Two great vocalists of the late '60s and beyond played Friday night for an audience of around 1,500 at the Country Tonite Theater in Pigeon Forge, TN.
First was Billy Joe Royal, best known for "Down in the Boondocks." He did a 45-minute set that included some more recent country singles, demonstrating a voice that remains in top form and that he's no one-hit wonder.
Other hits included "Cherry Hill Park," "I Knew You When" and "Hush."
After a very brief intermission B. J. Thomas took the stage to perform "Rock and Roll Lullaby," "Hey Why Don't You Play Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song," "Deep in the Eyes of a New York Woman," and - last but not least - "Raindrops Keep Fallin' From My Head."
Thomas had previously cancelled some appearances due to vocal problems, but like Royal, he was in great shape last night. The two sang duets on "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" and "Don't Worry Baby."
After the hour and a half show nearly half the crowd stuck around to meet the artists at the front lobby merchandise table, where they signed autographs and did photo opps. It was great to add Thomas' autograph to Burt's on my BUTCH CASSIDY soundtrack album.
Country Tonite is the same theater that hosted the Jordannaires, D.J. Fontana, Millie Kirkham and other Elvis alum last September. They've had other fine shows by George Jones, Ronnie Milsap, Don Williams and other notables.
JB
First was Billy Joe Royal, best known for "Down in the Boondocks." He did a 45-minute set that included some more recent country singles, demonstrating a voice that remains in top form and that he's no one-hit wonder.
Other hits included "Cherry Hill Park," "I Knew You When" and "Hush."
After a very brief intermission B. J. Thomas took the stage to perform "Rock and Roll Lullaby," "Hey Why Don't You Play Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song," "Deep in the Eyes of a New York Woman," and - last but not least - "Raindrops Keep Fallin' From My Head."
Thomas had previously cancelled some appearances due to vocal problems, but like Royal, he was in great shape last night. The two sang duets on "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" and "Don't Worry Baby."
After the hour and a half show nearly half the crowd stuck around to meet the artists at the front lobby merchandise table, where they signed autographs and did photo opps. It was great to add Thomas' autograph to Burt's on my BUTCH CASSIDY soundtrack album.
Country Tonite is the same theater that hosted the Jordannaires, D.J. Fontana, Millie Kirkham and other Elvis alum last September. They've had other fine shows by George Jones, Ronnie Milsap, Don Williams and other notables.
JB
