Neil Sedaka, Gloria Loring
Feb. 19 & 21, 2015 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & Web
Audio of interviews are posted below
Legendary singer, performer, producer and songwriter Neil Sedaka guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong to promote his upcoming shows at The Orleans Showroom on February 21 and 22.
Sedaka is recognized as one of rock and pop music’s legendary pioneers, with songs that continue to stand the test of time. Starting in high school, Sedaka formed a vocal group, The Tokens, which recorded two hit singles. Later Sedaka was introduced to Howard Greenfield and together they began a successful songwriting partnership in the late 1950s, selling more than 25 million records during their 30-year collaboration.
In 1958, at the age of 18, Sedaka was catapulted into stardom after Connie Francis performed his song, “Stupid Cupid.” Francis then sang the theme song Sedaka and Greenfield had written for the 1960 MGM spring break movie classic, “Where The Boys Are,” which would end up becoming her biggest hit. Sedaka parlayed these hits into a contract with RCA as a writer and performer, and began recording his own material.
Sedaka’s chart-toppers included “The Diary,” “Oh, Carol,” “Stairway to Heaven,” “Calendar Girl” and “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.” In addition, Sedaka continued writing for other performers, including Tom Jones’ album “Puppet Man,” The Fifth Dimension’s album “Workin’ on a Groovy Thing” and The Monkees’ album “When Love Comes Knocking at Your Door.”
Sedaka has been recognized for his musical contributions by numerous prestigious organizations including receiving recognition by the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, a street named after him in his hometown of Brooklyn and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In 2013, Sedaka released “The Real Neil,” which includes new material, along with a few classics. A documentary entitled “Neil Sedaka: King of Song,” which tells the story of Sedaka’s life and career, made its world premiere on BBCFour in 2014.
Gloria Loring
Days of our Lives’ soap star, Singer/Songwriter, Keynote Speaker author Gloria Loring guests on LVBST with Comedian Michele LaFong. In April, Gloria will be in Las Vegas filming Robin Jay’s movie The Secrets of the Keys, starring Gloria Loring, Brian Tracy, John Assaraf, Rev. Michael B. Beckwith, Dannion Brinkley, don Miguel Ruiz. The original film was The Keeper of the Keys.Our listeners can view the original film for free this month only! Www.TheKeyMovies.com/freeview
Gloria Loring is a singer, songwriter, actress, author and keynote speaker; the recording artist of the #1 hit song Friends and Lovers; co-composer of television theme songs Diff’rent Strokes and Facts Of Life; an audience favorite as “Liz Chandler” on Days Of Our Lives; has sung on the Emmy Awards, the American Music Awards, the Golden Globes, and is one of the few artists to sing two nominated songs on the Academy Awards. Recently she has also become famous as the mother of singing sensation Robin Thicke.
Gloria is the author of six books benefitting people with diabetes and writes a monthly column for Soap Opera Digest. Her newest book, Coincidence is God’s Way of Remaining Anonymous, details a series of extraordinary coincidences that transformed her life and offers prescriptive insight into how each of us can use coincidence for our own good and the good of those we love.
Gloria is a certified yoga instructor and an articulate champion of bio-medical research. After her son Brennan was diagnosed with diabetes at age four, she created and self-published two volumes of the Days Of Our Lives Celebrity Cookbook that raised more than $1 million for diabetes research.
She has shared the stage with Bill Cobsy, Bob Hope, Billy Crystal, the Pointer Sisters and Tony Bennett. She has hosted events for His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Siddha Yoga, Michael Beckwith’s Agape International Spiritual Center, and appeared with esteemed spiritual teachers Dannion Brinkley, Dr. David Hawkins, Mary Manin Morrissey and Eric Pearl.
Gloria is listed in Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who of American Women. She has been honored the Woman of Achievement Award from the Miss America Organization, an honor she shares with past recipients Barbara Bush, Roslyn Carter, and Hillary Clinton.
TweetMarilyn McCoo, Billy Davis Jr., Eddie Money
Feb. 12 & 15, 2015 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & Web
Audio of interviews are posted below
5th Dimention stars Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. guest on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong to promote their upcoming appearance in “Up, Up and Away – The Music & Memories” at The Orleans Showroom February 14-15.
In recognition of 47 years in the entertainment business, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr., the original stars and lead singers of the legendary group The 5th Dimension, will bring their hits to The Orleans Showroom on February 14 and 15.
McCoo and Davis have experienced success through the years as recording artists, performers and authors. Throughout their careers, McCoo and Davis have received seven Grammy awards, earned 15 gold and three platinum records, and starred in roles on both television and stage.
As part of The 5th Dimension, the group released numerous champagne and soul classics, including hits “Up, Up and Away,” “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” “Worst That Could Happen,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” “Sweet Blindness,” “Wedding Bell Blues” and “One Less Bell to Answer.”
After a decade with The 5th Dimension, McCoo and Davis decided to leave the group and establish themselves as a duo. They had immediate success with the single, “You Don’t Have To Be A Star (To Be In My Show).” The song became a #1 hit and earned them a Grammy for “Best R&B Vocal Performance By a Duo or Group.” Additionally, Davis devoted his efforts to a successful gospel music career and McCoo served as host of television’s “Solid Gold.”
Eddie Money
Eddie Money guests on LVBST radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong to promote his upcoming appearance at The Golden Nugget on Feb. 13.
After signing a recording contract with Columbia Records, Money burst onto the scene with his eponymous debut album in 1977. Fans immediately fell in love with Money’s sound, and the album, which went double platinum, featured hits like “Baby Hold On” and “Two Tickets to Paradise.” Money followed the success of his debut album with a stream of Top 40 hits, as well as some of the era’s most creative videos for songs like “Think I’m in Love” and “Shakin.” In 1986, Money released Can’t Hold Back, which featured the classic, Grammy-Nominated duet with Ronnie Spector, “Take Me Home Tonight.” The song reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album went platinum and also featured the hit “I Wanna Go Back.”
These days, Money continues to delight new and old fans alike at venues throughout the country. Having opened the summer concert season at the famous DTE Energy Music Theatre in Detroit for nearly 20 years, Money draws fans from all over who are eager to see the legendary musician. Ask any concert attendee and they’ll tell you he retains his signature style and performs with the same passion today as he did more than 30 years ago.
In addition to maintaining a busy touring schedule, Money has featured on hit television shows like “The King of Queens,” where he performed for his good friend Kevin James, and “The Drew Carey Show,” where he played Mimi’s ex-husband.
In recent years, Eddie has been joined on tour by his daughter, Jesse Money. Jesse, who was on MTV’s “Rock The Cradle,” is a talented and charismatic vocalist who has chosen to follow in her father’s footsteps. While on tour with Eddie, Jesse sings back-up vocals and adds an exciting twist to the duet “Take Me Home Tonight.” Eddie and his wife Laurie also have four sons – Zachary, Joseph, Desmond, and Julian.
Along with having sold more than 28 million records, Money’s songs have appeared in dozens of movies and television shows, and have recently been included in hit video games like “Grand Theft Auto” and “Guitar Hero.”
For more go to http://www.eddiemoney.com
Tweet
Kenny Wayne Shepherd
Feb. 5 & 7, 2015 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & Web
Audio of interviews are posted below
Award-winning blues musician Kenny Wayne Shepherd guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong. They will bring their chart-topping hits to The Orleans Showroom February 7 and 8.
Bandleader Kenny Wayne Shepherd began his career at a young age, sharing the stage with New Orleans legend Bryan Lee at 13 years old. Shepherd has since been listed among the top blues guitarists of all time by Guitar World magazine, along with legends B.B. King and Eric Clapton.
The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band debuted in 1995 with “Ledbetter Heights” and the album quickly rose to the top of the Billboard blues chart. The band followed up with “Trouble Is…”, which also reached the top of the blues charts and featured “Blue on Black,” a single that spent 17 consecutive weeks at #1 on the rock charts.
In total, the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band has released eight albums, including the 2014 release “Goin’ Home,” which was just nominated for “Blues Rock Album of the Year” for this year’s Blues Music Awards.
During his career, Shepherd has received five Grammy nominations, two Billboard Music Awards, a pair of Orville H. Gibson awards, the Blues Foundation’s Keeping The Blues Alive award and two Blues Music awards. He’s had released six #1 blues albums and a string of #1 mainstream rock singles. His acclaimed CD/documentary project “10 Days Out: Blues from the Backroads” was the top-selling blues album of 2007.
Completing The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band are: Noah Hunt, lead vocals; Chris Layton, drums; Tony Franklin, bass guitar; and Riley Osbourn, B-3 and keyboards.
TweetCharlie Daniels, Ventriloquist Jay Johnson
Dec. 11, 2014- 6-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Audio of interviews posted below (Scroll down)
Charlie Daniels and Ventriloquist Jay Johnson guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk with Comedian Michele LaFong.
The Charlie Daniels Band will bring their unique blend of country, southern rock and Christian music to The Orleans Showroom, December 12 and 13, as part of Boyd Gaming’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo entertainment line-up.
During the course of Charlie Daniels’ 50-plus year career, he has scored hits on the rock, country, pop and Christian charts and has received numerous awards from the Country Music Association (CMA), Academy of Country Music (ACM), TNN/Music City News Awards and the Gospel Music Association (GMA). Daniels was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2008 and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2009.
Born in Wilmington, N.C., Daniels was raised on a variety of music that included Pentecostal gospel, local bluegrass bands, rhythm & blues and country.
His signature song, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” topped both country and pop charts, bringing him international recognition. The single was certified platinum, earned three CMA awards, became a cornerstone of the soundtrack for the movie “Urban Cowboy” and propelled Daniels’ “Million Mile Reflections” album to triple platinum sales levels.
CHARLIE DANIELS: PLAYING “THE LEGEND” FORWARD WITH NEW TRIBUTE CD — OFF THE GRID – DOIN’ IT DYLAN
His first new album project release since 2007, Off The Grid is Dylan the Daniels way and the result is sheer musical genius.
Ventriloquist Jay Johnson
Ventriloquist Jay Johnson releases his Tony Award-winning show The Two & Only! The DVD can still be ordered in time for Christmas!
Jay Johnson made his Broadway debut at the Helen Hayes Theatre starring in the show he wrote and performed entitled “Jay Johnson: The Two and Only”. It won him the 2007 Tony Award for Best Special theatrical Event. Four months before the Broadway opening “Jay Johnson: The Two and Only” played the Colony Theatre were it won the Los Angeles Ovation award for Best Solo Show. The show was originally produced Off-Broadway the previous season at Atlantic Theatre company where it earned rave reviews and a Lucille Lortel Award nomimation.
Jay is a writer, comic, ventriloquist, poet, magician and puppeteer. He has written and performed in television specials for NBC, CBS, HBO and made hundreds of appearances on variety specials and talk shows like “The Tonight Show” (with Jay Leno and Johnny Carson) and “The David Letterman Show”. He has been featured in more that 30 national commercials. His acting credits include appearances on “CSI”, “That &70’s Show”, “Dave’s World”, “Night Court”, “Broken Badges” and many other shows that have come and gone. But he is best remembered for his role as the schizophrenic ventriloquist “Chuck and Bob” on the classic ABC television comedy “Soap”.
Jay and his wife, dancer Sandi Asbury, have been married for more than 38 years. They met while performing together at a theme park in Houston, Texas. Jay describes Sandi as the muse of his artistic life. They have two amazing sons, Brandon and Taylor. Although neither son pursued a career in ventriloquism, one teaches and studies languages in Berlin and the other is completing a degree in Linguistics at UCLA.
Larry Stewart, John Pinette-LVBST w/Comedian Michele LaFong
April 10, 2014 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Larry Stewart, Lead Singer of Restless Heart guests on Las Vegas Backstage Talk radio show with Comedian Michele LaFong to promote their upcoming engagement with Sawyer Brown on April 19, at The Eastside Cannery.
With over 27 years of musical history to their credit, the 5 original members of Restless Heart continue to thrill audiences nightly with their award-winning talent, showmanship and flawless harmonies on hits including “I’ll Still Be Loving You”, “Why Does It Have to Be (Wrong or Right)”, “Bluest Eyes in Texas”, and “Dancy’s Dream,” to name a few.
Led by Larry Stewart, with Dave Innis on keyboards, Greg Jennings on lead guitar, Paul Gregg on bass and drummer, John Dittrich, they brought a new, contemporary sound to Nashville—a sound with a touch of pop and country rock—the sound which so strongly influences popular country acts of today, including Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, and Little Big Town.
Gold became the standard for the group with the release of their self-titled album. Three more gold albums followed between 1986 and 1991. With an additional six albums released through the years, Restless Heart has put 26 hits on the country charts with six climbing to #1 and nine others in the Top Ten. Cross-over success, rare in the music world, was also theirs with six songs making the adult contemporary charts. “When She Cries”, named BMI Song of the Year in 1993, was followed by another top ten crossover single, “Tell Me What You Dream”. Early career Grammy, CMA and ACM nominations culminated in Restless Heart being named ACM’s Vocal Group of the Year.
John Pinette
John Pinette, a favorite recurring guest on Las Vegas Backstage Talk passed away on April 5, in Pittsburgh. He was 50.
The apparent cause was a pulmonary embolism, his manager, Larry Schapiro, said. Mr. Pinette, who had homes in Philadelphia and Los Angeles, was found dead in a hotel room in Pittsburgh, where he was attending a family function.
Known for his high-pitched voice, broad Massachusetts accent and trademark two-word condemnation (“Nay-nay!”) of all manner of deplorable things, Mr. Pinette toured widely and was a guest on “The Tonight Show” and “The View.” He dealt most often in comedy rooted in his own life — “the funniest thing that I can think of,” he often said.
He was also known for his brief but memorable turn in the series finale of “Seinfeld” in 1998 as the hapless victim of a carjacking. In that episode, seen by an estimated 76 million viewers, Mr. Seinfeld and his friends observe the crime but do nothing, leading to their arrest on charges of violating good Samaritan laws.
Mr. Pinette, whose first comedy album, “Show Me the Buffet,” was released in 1998, stood about 5 feet 11 and weighed, at his heaviest, some 450 pounds.
“I don’t do fat jokes per se,” he told The St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 2001. He added, “I’d rather talk about the trials and tribulations of a large mammal in our society.”
He was due to return on LVBST to promote his engagement at The Orleans Showroom next month. John will be greatly missed.
Tweet
March-LVBST syndicated column in Gaming Today, and Casino Player Michele LaFong
Las Vegas Backstage Talk by Michele LaFong
(Desi Arnaz Jr., Joy Behar, Chuck Negron, Dana Carvey, Rob Schneider, Bill Engvall, Bill Maher, Larry The Cable Guy, Jeff Foxworthy)
(Click on article to read)
March-LVBST syndicated column
by Michele LaFong
in Gaming Today, and Casino Player Magazine.
Not since Barbara Walters, has Desi Arnaz Jr. granted anyone an interview. However, after much persistence and good timing with the upcoming Dam Short Film Festival last month at the Historic Boulder Theatre which Desi and his wife Amy own since 1986, I finally was the very lucky person to break this silent streak! When I do an interview, I never know what direction it’s going to go. I attempted what would have been a very “rare interview with Desi Arnaz Jr.” speaking about growing up with Lucy & Desi but it became a very interesting and informative “Where Are They Now” episode that Oprah Winfrey has made so popular on the Own network. Very soon into the hour- plus conversation, it was evident that we were in need of at least a five session series because Desi said it best “I’ve lived over 200 years in 60!” Much of the conversation got really deep, had many layers, and took twists and turns. When I asked him what his plans were in the near future besides what he is already doing with the non-profit ballet company that he and his family runs together, and events at The Boulder Theatre, surprisingly Desi responded “I’m going to be Michele LaFong! I will be interviewing celebrities on video on-stage at The Boulder Theatre that are in town for up-coming projects, or who just have a story to tell.” Since Desi grew up with an “inside view” of show-biz, and a dating history that includes Liza Minnelli, Patty Duke, and almost every other A Lister hottie in Hollywood…I think this is a natural that would make great television, which we are so in need of today. For more information on the Dam Short Film Festival, The Boulder Theatre, or to listen to the archived two part interview that aired on Feb. 6, and 13, go to lasvegasbackstagetalk.com.
After 16 years as co-host of ABC’s The View, Comedian Joy Behar retired from the show but has not retired from her very long career. In fact there are persisting rumors of Joy returning to television…and that could be happening very soon. In the meantime, Behar continues to perform her stand-up as she did so well at The Orleans Showroom last month. Hanging out with Joy and her husband Steve after the show was de je vu for me, as it’s been over 20 years since we’ve seen each other. We had a bite at the coffee shop then joined Steve in the casino and played Blackjack, and craps. They love Vegas! Joy was noticeably happy, content, and much more fun than I remembered her to be back in the late 80’s, when she was a struggling comic in NY, bitching about how far she had to schlep on my “LaFong gigs” which I used to book her on quite frequently. Of course this was before Barbara Walters discovered her and cast her on The View. A couple of years ago, I was watching Joy on The Joy Behar Show on HLN interviewing Comedian Colin Quinn, and Joy brought my name up and told a funny story about working for me that she’s been telling for years. The video is posted on our website with my side of the story too!
After interviewing Chuck Negron, former lead singer of Three Dog Night, I went to check out his show at the Suncoast Showroom. His signature voice was in rare form and his band was truly exceptional. They sang many complicated harmonies together. They were on fire when they played Three Dog Night’s many hits “Joy to the World,” “Mama told me not to Come,” “ Shambala,” “One,”…there were so many… Not to mention my personal favorite “The Show must go on.”
It was obvious by Chuck’s energy, swagger, and million $ smile, how much he truly enjoys and appreciates being on stage, and is grateful for the opportunity to still be able to entertain with the chops that he is still so blessed with today in spite of the years of drug abuse that his body had endured. He was simply joyous on stage soaking in every moment, never taking his audience for granted. This was also evident by his meet & greet after the show, making sure to say hello to every last fan that wanted to speak to him. And there was no shortage! I hope to see Negron and his rockin’ band perform in a larger venue next time.
I almost always go to see Dana Carvey’s show when he is in town and this time was no exception… especially when he told me he had been working on new material, and would be doing a Q & A at the end of the show with his opening act, Mark Pitta, which he had never done before in Vegas. Carvey was relaxed, and his material was funnier than ever. During the Q & A, former SNL cast member, Rob Schneider made a surprise guest appearance. The three were improving together. It was a fun unexpected bonus.
Bill Engvall returned on LVBST to promote his upcoming appearance at the TI on March 7. He spoke about his entertainment strategy that earned him a spot in the finals in this year’s “Dancing with the Stars” that introduced him to a new set of demographics that may not have been familiar with The Blue Collar Comedy Troupe. When I asked if the other guys from the Troupe helped in soliciting votes for him he responded “Larry the Cable Guy did…” This led me to curiously wonder why no support had been extended from Jeff Foxworthy, or Ron White, both of whom would have been most effective and influential in racking up votes for Engvall from their fans. Hmmm, sometimes what an artist doesn’t say in an interview can be just as telling as what they do say. Engvall’s full interview will air on March 6, from 6-7pm PST on 1230AM in LV, and streaming live on lasvegasbackstagetalk.com. Last year, in a backstage videotaped interview, he spoke about his career and marriage. That interview is now posted on casinocenter.com.
Congratulations to Bill Maher for getting renewed on HBO’s “Real Time,” and for his 2014 residency at The Palms. He returns March 22 & 23, and Oct. 10 & 11. Maher’s interview will air on March 20.
Your feedback and comments are always appreciated.
Tweet
