This February, the Austin Symphony brings one of the hottest legends of all time to town: Johnny Rivers. This multiple Grammy award winner and all time rock and roll pop artist will captivate audiences with an evening of his golden hits revamped with cross-currents of fresh mainstream sounds. Rivers will deliver his legendary music and an unbelievable collection of his chart topping hits such as Secret Agent Man, Memphis, Where Have All the Flowers Gone?, Maybellene, Seventh Son, Midnight Special, and many, many more! In addition to backing this legendary icon, the Austin Symphony will perform some pops favorites before the guest artist takes the stage.

In the early 60’s and 70’s, the inspiring Johnny Rivers mainstreamed, fresh versions of R&B, which would shortly precipitate his own compositions. By the summer of 1964, his first album was released, Johnny Rivers at The Whiskey a Go Go, and yielded his first smash hit, Chuck Berry’s Memphis, beginning the American discotheque craze. In 1966 Rivers went on to launch his own Soul City record label, signing the slick quintet, Fifth Dimension, whose monumental rise would harvest four Top 10 singles on the label. Rivers went on to style such rock and roll hits as the two Motown Records cover versions, the Four Tops’ Baby I need Your Lovin’ and Smokey Robinson’s, The Track of My Tears. President of his own top record and publishing company by the age of twenty-five, Johnny Rivers’ slick, driving force paved his way to reach new musical heights. Rivers’ “old –fashioned rock and bluesy roots” combined with his vibrant appeal for pop audiences creates an amazing chemistry which awarded this golden musician the “Heroes and Legends” 1994 Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Sarah and Ernest Butler Pop Series has been broadened this year from the traditional Holiday and Promenade Pops in December and May respectively. The February Pops program featuring Johnny Rivers will be held at Riverbend Centre, whose locale “plays an integral part in the ongoing music industry dynamic” in Austin. This enthralling pop music event will give central Texans a chance to experience a taste of early rock and roll sounds from one of the greatest legends of all time.

From Los Angeles Times: January 31, 2004

A Whisky chaser after Bowl Concert
1964 - "After their August 23 Hollywood Bowl concert, Lennon, Harrison and Starr decided to chance a night out, away from Epstein and their entourage. They headed to the Whiskey A Go-Go to see Johnny Rivers. Lennon's date for the evening: actress Jayne Mansfield."

This was the infamous incident wherein an annoyed George Harrison was trying to throw his drink at an aggressive photographer. Instead, he accidentally splashed bombshell Mamie Van Doren just as Johnny Rivers was introducing her to the Beatles. Rivers yelled at Harrison and left.

Notably, The Beatles later covered the Chuck Berry song "Memphis, Tennessee" (a song in Johnny Rivers' set) on their BBC radio show.
Conversely, Rivers covered "Twist & Shout" & "Can't Buy Me Love" on his album "Totally Live at the Whiskey a Go Go" (1964)

Download a printable digital image at http://www.austinsymphony.org/newspress/

Online tickets and gift certificates at http://www.austinsymphony.org where you will also discover seating maps, price options, and a wealth of concert information. Patrons have a choice of two seating areas: Premiere Seating for $35 per seat or Preferred Seating for $20. You can also purchase tickets at the Symphony Box Office (Mon.-Fri., 9-5), 11th and Red River or call 476-6064 or 1-888-4-MAESTRO toll free).

All programs, artists, and dates are subject to change

Season Sponsor: St. David’s Healthcare Partnership
Media Sponsors: Austin-American Statesman, Time Warner Cable/News 8 Austin, KMFA Classical 89.5