Long-Overdue Concert Review--Johnny Mathis in Knoxville

[Dave]

Forgot to tell yous--!!!

Almost a week ago in Knoxville, Johnny Mathis was performing with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra at the Civic Autotorium.

Motored down there and saw him not just performing, but before and after the show!

He stayed at the hotel next to the autorium--at least that's what seeing him checking in suggested--and I got his autograph then, outside the hotel and after the show in the hotel lobby.

A certain Cornerite, LP Jim, joined me in the festivities, or let's say, he invited ME and let me know Johnny was there!

Dave

...Announcing a Real Swell A&M Get-Together, Online...

P.S. Here's The Song List--Wrote down what he was singing (my seat was next to a WALL ) and bought a program with some of the songs on it he sang that night (22 in All!).

1. MISTY
   
   CHANCES ARE
   
   THE TWELFTH OF NEVER
   
   WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL
   
   DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES
   
   MOON RIVER
   
   LET ME BE THE ONE (Paul Williams Song!)
   
   LOVERS IN NEW YORK
   
   AND HER MOTHER CAME TO
   
   LIVE FOR LIFE
   
   BAUBLES, BANGLES & BEADS
   
   BRASIL
   
   MANHA DE CARNIVAL
   
   HOW INSENSITIVE
   
   WILD IS THE WIND
   
   A CERTAIN SMILE
   
   STARDUST
   
   99 MILES FROM L.A.
   
   YOU MAKE ME FEEL BRAND NEW
   
   ALL IN THE GAME
   
   SKYLARK
   
   LONG AGO AND FAR AWAY

 

[LPJim]

I've been keeping an eye out for this post, mostly to know DW got home safe and sound. This was indeed great fun, not to mention the honor of meeting this distinguished artist in person. Mr. Mathis is in amazing shape for a guy of age 68, to which a 22-song setlist and the sight of him sprinting to his limo while pulling his own luggage would attest.

While he appeared to enjoy mingling with the small post-show group for whom he signed autographs in the lobby, I noticed he hardly spoke at all. Probably giving his vocal chords a well-deserved rest.

For the occasion I brought along a copy of the 1958 release JOHNNY'S GREATEST HITS -- which had a 10+ year run in the Billboard Top 200 and held the record until Pink Floyd's DARK SIDE OF THE MOON surpassed it (13 years). DW, never one to overlook important session credits, had on hand a Mathis album recorded at A&M Studios.

For DW and any other regulars who might be in the vicinity, Burt Bacharach is scheduled to conduct the KSO for 2 evenings early next year, on Friday March 12 and Saturday March 13. If all goes as planned, I'll be camping out near the venue as much as possible that weekend. If there are any changes I'll let you know.
JB

NP: Johnny Mathis "Misty" from HEAVENLY (1959 Columbia LP)

 

[Rudy]

Fingers are crossed that Burt Bacharach remains in good health and the shows will go on. I missed the opportunity to see him here--found out too late to buy decent tickets, and nosebleed seats were outrageously priced. (Poor promotion again, as usual.)