Before too much time passed I thought I would share a little about my trip to Memphis. Here are some interesting facts if you’d like to know even more. I’d like to thank Imad Handi who carried on with the show and did as David Gest would have liked. I would also like to thank Oona Mitchell of Royal Studios and her son Daniel for all their help. (This is where Bruno Mars “Uptown Funk” was produced by the way). Feel free to click the many links in this post for a more thorough appreciation of Memphis, Tennessee.
It was great fun to work with so many of the artists I grew up listening to. Backstage we were singing every word!
I got in from my flight rather late; about 10PM where I was taken to the world famous Peabody Hotel. A small problem though…. they had booked my room 🙁 I thought I would have nowhere to stay. The evening Manager (Dewayne Shipp) had something up his sleeve however. This can happen from time to time; and after sincerely apologizing they sent us to The Pyramid’s Big Cypress Lodge for one night to be brought back to the Peabody in the morning. I was puzzled that he was chuckling a bit as he sent us on our way. (Of course I understand things now). This place was like an amusement park for outdoor enthusiasts and I never would have learned about it if the mix up hadn’t happened.
The Pyramid is the former home of the Memphis Grizzlies and is now the Bass Pro Shop headquarters. It turned out to be quite a lot of fun. There are lagoons and bridges and boats and fish and alligator’s all INSIDE the pyramid, alongside sports equipment and all the miscellaneous sales items. The Lodge is above looking down on this.
The Lobby
The Suites above.
The Shops below…
Lagoon and Aquarium
Looking down from my balcony
There is an elevator that goes to the top of the pyramid where you can see a lovely view of the Mississippi River and the city. (Note: It’s the tallest free standing elevator in the country).
The Mighty Mississippi
Going down anyone?… (watch out for the alligators)
The next day was back to the Grand Peabody (where I was graciously upgraded to the Celebrity Suite), rehearsals, and on to the show with a quick trip down Beale Street.
The Peabody Hotel is known for its red carpet treatment of the ducks that live on the roof and play in the lobby every day. Kind of silly but kind of neat. Its the ritual of the thing that is amusing.
You can’t go the Memphis and not go to Beale Street which was only a block away from the hotel. Here are a few pics.
While I already posted some of the incredible performers on the show on facebook; I thought I would post again here on my personal blog as well. Below them are some world famous music videos.
with Peabo Bryson and Russell Thompkins Jr. and the New Stylistics
with C J Jefferson of the Temptations Review
With Regina Belle and “my man” Dennis Edwards of the Temptations with the Temptations Review
With songstress Regina Belle
with Kenny T. Musical Director for Russell Thompkins Jr and the New Stylistics
with Jonathan Buckson Sr of the Stylistics
two lovely ladies Deniece Williams and Regina Belle
Anita Ward with Gregory Abbott
With Candi Staton
with Petula Clark “Downtown” and “Dont Sleep in the Subway”. Petula lived in Memphis for a while and performed a wonderful song she wrote by the same name.
Gregory Abbott and Melba Moore
Gregory Abbott and GC Cameron of the Spinners. (This is a cool dude right here)
Having some fun in rehearsal with Peabo Bryson
Some Videos:
Here’s one I don’t post often…. its an amusing song called “Hardtimez”
My quotes for this post:
“Music can cure things medication never will”
‘You are rich, when you are content and happy with what you have”
“The war on drugs brought in more drugs. And the war on terrorists created more terrorists. Maybe next year we can have a war on farmers markets…
Until next time…. as always I am Musically yours,
Gregory
