Happy Birthday, Elvis!

January 8 marks Elvis Presley‘s 75th birthday. Did you know that Mike Reno of Loverboy shares the same birthday? It is difficult to imagine Elvis at 75. However people who knew him tell me that his hair was almost snow white when he passed away. That makes perfect sense as his father, Vernon, was white-haired at an early age. The boy that shook the world and changed the music scene forever has left an indelible mark and to this day is still one of the highest paid performers.

To keep the memory alive they are about to open a new Cirque du Soleil production in Las Vegas as the troupe did with the  Beatles and their salute to the Fab Four titled  LoveViva ELVIS has hired Priscilla Presley as a consultant and she has insisted on the music being from Elvis and not impersonators or substitutes of any kind. Joe Esposito, one of Elvis’ closest friends, told me that it should be opening this month after a dry run to work out any production kinks.

Over the holiday period I played host on New Year’s Eve at the Red Robinson Show Theatre to Tower of Power. That brass section knocks me out and the dance floor at the theatre was rockin’ until 1am. The night before it was a pleasure to meet, once again, Boyz II Men. Their concert was sold out and I can see why. This group was one of  the first so-called Boy Bands to make it big. Their music is infectious. I want to thank everyone who came out to join me at the theatre. It was a wonderful way to greet 2010.

Herb Alpert will appear at the Capilano Performing Arts Theatre on Sunday January 24. The legendary leader of the Tijuana Brass and co-owner of A&M Records (the label that signed Bryan Adams) will perform a rare concert with his vocalist wife Lani Hall.  Call their  box office at 604-990-7810 or click here to buy online.

Coming to the River Rock is Craig Ferguson on January 22 and the group America on March 12. Meanwhile at the Red Robinson Show Theatre it’s Eric Burdon and the Animals on January 22 and The Spencer Davis Group is at “the Red” on March 6.

I am sorry to hear of the passing of Willie Mitchell, a record producer and musician who worked with Al Green and dozens of others.  He was 81. Mitchell owned Hi Records of Memphis, the Al Green label.  He received the Trustees Award from the Grammy Foundation in 2008.  Willie and his band often played music at Elvis’ Graceland home on  many New Year’s celebrations.  A Memphis boulevard was named in his  honor in 2004.

My friend and president of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Terry  Stewart, will visit Vancouver on January 20. I will tell you why he’s coming in a few weeks time.