Make TBO Your Home Page| Subscribe To The Paper| Advertise With Us| Contact Us| Login| Edit Profile| Register
Suncoast Pasco News
Email
Print
'American Bandstand,' Act Two
Submitted photo
Singer Bobby Lewis, 83, will perform at Colorama Music in Hudson on Saturday, May 24.
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: May 21, 2008
Updated: 05/20/2008 12:30 pm
Chubby Checker, James Brown, Dick Clark.
The names of entertainment greats roll off the tongue of 83-year-old Bobbie Lewis as easily as the notes of the songs he sings.
In a show business career spanning more than half a century, Lewis has had a No. 1 hit that stayed at the top of the charts for seven weeks, been on the popular rock 'n' roll television show "American Bandstand" several times and toured with Dick Clark's "Caravan of Stars," a road show featuring popular entertainers of the time.
He will perform Saturday at Colorama Music, in Hudson.
"I guarantee you you'll pat your foot," he said of his performance.
Lewis has a long history of getting feet patting.
He cut his musical eye teeth performing with famed jazz
guitarist Wes Montgomery in Indianapolis, where he grew up. In the 50s, he sang in Detroit night clubs with rhythm and blues singer Jackie Wilson and the doo-wop quartet the Four Tops. In addition, he was on the R & B circuit with the "Godfather of Soul," James Brown.
He later went to New York with his friend Jackie Wilson. There, Lewis opened for comedian Nipsey Russell, a gig he would have for several years when Russell performed in New York.
Lewis hit the big time with his hit "Tossin' and Turnin.' " The song topped the charts for seven weeks in 1961 and in 1978 was featured in the soundtrack for the film, "Animal House."
"Tossin' and Turnin'" led to appearances on "American Bandstand" with rock stars including Chuck Berry, Chubby Checker and Bobby Rydell.
Lewis now lives in New Jersey and is still performing. He recently did a show with Johnny Maestro who with the Crests had a hit, "16 Candles," in the 1950s.
"I'm 83 and I'm still cooking," he said.
The Spring Hill-based singer and vocal impressionist Donn Jett and his four-piece band will open for Lewis.
Show time is 8 p.m., Saturday, May 24, at Colorama Music, 9302 Denton Ave., Hudson. Tickets with buffet and cocktails are $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Call 727-863-7539 for reservations.
Cheryl Bentley can be reached at 727-815-1069 cbentley@suncoastnews.com.
Email
Print
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online ©2009 Media General Communications Holdings, LLC. A Media General company. Member Agreement | Privacy Statement | Work With Us
