Las Vegas Backstage Talk

Show-biz Legend Steve Rossi

June 26, 2013- 6-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web

 Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)

Steve Rossi: May 25, 1932 – June 22, 2014

Show-biz Legend Steve Rossi was a frequent favorite, in-studio guest on Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio Show with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230am in Las Vegas and The Web.

In one of his first interviews Steve shared his many amazing experiences, lessons, and stories in his fifty-five year career in show business covering everything from what it was like what to room with Howard Stern many years ago when he was managing the frequently fired “Shock Jock,” to the real reason he and Marty Allen couldn’t get back together for even one TV Special last year that offered over a million plus dollars.

Steve Rossi was half of the world famous comedy team of Allen and Rossi. At the age of six he appeared in ‘Going My Way’ with Bing Crosby, ‘The Johnson Story’ and over thirty movies. At the age of 16, Steve received a scholarship to The University of Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles and received a BA in communication, arts and theatre and in Latin and Greek. In 1954 Steve co-starred with Mae West in her sold out concerts all over America.

Steve teamed up with Marty Allen in 1957 and soon became America’s #1 comedy team. They Appeared in over 7000 television shows including frequent appearances on the ‘Ed Sullivan Show’, and hold dubious honor of having to go on stage right after the Beatles created pandemonium on the show. They also guest starred on Perry Como, Dean Martin, Dinah Shore, Merv Griffin, Mike Douglas and the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Allen and Rossi were also regular guest stars on ‘What’s My Line, Hollywood Squares, Password and numerous other game shows.

Allen and Rossi starred in several Paramount films, most notably ‘The Last of the Secret Agents’ with the guest stars Nancy Sinatra and Ed Sullivan.

Steve also produced and starred in ‘The 25th Anniversary Allen and Rossi Special’ with guest stars Engelbert Humperdinck, Jerry Lewis, Sammy Davis Jr., Don Rickles, Phyllis Diller, Redd Foxx, Martin Sheen, Ernie Borgnine, Rich Little, Jack Jones and Tony Orlando. Steve has produced 11 comedy albums and eight singing albums on such labels as RCA and Columbia. He sold 2 million copies of his hit record “More”, which was nominated for an Academy Award.

Steve Rossi also wrote and produced “Jimmy Stewart & Friends” starring Rich Little that was appearing at The Las Vegas Hotel.

On May 20th 2009, Steve Rossi was inducted into Show Business Legends hall of fame at the Tropicana hotel in Las Vegas.

At the end of his life Steve was diagnosed with cancer which had spread to several areas of his body. Due to his age and weakened condition there were no treatment options available. Steve reached the brave decision with the support of his wife, family, and friends to enter hospice care. He lived only 10 days after his diagnosis.

From: Mr. Rossi’s Personal Assistant, Christine Kramar:

Please join us as for a memorial service for Mr. Steve Rossi. This event will be open to the public. Steve’s life will be celebrated with his personal Priest Father Ron at St. Joseph Husband of Mary Catholic Church. Signing up for a ticket does help the organizers of this event prepare for how many people will be attending, however we will not shut out…Share this event on Facebook
> and Twitter
> Event Details:
> ——————————
>
> Celebration of the Life of Steve Rossi Please join us as for a
> memorial service for Mr. Steve Rossi. This event will be open to the public.
> Steve’s life will be celebrated with his personal Priest Father Ron at
> St. Joseph Husband of Mary Catholic Church. Signing up for a ticket does help the organizers of this event prepare for how many people will be attending, however we will not shut out friends or fans who do not have a ticket. The tickets are a way for us to communicate to the church and the cemetery how many people to expect. It also gives us your email address to update you immediately should anything change regarding his services.
> Event: Memorial Celebration for Steve Rossi
> Date: Friday, June 27, 2014 from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM (PDT)
> Location: St. Joseph Husband of Mary Catholic
> Church 7260 W Sahara Ave. Las Vegas,
> NV 89117

> Schedule of Events
> 1:00 – 1:45 Visitation Presentation of memories from
> dear friends of Steve Rossi
> 1:45 – 2:00 Reflection and Prayer
> 2:00 – 3:30 Celebration of Life with Father Ron
> Steve had spoken with his Priest Father Ron about his final wishes for his service and sought a traditional Catholic service.
> 3:30 – 4:00 Travel to Graveside Service Steve’s
> final resting place is at Palm Eastern Cemetery
> 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123 (702)
> 464-8500
> 4:00 Graveside Service
>
> Due to limited financial resources the family will be unable to host a
> reception after the graveside service. In the near future there will
> be a benefit to help support Mr. Rossi’s widow and offset his final expenses. Donations in lieu of flowers toward his final expenses may be made through the funeral home Kraft Sussman at (702) 485-6500 Donations are accepted through this website as well.
> Please direct further questions about this event to:
> LegendarySteveRossi@gmail.com or call (702) 606-2618. Due to the volume of calls your message will be answered most quickly via email or text.

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LeAnn Rimes, Steve Rossi

May 8, 2014 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web

Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)

LeAnn-Rimes-Approved

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Country music superstar LeAnn Rimes and Steve Rossi guest on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong.

Rimes made her introduction into country music in 1996 with her debut album “Blue,” which soared to number one on the Top Country Albums chart and was certified multi-platinum in sales by the Recording Industry Association of America. Throughout her career, Rimes has sold more than 40 million albums, won two Grammy® Awards, three Academy of Country Music Awards™ and 12 Billboard Music Awards. Rimes received the honor of being the youngest recipient of a Grammy®, and was also the first country recording artist to win in the “Best New Artist” category.

Rimes has placed 42 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, 13 of which are top-10 hits, and has scored several hit singles in her career, including “Can’t Fight the Moonlight” which went #1 in 11 countries, and “How Do I Live,” which is the second longest charting song ever on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Having released more than ten studio albums, three compilation albums and two greatest hits albums in her distinguished career, Rimes recently released her newest album titled “Spitfire,” in the spring of 2013.

In addition to her music career, Rimes is as an accomplished actress and author. She made her official film debut in 2000 for “Coyote Ugly,” providing the singing voice for Piper Perabo’s character Violet Sanford and making a cameo appearance towards the end of the film. Later, Rimes starred in the 2009 made-for-TV movie, “Northern Lights.” Rimes has also written four books— two novels and two children’s books, the most recent titled “What I Cannot Change.”

Show-Biz Legend Steve Rossi

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Steve Rossi guests in-studio on Las Vegas backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong.

He is half of the world famous comedy team of Allen and Rossi. At the age of six he appeared in ‘Going My Way’ with Bing Crosby, ‘The Johnson Story’ and over thirty movies. At the age of 16, Steve received a scholarship to The University of Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles and received a BA in communication, arts and theatre and in Latin and Greek. In 1954 Steve co-starred with Mae West in her sold out concerts all over America.

Steve teamed up with Marty Allen in 1957 and soon became America’s #1 comedy team. They Appeared in over 7000 television shows including frequent apperances on the ‘Ed Sullivan Show’, and hold dubious honor of having to go on stage right after the Beatles created pandemonium on the show. They also guest starred on Perry Cumo, Dean Martin, Dinah Shore, Merv Griffin, Mike Dougas and the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Allen and Rossi were also regular guest stars on ‘What’s My Line, Hollywood Squares, Password and numerous other game shows.

Allen and Rossi starred in several Paramount films, most notably ‘The Last of the Secret Agents’ with the guest stars Nancy Sinatra and Ed Sullivan.

Steve also produced and starred in ‘The 25th Anniversary Allen and Rossi Special’ with guest stars Engelbert Humperdinck, Jerry Lewis, Sammy Davis Jr., Don Rickles, Phyllis Diller, Redd Foxx, Martin Sheen, Ernie Borgnine, Rich Little, Jack Jones and Tony Orlando. Steve has produced 11 comedy albums and eight singing albums on such lables as RCA and Coumbia. He sold 2 million copies of his hit record “More”, which was nominated for an Academy Award.

Steve Rossi also wrote and produced “Jimmy Stewart & Friends” starring Rich Little currently appearing at The Las Vegas Hotel.

On May 20th 2009, steve Rossi was inducted into Show Business Legends hall of fame at the Tropicana hotel in Las Vegas. Steve in celebrating his 55th year in show business and Is young enough to look forward to the next 55 years.

More about Steve Rossi here–>

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Marty Allen, Emilio Castillo-Las Vegas Backstage Talk w/Comedian Michele LaFong

Oct. 24, 2013- 6-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
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Comedy Legend Marty Allen & Co-Star, Karon Kate Blackwell, guest on LV Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong.

In the 1970s and 80s, Allen made hundreds of television appearances, becoming a regular on “Hollywood Squares.” He also appeared on “Circus of the Stars,” in a cameo on “The Mario Brothers Show,” as a guest star on game shows such as “Password”, and in ten made-for-television movies.

At only 91 years of age, Allen has no intention of retiring and still works a full year and runs two miles on a treadmill daily.

“I feel like the Energizer Bunny. I just keep going,” Allen remarks. “I enjoy it. I can’t stop. People ask me where I get all the energy from to keep going and I joke that I’m on the pill. They believe me and want to know where to buy it for themselves.”

Allen met his co-star Blackwell in the mid-1980s, and the duo began performing together, combining his comedy with her music.

Beginning on Thursday, Oct. 24, legendary comedian Marty Allen and co-star Karon Kate Blackwell will take the stage of the classic showroom at the Plaza Hotel & Casino for a special three-night engagement.

Emilio Castillo

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Emilio Castillo, Founder and Leader of Tower of Power guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong in Las Vegas and The Web.

Tower of Power’s musical odyssey began in 1968 when tenor saxophonist/vocalist Emilio Castillo met baritone sax player Stephen
“Doc” Kupka in July of that year. Originally named The Motown’s, the guys paid homage to the R&B sound that influenced them while adding their own personal twist. In 1970, the now renamed Tower of Power landed its first record deal with Bill Graham’s San Francisco Records. Their next album, Bump City, was recorded on Warner Brothers and produced a string of hits giving the band its first national exposure. At least 60 talented musicians have toured or recorded with the band in its 45 years and they have been featured with artists as diverse as Aerosmith, Elton John, Little Feat, Phish, Santana, Heart, and many others, forever infusing the radio airwaves with Tower’s musical DNA. Each year Tower of Power tours the United States, Japan and Europe, playing sold out shows all over the world. Recent releases include “Great American Soulbook”, a collection of classic soul tunes, and the 40th Anniversary Concert DVD.  Tower has never been busier or more in demand.

For more: www.towerofpower.com

Tower of Power is appearing at The South Point H&C on Oct.25-27 at 7:30pm

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Rich Little, Heather Marianna-LVBST w/Comedian Michele LaFong

June 20, 2013 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & Web

 Legendary comedian and impressionist RICH LITTLE is returning to the Las Vegas stage with his one-man show, “Jimmy Stewart & Friends.” Featuring more than 25 celebrity icon voices including Cary Grant, George Burns, Ronald Reagan, Katherine Hepburn and John Wayne, among others, “Jimmy Stewart & Friends” will take you on an adventure through the life of famed actor Jimmy Stewart. A master mimic of more than 200 voices, Little has appeared on TV variety shows starring Ed Sullivan, Jackie Gleason, Glen Campbell and Dean Martin, as well as on series such as “Laugh-In,” “The John Davidson Summer Show” and “The Julie Andrews Show.” Little also had his own variety show in the 70s and was the star of the TV show “KopyKats.” Little was a guest host early on for “The Tonight Show,” hosting 12 times. He quickly became a household name sitting in one of the “Hollywood Squares” and went on to do the “Muppet Show.” Named “Comedy Star of the Year” by the American Guild of Variety Artists, Little was the perpetrator of nine comedy albums and three HBO comedy specials, as well as the Emmy-award winning special “Rich Little’s Christmas Carol” with “W.C. Fields” as Scrooge, “Humphrey Bogart” as one of the ghosts and “Paul Lynde” as Bob Cratchit.

For more about Rich Little, click HERE.

You can catch Rich at The Las Vegas Hotel and Casino

Shimmer Cabaret, performing June 28-July 1, 8:30pm

For reservations

Heather Marianna

heather

Heather Marianna guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong on 1230AM KLAV in Las Vegas, and The Web.  Heather came bearing home-made gifts from her Natural Beauty Line, made from food.  She will now be giving out gift bags to all of our Las Vegas Backstage Talk’s guests!  Marianna is one featured guests in “Las Vegas Backstage Talk’s “Monthly Syndicated Column in Casino Player Magazine, in the Sept. edition.

Heather Marianna has appeared on several television shows including “CSI: Miami,” “CSI: Las Vegas,” “Revenge,” “The Client List,” “The Mentalist,” “Bones” and “Desperate Housewives” as well as a pilot for ABC’s upcoming show “Devious Maids.” She also appeared in commercials for Caesar’s Las Vegas, Bally’s Las Vegas, Nevada State Bank and Dave and Busters, in addition to starring on the premiere episode of Oxygen network’s hit reality show “My Shopping Addiction.” Heather has also served as a host for Envy Rides TV, Playboy Golf, and Vegas Style TV. Local media appearances include Las Vegas Morning Blend on Channel 13, and Robin Leach’s Vegas Deluxe.

 Currently Heather Marianna is promoting the show ‘Beauty Kitchen,’ a fast-paced, high-energy program which teaches women how to create amazing spa products in the comfort of their own kitchen.

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