Latest news with #MillionDollarQuartet
Forbes
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Jacob Tolliver, Known For His Mesmerizing Piano Style, Releases Randy Travis Cover
Singer, composer, and pianist Jacob Tolliver releases his version of "Honky Tonk Side Of Town." He's a singer, songwriter and performer with a strong social media following, thanks to viral videos showing his rapid-fire approach to playing the piano, in a style similar to the legendary Jerry Lee Lewis. Jacob Tolliver was just 18 when he got the part to play Lewis in a Las Vegas production of Million Dollar Quartet, a show based on the legendary night Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee famously came together for an impromptu jam session at Sun Studio in Memphis. Rock and roll musicians Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash as "The Million ... More Dollar Quartet" December 4, 1956 in Memphis, Tennessee. This was a one night jam session at Sun Studios. (Photo by Michael) When Lewis himself saw a video of Tolliver playing one of his songs, he invited him to Memphis so they could meet in person. It was the start of a special friendship that saw the two men play music and spend a lot of time together. Tolliver even traveled with Lewis on tour for a while. And many have seen the video of Tolliver, front and center, helping Lewis celebrate his 85th birthday. In recent years, even more so since the passing of Lewis in 2022, Tolliver has worked hard to carve out his own path in music, even while continuing to keep that one-of-a-kind Jerry Lee Lewis style alive. It helps that Tolliver is a multi-talented artist, musician, and composer. He's constantly touring, performing, writing, or working on new music. He even has a full album of original music set aside for release sometime in the future. He also occasionally joins the Randy Travis More Life Tour. The shows features singer James Dupre' performing a host of songs recorded by the country music legend, as well as guest artists doing their version of a Travis song. (Travis can no longer sing following a stroke in 2013 stroke, but he appears on stage with wife, Mary, at every performance.) When Tolliver takes the stage, he performs 'Honky Tonk Side of Town.' It's a more obscure Randy Travis album cut a lot of fans don't know. It provided Tolliver with a way to honor Travis and reimagine one of his songs, while allowing Tolliver to add his own unique spin. 'When they asked me to be part of the show,' Toliver says, 'I thought, I can't go out and try to sing like Randy, in that deep velvet voice. So, I went through his whole discography. I listened to every sing track on every album, and out of hundreds of songs, I found this one from the 90s. I thought, I could put all of the bells and whistles on this one and really tear it up!' Jacob Tolliver releases cover of "Honky Tonk Side Of Town" And that's exactly what he does. It's been so well received people started asking where they could get a copy of Tolliver's version. So, with Travis' blessing, Tolliver went into the studio to cut it. It turns out a couple of people who were for the original 90s recording, ended back for this one. 'We got Kyle Lehning on board to produce it,' Tolliver says, 'and it took me a while to connect the dots, but I thought, wait a minute, he must have been the producer on the original track. And sure enough he was. Then, we had this legendary session drummer, Paul Leim, in the studio. He's been on so many hits through the years, and he was also there for the original recording, too. You'll see them in the music video. But it was incredible to have Randy, the original producer and the original drummer, all there. And the rest of the band was phenomenal.' Tolliver says getting to record a Randy Travis song serves as a fantastic, full-circle moment for him. 'When I was three or four years old, I remember watching a Hey Arnold cartoon on Nickelodeon and Randy did a guest spot on an episode where he was the singing voice of one of the characters. He did a song called 'Simple Things' and I asked my mom who was singing, and she said it was Randy Travis. Now, here I am all these years getting to record a Randy song with him involved. And we've also developed a friendship. It's just so special.' Just like his dynamic, high-energy presence on stage, Tolliver is always on the move. In the past year, he's released two cinematic-type music videos of original music that are a departure from what he's done in the past, with the promise of more to come. He's enjoying venturing down different creative paths and exploring where the music takes him. 'One thing that bothers me a lot about modern artists is they find something that works and keep beating a dead horse, without trying to find the next sound. I believe you can do that and still remain cohesive. So, when you ask what's next for me, it's had to say because it could be anything.' Whatever he does next, you can bet it'll be entertaining. Tolliver has a handful of tour dates currently listed on his website with plans to add more in the weeks and months to come. And his version of 'Honky Tonk Side Of Town' is available now on all streaming platforms.
Chicago Tribune
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Column: As it nears its one-year anniversary, Paramount's immersive ‘Million Dollar Quartet' still going strong
As a theater critic for Broadway World, Tina St. Angelo Wetzel has seen more than her share of thumbs-up productions in the Chicago area, which is why she rarely goes back to watch one a second time, 'even if I really like it.' Then again, there's never been an award-winning hit show at a venue unlike any other until Stolp Island Theatre's grand opening last summer in downtown Aurora. Which is why Wetzel has enjoyed 'Million Dollar Quartet' multiple times – 11 to be exact. 'It's like my once-a-month show. … I saw it twice in May,' she told me as the Paramount prepares to celebrate Thursday's one-year anniversary of the immersive 98-seat Stolp Island Theatre and its blockbuster musical about the impromptu jam session that took place on Dec. 4, 1956, at Sun Records in Memphis with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. 'Everywhere I go I tell people to see it while they can,' said Wetzel. 'You can't beat the story itself … the music is incredible, of course, but the talent of this ensemble is amazing.' And watching this cast perform in such a unique and intimate setting makes this experience that much more special. Paramount Artistic Director Jim Corti is delighted but not necessarily surprised by Wetzel's level of fandom. He hears from many people who 'come back again and again' to see 'Million Dollar Quartet.' Yes, it's that good. Take it from a non-critic like me who has enjoyed this show three times, most recently with my sister from California, who has yet to stop talking about it (and the enjoyable time we spent in downtown Aurora before and after this performance). 'How can anyone not love it?' stated an Aurora woman matter-of-factly as my younger sibling gushed over what she'd just experienced following that Sunday evening show. It's a sentiment that's spreading, much by word of mouth. Which is why 'Million Dollar Quartet' has been extended through Jan. 4. 'I tell people to go before it's too late,' said Wetzel, who can easily be spotted in the audience wearing her signature keyboard scarf and a pair of good-looking blue suede shoes. Wetzel is an uber-fan all right. But so are plenty of others. According to Paramount statistics, of the 35,676 tickets issued as of two weeks ago, audience members hail from 574 different ZIP codes in 32 different states. And those who have seen it more than once include a whopping 1,444 households, Wetzel and I both agree the cast seems to be getting better, too. Rather than grow tired of doing the same show for so long – as can often be the case in theater, according to Corti – these singer/actors are even more energized, feeding off an affectionate familiarity with each other – as well as the audiences – that makes their performances that much more mesmerizing. 'They are honing their craft,' the director told me. Plus, 'this kind of music never gets old,' Corti said, noting the kick he got out of watching a kid around age 10 'mouthing the lyrics to every song' in the show. 'This kind of rock 'n roll is finding a new audience,' Corti said. 'Families are coming together to share it. It's generational. That's what is thrilling.' Speaking of new audiences, Corti also pointed out that because the music and the compelling true storyline make 'Million Dollar Quartet' so universally loved, it is 'drawing people into the theater for the first time,' which in turn is building subscribers for the Paramount. As director of 'Million Dollar Quartet,' Corti has, of course, seen the show even more than 11 times, including last weekend's emotional goodbye performance for two actors: Sam Pearson, who's been playing Sun Studio president (and show narrator) Sam Phillips; and Haley Jane Schafer, whose roles included Marion (the recording booth girl) and understudy for Elvis' girlfriend Dyanne. 'I've never seen a live show so exciting. There were fans who knew it was their last show and wanted to give them such a send-off,' Corti recalled, noting the unique connectivity shared by the audience and performers. 'There was electricity in the air, like nothing I've ever seen.' Wetzel also was in the audience – teary-eyed herself during that recent goodbye performance and noting lots of sniffles from those sitting around her as the 'cast was crying, trying to keep it together.' It's no surprise after so many shows that Wetzel, who plans to be in the audience again on Friday when the new Sam Phillips (Max Stewart) and Marion (Maeghan Looney) make their Stolp Island Theatre debut, is so familiar with the cast that's she's even been incorporated into the show in small ways. Which Wetzel, who does community theater herself, does not mind one bit. 'The running joke is that it took me 50 years to see 'Chorus Line' 15 times,' she said. 'When 'Million Dollar Quartet' ends on Jan. 4, that will be my 15th time.' If it ends. While there have been 'periodical' meetings about what would go into that unique specially-designed space once this show is done, 'nothing has yet to be determined,' said Corti. As long as people want to buy tickets, he added, the show will continue. Wetzel's advice: Go before it's too late because 'a fourth extension is seldom heard of,' and tickets are selling fast with 'people like me' going back again and again. 'It is not getting old,' Corti agreed. 'Million Dollar Quartet' seems to be 'taking on a life of its own,' he said. 'People keep returning and new people keep coming.'
Edinburgh Live
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Martin Kemp claims Princess Diana 'copied me' as Roman slams 'outrageous statement'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Martin Kemp has claimed that the late Princess Diana copied the outfit choices of his old band in what his son described as an "outrageous statement". In a recent episode of FFS! My Dad Is Martin Kemp, the Spandau Ballet legend's son, presenter Roman Kemp, could be heard describing a "hilarious" picture of his dad from back in the day. Roman said Martin looked like he'd "gone to a Halloween party" dressed as "Captain Hook" before dubbing his dad's fashion choices as "awful", with Martin even admitting that it was the "worst picture" he had ever taken. Despite this, Martin also defended his outfits, suggesting that they didn't seem as "exaggerated" at the time. In fact, he claimed that he was something of a trendsetter, even influencing royalty. (Image: Getty Images) Martin said: "What you have to remember, right, was back in the 80s, it wasn't so exaggerated. We look at it now and we think, 'What are you wearing; you look like you're from a different planet'. But back in the day, Princess Di was copying what Spandau Ballet were wearing." Roman apparently found this hard to believe, calling it an "outrageous statement". However, Martin defended his claim: "Look at what she was wearing. She was wearing shoulder pads. She was wearing those ruff collar shirts, right, all of that." Yet, his son wasn't convinced, retorting that they "didn't invent that", but Martin was resolute in his convictions, saying he, in fact, invented it. The pair then bickered about the claim before Martin attempted to "clear it up". He added: "Alright then; I'm gonna clear it up - not Spandau Ballet, Martin Kemp. Martin Kemp invented it." He explained that his mum made him a shirt with shoulder pads before an appearance on Top of the Pops. Martin went on to claim that the following day, "everyone's got shoulder pads," although he conceded that he took the idea from somebody else, admitting that he first saw Steve Strange wearing them. (Image: Davefor Sony) In other news, Martin recently shared his simple technique for sleeping well - reciting a monologue. He made the revelation on a previous podcast episode after Roman revealed he was "too stressed" to sleep. Martin said: "What you need to do Ro, is learn something like a poem or a monologue. This is what I do, every single night when I go to bed, I will get in my bed and close my eyes and say this monologue I had on stage when I was acting." He explained that it was from a play he was involved in called Million Dollar Quartet. In the show, he has a monologue spanning two minutes, which he says "every night". His One Show star son then joked that it "must have been a boring play", to which Martin joined in by saying "it was". He went on to clarify: "The play was really good, it was a musical all about Elvis, it was good."
Edinburgh Live
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Martin Kemp says simple two-minute trick every night gets him to sleep
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The key to keeping your mind and body sharp is getting the right amount of sleep. According to the NHS, the typical adult requires seven to nine hours of sleep every night. However, some individuals may discover they need even more slumber. Nevertheless, numerous people have difficulty falling asleep, which can subsequently affect their social lives and personal relationships over the long term. One such person, ex-Spandau Ballet bass player Martin Kemp, has shared his unique technique for nodding off: he recites a monologue. The musician, famous for hits such as Gold and True, divulged this sleep-aid strategy on his podcast, FFS! My Dad is Martin Kemp, following his son Roman's revelation that he was "too stressed" to sleep. Martin said: "What you need to do Ro, is learn something like a poem or a monologue. This is what I do, every single night when I go to bed, I will get in my bed and close my eyes and say this monologue I had on stage when I was acting. "It was from a play I did called Million Dollar Quartet, about Elvis, and there's a monologue I have which is two minutes long on stage, and I will say that every night." When Roman humorously commented that the play "must have been a boring play", Martin joined in with the jest, saying "it was" and implied that it put the audience to sleep, before clarifying: "The play was really good, it was a musical all about Elvis, it was good." The Million Dollar Quartet is a captivating tale of an impromptu jam session that brought together music legends Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash at the Sun Records Studios in Memphis back in 1956. This seemingly chance encounter led to the recording of a series of unforgettable songs. (Image: Dave Benett/WireImage via Getty Images) NHS advice on sleep According to the NHS, sleep problems are quite common and can be triggered by changes in our work or personal life. While the occasional sleepless night is "nothing to worry about", it becomes a concern if it persists, reports Surrey Live. The health service warned: "Longer stretches of bad sleep can do the opposite and have a negative impact on our physical and mental health or wellbeing. Not getting enough sleep is sometimes described as being sleep deprived, or called 'sleep deprivation', 'sleeplessness' or 'sleep inefficiency'." To improve your sleep, the NHS suggests six strategies:
Wales Online
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Martin Kemp swears by simple sleep trick every night that helps him drift off
Martin Kemp swears by simple sleep trick every night that helps him drift off The ex-Spandau Ballet star opened up to his son Roman about how he battles sleepless nights – and it's a trick he swears by to this day Martin Kemp's secret to dozing off every night involves reading a monologue (Image: Shane) When it comes to sleep, getting the proper amount is crucial for maintaining both mental and physical health. The NHS recommends that the average adult should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night, though some individuals may require more. However, many find it challenging to fall asleep and persistent sleep difficulties can begin to affect one's social interactions and personal relationships. With that in mind, Martin Kemp has shared his unique method for nodding off – reciting a monologue. He disclosed this technique on the FFS! My Dad is Martin Kemp podcast, following his son Roman's admission of being "too stressed" to sleep. The ex-Spandau Ballet bassist said: "What you need to do Ro, is learn something like a poem or a monologue. This is what I do, every single night when I go to bed, I will get in my bed and close my eyes and say this monologue I had on stage when I was acting. "It was from a play I did called Million Dollar Quartet, about Elvis, and there's a monologue I have which is two minutes long on stage, and I will say that every night." Article continues below Roman quipped that it "must have been a boring play", to which Martin humorously agreed, saying "it was", implying that it put the audience to sleep. However, he quickly clarified: "The play was really good. It was a musical all about Elvis. It was good." The Million Dollar Quartet is a depiction of an impromptu recording session that brought together Elvis Presley with fellow icons Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash at the Sun Records Studios in Memphis in 1956. This unexpected gathering led to the creation of a series of collaborative tracks. Martin revealed his hack after Roman, right, admitted to being "too stressed" to sleep (Image: Jim Dyson/Redferns via Getty Images ) NHS guidance on sleep health The NHS acknowledges that sleep issues can be quite common, often triggered by shifts in our personal or professional lives. While sporadic sleepless nights are "nothing to worry about", it becomes problematic if it persists, reports Surrey Live. The health service warned: "Longer stretches of bad sleep can do the opposite and have a negative impact on our physical and mental health or wellbeing. Not getting enough sleep is sometimes described as being sleep deprived, or called 'sleep deprivation', 'sleeplessness' or 'sleep inefficiency'." To enhance sleep quality, the NHS recommends six strategies: Article continues below
