode, Fred keeps calling her “The Horne” in the most respectful way. It was brilliant man. Losing Lena Horne is a tough one but watching her, Redd and Desmond Wilson was a plain joy. It helped me to remember what a winning smile she had and the stage presence she exuded.
So, if you want to say good-bye, hopefully that episode will be on again. She was a one and only and conquered every aspect of show business possible. Lena Horne was a “woman for all seasons” and now she can join some of her fellow stars. She lived to be 94 years old and left a legacy that would be hard to duplicate, if not impossible.
CRUISING MY WAY TO A WORKING VACATION
I know I talked a lot about the “Malt Shop Cruise” but right now I’m packing my bags to get ready to fly to Florida. I am so happy my wife Linda is going. We don’t get the time together that we would like for oh so many reasons. I hope to change that. This Carnival cruise is a working vacation for me and The Imperials (and our families). Not bad, huh?
We are flying to Tampa in the morning and we set sail on Thursday, the 13th of May. My only concern though is the oil slick going to rain on our parade voyage. We’re heading into the Gulf of Mexico. I’ve experienced running into oil in minor ways but this grand scale—this damage is unprecedented. Seeing it on the news is bad enough let alone firsthand. When you are trying to close a leak a mile down, anything can happen.
Please say a prayer for the people who are trying to stop this oil eco-tragedy. The impact on the Gulf, the sea crops of oysters, shell-fish, shrimp and more is a devastation we can’t afford. It would cripple Louisiana and the entire Gulf region for years. Not good, man.
I’ll let you know about our 4-day voyage and see if I can offer more behind-the-scenes stories. Until we meet again, bon voyage.
The above article is the opinion of the author and not necessarily the opinion of Vegas Community Online, its editors/publishers, and/or other Vegas Community Online columnists. VCO respects the right of each author to express their opinion. If you have an opposing viewpoint or would like to send feedback on any article, please send email to feedback@vegascommunityonline.com; state the title of the article and your comments. VCO reserves the right to add any submissions to its feedback page.
aking the stage at the Las Vegas Hilton was a long-time coming but man it was sweet as could be. Right now, a couple weeks later I’m humming “Viva Las Vegas” baby. The feeling I felt that Friday night, April 30th, I am still feeling now. It is an experience on so many levels: career milestone, living in Las Vegas, a personal achievement, recognition for The Imperials and all-in-all, my own “Friday Night Lights” to remember. 
I have so many fond memories of the time I spent there performing with some of the greatest that America has ever produced: folks like Redd Foxx, Ike & Tina Turner, Bobby Vinton, Frank Gorshin, to name a few. Redd Foxx always comes to mind since he took me under his wing (Sammy too but Redd even more) now that I think back.
I do not like to flaunt my name but I really was curious to go see New Kids On The Block when they headlined The Palms a week or two back. They were amazing and I learned a few things watching their show. The lighting and their staging was to be applauded. I loved their dance routines and coming from an old group dancer, these boys had to practice a lot to be as good as they are. You gotta work to hit their stride. 
voyage. We’re heading into the Gulf of Mexico. I’ve experienced running into oil in minor ways but this grand scale—this damage is unprecedented. Seeing it on the news is bad enough let alone firsthand. When you are trying to close a leak a mile down, anything can happen.