Westchester Broadway Theatre Rocks with Johnny Rogers

Tribute to Buddy Holly

BY GEORGE J. DACRE

Baby boomers and fans of rock n’ roll got two hours of it Friday night at Westchester Broadway Theatre in Elmsford with Johnny Rogers.

By way of Chicago and Tennessee, Rogers not only gave the audience a lot of Buddy Holly music but also his impressions of his real-life cousin Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, Johnny Cash, the Big Bopper, Richie Valens and even John Wayne. The very talented Rogers, working with two other guitarists and a drummer, simulating the Crickets, did “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be The Day,” “Sometimes You Cry” and many other famous Holly hits during the first act and then wowed those attending with Valens’ “La Bomba,” Elvis’ “Can’t Help Loving You,” “Love Me Tender,” “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Blue Suede Shoes,” the Big Boppers’ “Chantilly Lace,” and Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.”

He wrapped the show up with a moving tribute to Holly, the Big Bopper and Richie Valens who died in the ill fated small plane crash many decades ago with a stirring rendition of “American Pie, the Day the Music Died.” Rogers said the music of Buddy Holly, Valens and the Big Bopper lives on and will always be remembered.

It was a higly energetic performance by very accomplished musicians and drew a standing ovation at the end. Rogers, very animated on stage, interacted with the theatregoers and went into the audience several times, even dancing with a lady at one point. It was a perfect evening for Buddy Holly fans and Rogers’ versatility added to the evening, as did the usual excellent dinner fare that was served.

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