By The Times-Ledger
Lou Rawls' unique singing style is instantly recognizable to audiences and record buyers throughout the world. Born and raised in Chicago, his first exposure to music was in his church choir. He was influenced by the great black entertainers of the day, including Billy Eckstein, Arthur Prysock and Joe Williams. He has said of these artists, “I loved the way they could lift the spirit of the audience.”
Rawls' big break came in 1959 when he was signed by Capitol Records. His first album for Capitol, the critically-acclaimed Lou Rawls Live, went gold. His next album, “Love Is A Hurtin' Thing,” received a Grammy nomination. Rawls' first Grammy came in 1967 when his “Dead End Street” won for Rhythm and Blues Vocal Performance. More recently, Rawls' distinctive vocal stylings have become familiar to wide audiences through his three animated Garfield specials and a soundtrack album. With Anheuser Busch, for which he serves as corporate spokesman, Rawls has raised millions of dollars for the United Negro College Fund.
Tickets for Lou Rawls' appearance in Reckson Jazz at Titles on Friday, Feb. 3 at 8 pm are priced at $48, $35 and $25 (seniors $42, $32, $22). Tickets may be purchased in person at the box office, by telephone through TillesCharge (516) 299-3100 or on Tilles Center's web site, www.tillescenter.org.
