Lakeland, FL – Take a step back in time and relive some fond memories from the ‘50s, ‘60s, & '70s with performances by Little Anthony, The Cowsills, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Bobby Wilson with a tribute to his Dad - Jackie Wilson, The Chiclettes and The Coda Orchestra with “TIME BARRIER EXPRESS: Rockin’ You Back to the ‘50s, ‘60s, & ‘70s,” coming to the RP Funding Center in Lakeland on January 21, 2023 at 7:00 pm.
Little Anthony
The story of Little Anthony is a story of the early days of rock and roll, when our music was new and breathtaking. It not only reached our ears but our heart. Let’s begin in 1957, when Jerome Anthony Gourdine was lead singer with a group called the Duponts, and then joined the Chesters. While rehearsing one day, the Chesters were heard by singer and record company executive Richard Barrett, who loved what he heard, and immediately brought them to the attention of George Goldner, who owned some of the biggest record labels of the day- Gone, End, Gee, and Rama.
Renamed the Imperials, into the studio Goldner took them, to record a song he liked called “Tears on My Pillow.” As Anthony said, after the second take of “Tears,” Goldner stopped the session, took Anthony aside, and said, “Don’t sing the lyric; talk the lyric.” The result was the unforgettable opening of the song: “You don’t remember me —but I remember you.” This was the birth of LITTLE ANTHONY as we know him.
After a string of hits from the late ‘50s to the early ‘60s, including “Two People in the World,” Shimmy, Shimmy Ko-Ko Bop,” and “I’m Alright,” Little Anthony and the group enjoyed new success in the mid-‘60s. Teaming up with songwriter Teddy Randazzo and producer Don Costa, they recorded several history-making, iconic hits including “Going Out of My Head,” “Hurt So Bad,” and “I’m On the Outside Looking In.”
Never looking back, Little Anthony is off on a new journey with a concept he is calling “Little Anthony and The Music.” The first venture is new album including narration by Anthony himself, as he takes listeners through the songs that had the most importance in Anthony’s journey. There are some hits, some songs that should have been hits, a tribute to Billy Joel, some unreleased, never-before heard tunes and some other surprises. Gone is the street corner but what is left standing Little Anthony Gourdine, aged like fine wine, mature in his thinking, his creativity and his vocal prowess. We know you will enjoy this Anthony as you enjoyed Anthony through the decades. He is the best that he can be, a true American Music Icon.
The Cowsills
Back in the 1960s, four brothers who wanted to be The Beatles formed a band called The Cowsills. The original Cowsills consisted of Bill on guitar, Bob on guitar and organ, Barry on bass and John on drums. Early gigs were at school dances and churches around their home in Newport, RI. Eventually, as their harmonic sound was perfected, they got a regular gig in Newport where they would sing Beatles songs hour after hour. After early recordings by the four brothers, Barbara (“mini-mom”) joined the group to record “The Rain, The Park and Other Things.” Shortly thereafter, 7-year-old Susan and brother, Paul, were added to the group. They were signed by MGM records and the group began its climb to the top! Their many other hits include “Indian Lake,” a terrific rendition of “Hair” (from the Broadway musical) and “Love, American Style,” the theme song from the popular television series.
The Cowsills enjoyed great success during the late ‘60s and into the early ‘70s not only with their music but appearing as guests on many television shows and even hosting their own TV special. They were approached to do a TV series, but the producers had already signed an actress to play the mother on the series, so it was a no go for The Cowsills. What was the series? It was The Partridge Family.
After disbanding in the ‘70s, The Cowsills regrouped in the 1990s and, though tragedy has taken some of the family members, the remaining siblings have been performing ever since, generating great reviews from the critics and fans alike.
Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes
The Blue Notes are one of the most dynamic groups that came out of the Gamble-Huff music factory that produced groups like the Spinners and Stylistics. Previously known as Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, among their credits include memorable love songs “If You Don’t Know Me by Now” (nominated for a Grammy); “The Love I Lost” “Bad Luck” “Wake Up Everybody” and many more hits. There are no adjectives to describe their performances, except to state they have been performing to standing room only audiences for decades.
Bobby Wilson
Bobby Wilson, son of Legendary R&B/Soul Singer, Jackie Wilson, shares the same amazing traits and talents as his father. Many say Jackie Wilson’s legacy lives on through Bobby.
His adoring fans have dubbed him “Mr. Entertainment” from his natural ability to entertain and bring every crowd to their feet.
In addition to a tribute to his Dad, Bobby also recreates the sound and excitement of other greats of the era such as Sam Cooke and a variety of Motown artists.
The Chiclettes
The Chiclettes will get you moving with their high energy tribute to female artists through the decades. In addition to their own fabulous performances, they have shared the stage with many superstars, using their harmony talents to back up artists like Little Anthony, Bobby Rydell, Eddie Holman, Darlene Love, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Wilson & more. They have performed on network and local television and radio and brought the house down in venues across the country.
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