Lou Rawls has passed

Posted: 1/6/06 at 1:31pm

He will be missed- what a voice! Did anyone see him in Smokey Joe's Cafe?

[GYPSY1527]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 1:39pm

I saw "Smokey Joe's" with him in it and have many fond memories. He's a legend and will be missed.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 1:44pm

I saw him in Philly in a musical whose name is escaping me. It also starred with Darlene Love and Orfeh and had great Sound of Philadelphia 70's music in it. Fun show!

[best12bars]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 1:53pm

I'm very sad.

I'm also slightly frustrated that the only song they seem to be playing to honor him (so far) is his disco '70s come-back song: You'll Never Find...

He had a whole (wonderful) singing career before that! Jazz, R&B, "Lounge" and even Big Band...

I'm glad I heard his "Merry Christmas, Baby" playing a lot this holiday season. It's one of my favorites at the holidays.

Here's to you, Lou!

[ruprecht]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 2:01pm

That's really sad. He was one of those artists who you didn't really think about until you realized everything he did and sang and then you have that "moment". Me& Mrs Jones was amazing and should have come straight to B'way. He'll be missed.

[jimmirae]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 3:20pm

This is sad news. His was one of thos "Smooth as Velvet" Voices I grew up on. You always loved it when Lou sang it his way. God Bless You Lou!!

[Pippin]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 4:34pm

that is so sad. the show he did in philly was called "me and Mrs. Jones" and also starred an as yet unknown Anika noni Rose.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 4:56pm

Yes, that was it- THANK YOU! I was racking my brain. That was a fun show. I wonder why it has not seen any other incarnation.

[Pippin]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 5:01pm

I don't know, but it could have run forever in Philly. it had extension after extension. when people bought tickets, they all asked for "the Lou Rawls" show instead of it's actual name.

[ruprecht]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 7:04pm

http://www.broadway.com/Gen/Buzz_Story.aspx?ci=523329

Here's a piece from Broadway.com and it talks about Me & Mrs. Jones, briefly.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 7:05pm

Thanks for sharing!

[ruprecht]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 7:08pm

Welcome. And I agree, the show could have run forever and had it made it to NYC as planned, it might have changed the way people viewed jukebox musicals.
Updated On: 1/6/06 at 07:08 PM

[irene2]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 7:16pm

Speaking of jazz, a really great "real jazz" station, one that has been playing many of Lou Rawls's more obscure songs through out the day, may I suggest JAZZ 88 KSDS (from San Diego):

http://www.jazz88online.org/listen.php

[Kass983]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 7:59pm

I just got off work and my son broke this news to me. Lou has always reminded me of my father and he was only 7 years older than my father so I'm a little freaked out, and more than a little sad.

I have very fond memories of Lou while growing up, we had all of his albums. When I was a child I found his voice comforting; when I was older I could hear those velvety undertones that he's known for. They don't them like him anymore and he will be missed.

[grizzabella]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 8:44pm

Sad news, and deepest condolences to his family. He had a wonderful voice. We've lost a treasure.

[jimmirae]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 10:15pm

I cannot seem to find a radio station doing a tribute to him tonight - They should.

[AuditioningWaitress]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 12:33pm

I heard this yesterday at work...It made me a sad. My dad used to play his albums a lot.