REFLECTIONS
Many musical legends never die.
Just take a look at the many tribute bands that have evolved to keep the memories of some great musical artists alive.
Elvis Presley is a prime example of a rock 'n roll singer who just won't die. Elvis impersonators are making money thanks to Elvis. He actually has made more money dead than alive.
The Marion Ross Performing Arts Center in Albert Lea routinely books tribute bands and performers. Some include Elvis, Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison, the Everly Brothers, Johnny Cash, the Ventures and most recently, Ricky Nelson.
Judy and I have been fortunate enough to have seen some of those performers who have since passed. We have seen Elvis Presley in concert, 1974 to be exact at the St. Paul Civic Center.
He was "the fat Elvis" then. He still drew screams from his followers and he responded by giving them a scarf with a little bit of Elvis sweat on it.
One of the best Elvis impersonators is Chris Olson of the Twin Cities. He is ranked the sixth top Elvis impersonator in the world.
Hats off to the Albert Lea Community Theatre and the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center for booking some topflight entertainment.
Many of us don't want to give up their memories and that's where the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center enters.
Just last weekend we were taken back to the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s when Ricky Nelson was popular. I am dating myself but I remember regularly watching the Ozzie and Harriet television show. That's when son Ricky unleashed his singing talents.
DC Drifters, a local music group, performed many of Ricky's hits of that era. Vocalist Terry Klein did an outstanding job of capturing the flavor of Nelson's hits.
One of the most popular teen idols on the late 1950's and early 1960's, his many hit records, primarily on the Imperial and American Decca labels, include "I'm Walkin,'" "Travelin' Man," "Poor Little Fool," "For You," "Fools Rush In,” "It's Late," and "Garden Party.”
Most of these songs were originally introduced on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (1952) TV show.
Ricky Nelson was one of two big Rock'n Roll stars who never appeared on the American Bandstand TV show with Dick Clark. Who was the other one? It was none other than Elvis Presley.
Ricky Nelson was killed in an airplane crash in on Dec. 31, 1985 in DeKalb, Texas.
Earlier this spring, Judy and I saw a Johnny Cash Tribute at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. A 23-year-old captured the golden tones of Cash. He was backed up by two professional guitar players and by an outstanding drummer.
Coming attractions at the Marion Ross theatre include the Willy Wonka play, a tribute to Elvis on June 30 and a tribute to Garth Brooks on July 15.
Forgot to mention that our grandchildren (Kaley, Jenna and Ryan) gave us tickets for Christmas to see a Beatles tribute show called "Rain." The tribute show at the State Theatre in Minneapolis on March 26 was excellent with the sounds very close to the Original Beatles.
Kick back and listen to some of the music you enjoyed as a teenager.
The music indeed lives on.
