Charlie Rich and Olivia Newton-John Live at the Las Vegas Hilton
CHARLIE RICH, OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN Las Vegas Hilton
IN a prototype of the bold breakthroughs, the better Vegas, hotels regularly make, Charlie Rich displayed polish, authority and showmanship light-years beyond what he was restricted to on the country bus-tour circuit.
Aside from recapping “Behind Closed Doors” and all the other hits from his career that took so long to skyrocket, he also put in “The Look of Love,” a Flashing lights spelling out Charlie’s name, dancing chorus girls in fox-hunter garb, big and crisp orchestra, plus Rich’s ornate but tasteful sequin custom outfits all contributed to the sense of large-scale occasion.
In the kind of clever programming generally most associated with country superstars, Rich opened the show and then took a break for Olivia Newton-John’s set.
The lady sang beautifully her hits “Let Me Be There” and “If You Love Me, Let Me Know.” She also met the tough Vegas opening night audience with warmth and confidence. </strong>
By Nat Freedland
Editor’s note - concerts were circa July 1974.