SONNY Turner (left) with McKenna and Bill Medley
Bill Medley of the musical duo The Righteous Brothers and Sonny Turner of the soul-R&B vocal act The Platters have been performing for over 50 years. Although Sonny jests that getting up in the morning and preparing for shows have become quite challenging for the both of them, their passion for music hasn’t diminished one bit.
That, the two artists agreed, is mostly because of appreciative audiences that never fail to make them feel young all over.
Bill, with his late singing partner Bobby Hatfield, popularized enduring hits such as “Unchained Melody” and “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” back in the 1960s. If he were to sing those songs every day in the shower, Bill quipped, he would probably end up hanging himself.
But whenever he sees fans’ faces light up, he feels so much younger. “I leave the dressing room 73, and I come up onstage 25,” he told reporters at a recent press con at Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañaque City. “We couldn’t do it without the audience.”
Spiritual awakening
Echoing Bill’s sentiments, Sonny likened doing shows to a “spiritual awakening.” “Sometimes you get tired of all the traveling, but once you get to a press con or a show, all the necessary energy is suddenly reignited,” said Sonny, who replaced Tony Williams as the lead vocalist of The Platters in 1959.
Among The Platters’ most iconic hits are “Only You,” “The Great Pretender” and “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.” Sonny added that Filipino fans should expect to relive old memories through his and Bill’s hit songs in their concert this evening, “Bill Medley and the Platters,” at the Solaire Grand Ballroom. (Tickets are available at TicketWorld and SM Tickets).
Bill’s daughter McKenna will also perform in tonight’s show.
“I have gone to some shows of my favorite artists, and they didn’t do this or that—it was extremely disappointing,” related Bill, who had toured with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. “I’m not here to prove what I think I could have been.”
Excerpts from the press con interview:
How’s the Philippines treating you so far?
Bill: It’s my first time here and everyone has been absolutely wonderful. I hope this is the first of many [visits]… Filipino singers are [really] good. Filipino groups in Las Vegas, they’re just some of the best in the world.
Sonny: “I was here back in the 1990s and performed in Cebu, Baguio and Mindanao. I enjoyed every moment, and to be back is absolutely amazing. It’s a wonderful place. I have many wonderful barong shirts! I’m drawn by your warmth and friendliness.
Some of your songs have been rerecorded by younger artists. How do you feel about that?
Sonny: It’s a huge compliment… It means our songs are still relevant. And when their [versions] are good, it’s an even bigger honor. It creates new appreciation for our music.
Bill: “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” has been rerecorded hundreds of times by many artists, including Elvis Presley. It’s an honor when talented people do your songs.
Who among the younger artists do you admire?
Bill: I saw Bruno Mars when he was about 9, impersonating Elvis in Hawaii. When you see guys like him now, you feel that music is in good hands.
Sonny: Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, Usher—these young performers love old-school music, and mix it with their own.
What makes your songs timeless?
Bill: They’re just great songs. They’re written and produced well, and that’s why they hold up.
Sonny: A lot of the songs back then had a story and great lyrics; it tells about our lives and they actually mean something.
(apolicarpio@inquirer.com.ph)