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Barry Manilow last week in Las Vegas, at 75, singing, playing, engaging with the audience. He returns to Broadway soon. |
TOP TIER, VERY BEST
ICONIC STARS STILL DRESS THE STAGE, TOUR, CONNECT WITH THEIR AUDIENCE EVEN INTO THEIR DOTAGE
STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS
PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER
IN THE LAST year or two, we've seen a host of aging entertainers in live performance venues. Each one was satisfying. All received standing ovations. Last week we joined a packed house at the Westgate in Las Vegas to watch Broadway bound Barry Manilow. Sprightly at 75, he endeared himself with a generous 95-minute show, playing his own tunes and a
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Bette Midler does specialty performances, including recently at the Oscars. |
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Elton John at 72 still tours,and will return to his Las Vegas gig. |
Tony Bennett, soon 93, headlined with Lady Gaga in a world tour at 90. Gordon Lightfoot at 80, Willie Nelson at 86, both earned standing ovations at our recent concerts. Soon to turn 89, Bob Newhart's one-man comedy show charmed at Harrah's Rincon. Rich Little, nearly 81, delighted us at the Laugh Factory in Vegas. Paul McCartney turns 77 this month -- still composing and occasionally taking the stage.
Elton John, a kid at 72, is still touring, although tapering back on the number of his energetic Las Vegas shows. We're EJ groupies -- four times at Caesar's.
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Jazz pianist Marian McPartland was in her late 70s when she played a Billings, Montana, concert. Here, center, with writer Christene Meyers and marketing specialist Corby Skinner. |
When we were coming of age, in the early days of rock and folk music, our parents were listening to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and the amazing Tony Bennett, whose popularity spans decades and generations. Rock and folk music were unifying cultural forces. Now those rockers and folk artists are growing older. But they still rock out, perhaps with a little more delicacy.
Willie Nelson is still a crowd-pleaser. We saw him last month at Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay here in San Diego, 25 years after I interviewed him in Montana. With his signature red bandana, his throaty but tender style and self-deprecating wit, he's a joy to behold and still has the chops. At 86, Nelson's voice is weakening, but, he still picks a mean guitar and is sharp as ever.
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Willie Nelson in an interview during a tour that took him to Big Sky, Montana. He is |
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Although she was a youthful "60- something" when we saw Angela Lansbury in "Sweeney Todd," she played Madame Arcati in "Blithe "Spirit" when she was 91. She is 93. |
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Tony Bennett still jazzes it up on stage, in rare performances. Who knows if he'll tour again, but he has a new record out. |
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Leonard Cohen at 77 was still touring, but ill health forced tapering back, to mostly recording. He died at 82 in 2016. |
THIS WAS obvious when we saw Mainlow last week in his fabulous show. He did his hits, dressed the crowd, shook hands. Grace. That's what these veterans share. Bravo, brava. May it continue thus.
What a fun piece. And how exciting to be able tonsee these icons, our musical heroes.
ReplyDeleteWe had tickets for Roy Orbison and, sadly, he passed. Keep on following these shining stars!
ReplyDeleteJust saw the ticket info on his Broadway show. Saw his Tony winning Bway debutr mant moons ago. What a showman. Thanks for the tip on his return to the Great White Way.
ReplyDeleteGo Barry. Go Bette. Go Mick. Go Cookie and Keller!
ReplyDeleteHappy to see this delightful article and wonderful photos. The one Mr. Keller took of Manilow is extraordinary. I'll bet he would love it.
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful to see this comprehensive look at favorites of ours.
ReplyDeleteWow, great article and photos! We enjoyed the concerts of Barry Manilow at the Greek Theater in L.A., Elton John at the University of MT, and Willie Nelson at the ABT in Billings. As a little kid, they were all my favorites, and they still are amazing entertainers.
ReplyDeleteGreat roundup of the greats.
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