Music City Centre was buzzing with excitement as friends and fans of Tony Roi, along with representatives of Branson Critic Online Magazine, gathered together on Monday, October 29, 2007, for a very special evening. Tony and his fabulous show, The Elvis Experience, were once again the recipients of the Branson Critic Best Show award, and Tony, himself, received the award for Best Singer/Performer, as he had several times in the past.
Chad Ray, representing Branson Critic, first presented the award for Best Show of 2007, after reading the following quotes from the many fan reviews received regarding Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience:
“Tony’s TR Powerhouse Band is one of the best bands in Branson…. Kelly Black, Gary Freeman, Dino Phillips, Lance Griffith, and of course, the beautiful Angel Singers, are awesome…….]
Music City Centre is a fantastic venue that allows you to feel like you are having your own private audience with Tony and his exciting group of musicians….the TR Powerhouse Band is second to none, the music they create together has no equal – crisp, clean, and precise – the energy level they bring to the show makes you feel like standing up, dancing, and singing along with Tony and the whole group….the lighting during the show is top notch, tasteful, and complimentary…..the whole show is magical and unforgettable…..
When you leave the venue after one of his shows, you leave with only one thing in mind….. ‘when am I going to come back?’…..it’s quite obvious, after seeing Tony, once is never enough….it’s addicting and once you are bitten by the ‘Tony Roi Bug,’ you are hooked for life….”
Chad then read several more quotes from fan reviews regarding Tony, after which he presented the award for Best Singer/Performer of 2007:
“Music has always been a part of my life, but when I saw Tony’s performance, I was reminded that only a few musicians are as gifted as Tony Roi….when he appeared on stage, I was blown away….Tony looked like Elvis, sounded like Elvis, but when he sang with that compassion from his soul, he made the show his own…..
I am completely deaf….however I was fortunate enough to hear some of Elvis’ music prior to my hearing loss….I was able to recognize many of the songs that Tony performed….at one point in the show, he came down off the stage, held my hand, and sang to ME….I think I was floating at that point….I know it may seem pointless to some of you that a deaf person would attend a music show….I may not have been able to audibly hear Tony Roi, but I felt the music with my heart and it was beautiful….it is an experience I will never forget….
Tony has a great heart and a beautiful spirit within him that he can’t help but pour out all over his audience….I think Elvis had that same spirit….when we met Tony after the show, he told me that what he tries to convey to the audience is the Elvis that HE wants to remember….and it is GOOD…..”
Tony graciously expressed his heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the members of his band, the Angel Singers, his technical crew, and, of course, to his beautiful wife, Melanie, and their children, who were there with him on the stage. He especially thanked Branson Critic and the fans who wrote in to vote for him and his show, saying “I’m just going to continue doing it until you guys tell me - that’s enough!” He thanked God for giving him his talent and the opportunities he has had in his life. He told of the dream he had ever since childhood of becoming a performer and a singer, crediting Elvis as being a “tremendous vehicle” for him, and emphasizing that he always wanted people to accept him as an entertainer and a vocalist who was doing a tribute to Elvis Presley, not trying to become Elvis Presley – that there was only one Elvis, and there is only one Tony Roi - however, Tony feels that he and Elvis had the same passion. Tony let everyone know how much he loves to see the smiles on their faces, feel the joy of the applause, and hear the many compliments he receives every day, saying it’s a wonderful feeling to have. Further thanks were given to his Fan Club for their love and support, and also to Crystal, Sherri, Larry and Judy for being a part of the team that stands behind Tony and his show. Special mention was made that Richard Bliss was in the audience that night – everyone who knows Richard has had him in their prayers – and Tony announced how grateful everyone is that Richard has been declared cancer-free. Lastly, Tony talked of the privilege of being counted among so many great entertainers in Branson, and he sincerely thanked David Sandy for giving him the opportunity to pursue his dream in the theatre at Music City Centre.
The lights go down, the excitement is at a peak, the curtain opens, and Tony appears on stage, looking and sounding so much like the King, himself, that no matter how many times you see this show, you will never quite believe your eyes and ears! From the first notes of “A Little Less Conversation,” and the announcement that “This is a Tribute to the Man and his Music – Elvis Aaron Presley,” starting in 1954 where it all began in Memphis, Tennessee with “That’s All Right, Mama” and continuing on through the later years, Tony’s huge talent is evident throughout the show. Whatever he chooses to sing, whether it is the early rock ‘n’ roll classics such as “Hound Dog,” and “Blue Suede Shoes,” or his magnificent renditions of “It’s Midnight” or “Just Pretend,” or soul-touching gospel songs such as “How Great Thou Art,” Tony has mastered the King’s repertoire from 1954 until 1977. He has added “Steamroller Blues” to the show this year, and I must personally thank him for that one!! Tony singing blues could only be described as “scorching” – he could be performing on Beale Street in Memphis, and Elvis and BB King would be proud!!
The Elvis Experience incorporates dozens of legendary Elvis songs into the show, however, Tony’s talents as a songwriter are also showcased – and you will get to know the other side of Tony Roi. His original songs - “Your Eyes Started the Fire,” “Don’t Walk Away,” and “Back on the Road Again” have become as familiar and favorite to Tony’s fans as any of the Elvis music.
Tony’s Powerhouse Band is truly the best. Veteran musician Gary Freeman who has had an impressive career, even touring with the one and only Van Morrison some years back, is amazing on the keyboards – he is also Tony’s conductor; the incomparable Dino Phillips who is well known in Branson dazzles us on the drums and also sings harmony with Tony; Lance Griffith, new this year on lead guitar, had been a singer/songwriter in Nashville before coming to Branson; and the ever talented Kelly Black - everyone knows she “plays her bass guitar with attitude” - had the honor of being named Best Musician for 2006 by the fans on Branson Critic. These superb musicians blend together to produce some of the greatest sounds in Branson. The Angel Singers, Stephanie McKinney and Dana Courier, also new to the show this year, do a fantastic job singing backup for Tony and have become an integral part of what holds this show together and makes it so great.
Tony’s fans have come to love each and every one of the people who make up the Elvis Experience. The band members, as well as the Angels, are often seen outside the theatre after the show……..talking with fans and signing autographs while Tony is out there doing the same thing. This added personal touch only adds to the long list of reasons why people return to this show time and time again. Tony and all of those involved with him seem to work fluidly as a team, supporting each other and coming together to create the success of Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience. Mention must also be made of all the people behind the scenes of this terrific production – Tony personally thanks every one of them from the stage, acknowledging that the show could not be the success that it is without those who are in charge of the lighting, the sound, his photographer, even the ushers and those who help at the merchandise table - these people are just the best.
Tony Roi’s new season begins on Monday, March 10th at 8:00 p.m. If you are reading this and you have not yet experienced “The Experience,” please put this wonderful show at the top of your list of shows to see in 2008 - it is an experience you won’t soon forget. You will even be given the opportunity to have your picture taken with Tony on stage – a keepsake you will surely treasure. Tony has had quite an interesting life, and I would urge everyone to pick up his latest DVD – “The Journey.” It traces Tony’s career for more than twenty years and it will make you all the more appreciative of what this gifted man has accomplished throughout his remarkable journey. More importantly, you will see that Tony sincerely loves what he does and that he really cares for all of those who share his love of Elvis and his love of music with him. As Tony always says, “it’s all about the music.”
A hearty congratulations to Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience from all of us at Branson Critic, on being named Best Show for 2007, and to Tony, himself, for winning the Best Singer/Performer award for 2007. Year after year, you continue to provide Branson with the quality of entertainment that cannot be topped – and year after year, your fans reward you by voting you top honors from Branson Critic!!
Thanks, also, to David Sandy and Music City Centre for, as always, presenting the best of the best in Branson. We were all a little sad to learn that David has moved on to other pursuits and will not be with Music City Centre in 2008 – he will be missed and we wish him the best in the future. However, it is our understanding that his position has been ably filled by Timothy Haygood, and based upon what we already know about all of the Haygoods, we are certain that it will be a new and exciting time at Music City Centre. Everyone is looking forward to good things in 2008!
Shirley Hendricks, Editor
Pic collages by Sandi McKim