News release
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publicinfo@selu.edu Spring 2004 news releases Public Information home News archive

Contact: Christina Chapple
Date: 4/20/05
 
Lou RawlsClick on image for publication quality photo 
LEGENDARY LOU RAWLS ON COLUMBIA THEATRE STAGE APRIL 29
       HAMMOND -- Critics have called Lou Rawls’ voice “sweet as sugar, soft as velvet, strong and steel, smooth as butter.” The rhythm and blues icon, whose career spans 60-plus albums, three Grammy wins and platinum and gold recordings, will bring his unforgettable voice to Southeastern Louisiana University’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts on April 29.
       Curtain time at the historic downtown Hammond theater is 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the Columbia box office, 220 E. Thomas Street, 985-543-4371. Ticket prices are $38, Orchestra 1 and Loge; $32, Orchestra 2 and Balcony 1; $26, Orchestra 3 and Balcony 2. Box office hours are noon-5 p.m., weekdays. Tickets are also available online through TicketWeb, www.ticketweb.com.
       After more than four decades and hits such as “Lady Love” and “You’ll Never Find (Another Love Like Mine),” Rawls continues to epitomize the ultimate song stylist with a musical identity that is as distinctive and instantly recognizable as any in music.  
       During his four-decade career as a vocalist, Rawls has captured fans of a variety of musical genres. He has also made popular appearances on television series from “Baywatch Nights” to “Fantasy Island” and in feature films such as “Leaving Las Vegas,” “Blues Brothers 2000,” and “Everything’s Jake.” The versatile performer has even done voice-overs for animated hits such as “Rugrats: the Movie,” “Here Comes Garfield” and “Hercules.”
       From his early days in gospel to his collaborations with Sam Cooke; from the “Dick Clark Show” at the Hollywood Bowl in 1959 to the opening for The Beatles in 1962 at Crosley Field in Cincinnati; from his monologues in the 70’s that presaged rap music to becoming a "crossover" artist before the term was invented, his distinctive voice has been the constant in his career.  
       "I've gone the full spectrum--from gospel to blues to jazz to soul to pop,” Rawls said, “and the public has accepted what I've done through it all. I think it means I've been doing something right at the right time."
        “Love Is A Hurtin' Thing” in 1966 shot Rawls to the top and garnered two Grammy nominations. In 1971 Rawls won the Downbeat magazine poll for favorite male vocalist, besting perennial champ Frank Sinatra, who had praised him for having "the classiest singing and silkiest chops in the singing game." 
       Although he won a second Grammy for “Natural Man,” Rawls balked at disco. In 1975, while other artists succumbed to the beat, Rawls moved to Philadelphia International, the mecca of producers/songwriters Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, and their renowned Philly sound. His integrity was rewarded the next year when “You'll Never Find (Another Love Like Mine)” became his biggest hit. The next year he took home his third Grammy, Best R&B Vocal Performance, for “Unmistakably Lou.”
       In 1976, Rawls became the corporate spokesman for Anheuser Busch, the world's largest brewery, that led in 1980 to that company's sponsorship of two events which have continued to this day. One was a series of concerts for American military personnel on bases around the world. The other was a telethon whose proceeds, now more than $200 million, are donated to the United Negro College Fund.
       In 1998 Rawls released his most recent album “Seasons 4 U” on his own newly created record label, Rawls & Brokaw Records. As always, he continues to tour extensively, from clubs to jazz festivals, from America to Europe to Asia.
       Throughout the years, Rawls has stayed true to his voice. 
       "People may not know what I'm doing," he said of his changing styles, "but they know it's me."
       For additional information about the concert and other events at the Columbia Theatre, contact the theater office, 985-543-4366, or visit www.selu.edu/columbia.