Issue 6

 

The Jordinaires

The Jordinaires - the group which backed up the late Elvis Presley for 20 years - just finished a 5-day concert at the Gold Coast. The sold-out performances were largely due to the reputation of this group of fine gentlemen consisting of Gordon Stoker, Neil Matthews, Ray Walker and Duane West.

One of the highlights of the show was vocalist Sharon Haynes who has been performing with the group for 7 years. Miss Haynes performed a tribute to the late Patsy Cline. It was as if Patsy herself was there when Haynes took you on that wonderful journey with such legendary songs as, Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, Walking After Midnight, and her closing legendary songs as, Crazy,

I Fall to Pieces, Walking After Midnight, and her closing song, Sweet Dreams - Patsy Cline's big hit which was recorded just 3 weeks before her death in March of 1963 in a plane crash. The taped version of the original eulogy delivered by Paul Harvey after Patsy's death included special effects when Sharon Haynes closes the show with Sweet Dreams was outstanding!...

Elvis Presley - the King of Rock n Roll, has had many stories and books written about his death. None have clearly explained his death totally. Gordon Stoker, however, remembers when he spoke to his friend back in 1976.

"Elvis said things weren't right ever since the Jordinaires left him. He was very unhappy, but in no way did he want to die," Stoker said.

He also noted, "Elvis took prescribed drugs from Dr. Nick to wake up in the morning and to go to sleep at night. It was the combination of those pills that killed Elvis."

What Gordon Stoker stated was just the beginning of Elvis' problems. Presley loved his fans so much that he worried about his weight. So he took laxatives on a regular basis, which didn't help matters. Elvis also had a bad colon and was afraid to have surgery. In those days, a person had to wear a colonic bag on their hip.

The King of Rock n Roll led a fast, hard life which included an excessive eating habit. Eight hamburgers at one sitting wasn't unusual for Presley to eat for lunch or dinner. Perhaps if Elvis were here today at the age of 62, he would say to his fans: "I didn't mean to leave you so soon."...

Marty Allen & Karen Kate Blackwell

Marty Allen - one of the legendary comics who helped make Las Vegas the Entertainment Capital of the World, has been performing to sold-out crowds at the Westward Ho. Allen and Rossi - one of the few comedy duos who performed after the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show - haven't been performing together for the past year. Today, however, Marty Allen's partner, who plays the straight character in a comedy sketch is his wife, Karen Kate Blackwell. Blackwell is a consummate performer who has perfect pitch with the pathos of her voice-stylings among the finest of vocalists.

Showtimes are 7pm except Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Call Westward Ho for tickets at the Allstate ticket booth at 731-2900.

Ty Murray - 6-time world rodeo champion, has earned $16,000 during the last 4 weeks since his recovery from a mishap which took him out of the action for this year. The talented bullrider spoke to me about the (Professional Bullrider's)

Bud Light Cup World Championship which was held recently at the MGM Grand Garden.

"Bullriding is the most dangerous sport. That's a known fact," stated Murray. "People think we're crazy for doin' it. I think it's one of the most challenging things in the world that you can do and I think that's what drives guys to want to do it."

Murray also states, "To go up to unbeatable odds and learn how to handle so much pressure, the fear and the adrenaline rush; to be able to put everyday life to the side and focus on what you're doin'; you don't get a greater challenge than that!"

To be a PBR bullriding champion is the highest honor for any professional bull rider. There were approximately 60,000 fans who turned out for the event. Bullriding is one of the fastest-growing sports in America.

Till next time, Tell 'em Pete Sent Ya!"

Harley Davidson's Café opening

Actor Burt Reynolds, along with Jon Voight, Whoppi Goldberg, Branscomb Richmond , Louie Anderson, and Monti Rock were among some of the celebrities who enjoyed the festivities of Mark Packards Harley Davidson's Café opening this month. The Harley Davidson Café showcases over 90 years of motorcycles, history, culture and the many enthusiasts who have made "Harley Davidson" a legend!

Branscomb Richmond & Frances Lee Dowell

While socializing there, I was most impressed with the motorcycles showcased. They were on display on a conveyor type belt, which surrounded the middle of the restaurant. Jon Voight who is looking well these days has just finished filming Rainmaker and Most Wanted. Kenan Ivory Wayan wrote Most Wanted. It should prove to be a smashing hit.

Branscomb Richmond is enjoying his residuals on Renegade. The series has been picked up as reruns by the Family Network. Richmond just finished filming "Everythings George," with Frank Gorshin who plays George Burns in the movie. Branscomb plays the bad guy and Soupy Sales - he's funny. - He's also in the movie.

"Imagine," The new Dick Foster production at the Luxor is magical. I ould see Monte Rock playing the Merlin in this production. Monti Rock "a legend in my own mind" he states will be touring with his own original show. He certainly has a unique presentation and actually sounds quite good singing such songs as "On Broadway." The Rock has returned to Las Vegas "to shake it up" and "make a difference" he says

Louie Anderson

The ordain minister, hairstylist, spokesman will be filming some national commercials with a big food chain. "I’m Perto Rican and I talk fast,"he says, "So I'll sell those hamburgers." Darvius McCrarx of Family Matters just finished portraying Muhammad Ali in the Don King Story. If you look closely - he resembles a young Ali.

Don't forget to call (702)260-7411 and enter 2437 for some in depth celebrity interviews. Until then tell them Pete sent you!

Asian Market expands to New York, New York

During the last few years, the Asian Community has more than doubled its purchasing power in Las Vegas. During that time gaming revenues have also expanded to an all-new high which will now include New York, New York Hotel and Casino.

Jimmy Hsu, the Executive Director of International Marketing for Boulder Station Hotel and Casino met William Sherlock, President and CEO of New York New York during its media opening this month. "Gaming revenues in the Asian market," he says, "will continue to rise in such games as baccarat and pai gow, but the middle-of-the-road Asian gambler will be an excellent addition to gaming properties such as New York New York."

In our conversation I learned more Asians are employed there than any resort property in Nevada. Hsu knows what he is talking about. He graduated from National Political University where he studied diplomacy and law. His work in the embassy as a consul and his former position as Vice President and Executive Director of Far East Operations at the Dunes Hotel where Beau Rivage is now being constructed, leads me to believe Las Vegas will eventually have one of the largest Asian communities in the United States..

David Hasselhoff at New York, New York

While taking in the sights, I introduced Jimmy Hsu to David Hasselhoff in the Empire Lounge. Hasselhoff said his show Baywatch is on hiatus for a couple of weeks. I asked David - who incidentally is a big fight fan, what he thought about the last fight between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield.

"I think that last fight between Holyfield and Tyson gave the world of boxing more credibility. It also helped Don King. We'll see what the future holds," he said.

Some other celebrities in attendance included Vanna White and her husband George Santo Pietro, Branscomb Richmond, Jenny McCarthy, and Jim Belushi among many others.

Times Square in Las Vegas

One of the truly entertaining spots in New York New York is Times Square. Here you can enjoy the ethnic flavor of Chinatown and Little Italy or the nostalgia of Coney Island, including the memories of the Motown era at the Motown Cafe. If that's not enough, you can always take a hair-raising ride on the Manhattan Express roller coaster. I didn't have the nerve to try, so I checked out the arcade - the biggest I've seen yet.

Branscomb Richmond at Hamilton's

Hamilton's, owned by George Hamilton, a high class jazz club which overlooks the New York, New York casino, is a great spot to listen to jazz.

Branscomb Richmond took to the stage with Frances Lee Dowell and had a rollicking good time. He said: "You know music is my first love. So whenever I can take a break from the Renegade series, I come to Vegas."

Incidentally, Branscomb has just finished recording an international CD. I think you'll find it uplifting, handclapping and foot stomping.

New Orleans in Las Vegas too!

The Orleans Hotel and Casino is another great attraction which has been added to the Las Vegas skyline. Located at Tropicana and Arville, Orleans re-creates the ambiance of New Orleans.

Recently, I had dinner there at the Canal Street Grill and met James Payton, the maitre 'd. Mr. Payton has always handled himself in the most professional manner. I would like to congratulate the staff at Canal Street Grill for a job well done. After all, during the time I had dinner with my wife Patricia and Babe Pier, one of Las Vegas' great impressionists, they had only been open four days.

Let me tell you, the swordfish and the jumbo shrimp were out of this world!

Peter on the Air!

We'll see you on the radio! Look for Celebrity Scene On The United Broadcasting Network

Also catch Celebrity Scene on the High Desert Superstations which is KDUC & KSZL California And Hawk Radio in northern California.

Tune to Celebrity Scene News on his & her late night with: Steve Meranda & Debbie Scheffon--KLAV am 1230 from 2-3 A.M. Sunday through Thursday.

Check your local listings for the broadcast in your town!

Until next time, tell 'em Pete sent ya!