The Goo 1
JUNE/JULY '25 I played the Apollo Theatre and sim
ilar venues, often times with a full orchestra as opposed to a band. Things were really professional, and I learned to perform at that level, maybe more theatrically than I would have in a club setting. Did the mixture of music styles make Memphis the birthplace of rock n’ roll and rhythm n’ blues? Or was it the special characters like your father, BB King and Aretha that made it have such a worldwide impact? My mother loved pop music at the time, Pery Como and Frank Sinatra because there was no black radio in those days. My daddy loved country music and loved performing in Nashville. Then of course there was the blues with BB King and Johnny Ace. There was so much different music in the mix that gave Memphis its own sound. Finally, Ms Thomas, you are in your 80s, sounding as sweet and beautiful as you ever did. How do you stay so “young”? Yes, I get tired sometimes but I just love being with artists, sharing our experiences and talking about the people we know in the business. That keeps me fresh! Take Me to the River All-Stars Memphis Soul Revue is a collection of some of the legendary Memphis musical talents who created countless classic hits that have stood the test of time. Featuring the Queen of Memphis Soul STAX legend Carla Thomas, The Legendary Hi Rhythm Section (the band behind 27 Gold and Platinum Records in a row, including all of Al Green’s classics) along with vocalist Jerome Chism, GRAMMY winner Boo Mitchell (son of Willie Mitchell) and GRAMMY winner Martin Shore. Take Me to the River: All-Stars Memphis Soul Revue play Dublin’s Ambassador Theatre on July 14, 2025. 17