A Trip Down Memory Lane: The Men in Black Tribute

Photos courtesy Springtime Entertainment

Guest Contributor Lynn Coulter dons black duds and sunglasses in homage to The Men in Black, a tribute to legends Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison at the Orillia Opera House

Let’s travel back in time to the 60’s and 70’s when rock songs were all the rage and country tunes told a story. To begin, here’s a little history on the Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash relationship for you, the readers.

Besides the black clothing that became part of their persona on stage, Roy and Johnny were best friends and neighbours in Nashville. In 1969 Roy appeared on stage with Johnny in an episode of The Johnny Cash Show where, in Cash’s familiar ‘living room’ setting, the pair played acoustic guitars and duetted on Roy’s iconic hit Oh, Pretty Woman.

During that show, Roy reminded Johnny of the advice that Johnny gave him earlier on that if he would just lower his voice and change his name, he just might make it in the industry. Well, as all of you fans of The Big ‘O’ know, he did neither and the rest, as they say, is history.

The Men in Black: Friends and Brothers

In 1970 Johnny and Roy collaborated on See Ruby Fall on Cash’s 33rd album, entitled Hello, I’m Johnny Cash. That album reached #4 on the country chart.

They also teamed up for several TV appearances and special events. In 1977, Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Orbison performed This Train is Bound for Glory in a memorable tribute to Elvis Presley on Johnny’s televised Christmas Special.

Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash were also godparents to Roy Orbison Jr. Their son, John Carter Cash, remains Roy Jr’s best friend to this day.

To quote Johnny himself about their roles in each other’s lives, “We became like brothers right from the start … and we stayed that way until the end.”

The Men in Black Tribute

Fast forward to the present day and you can now experience a little of these two legendary performers, as well as their unique friendship, for yourself. For one night only, on Thursday June 22 starting @ 7:30 pm, the Orillia Opera House will host the acclaimed Men in Black Tribute, a fabulous not-to-be-missed evening to enjoy the music of these two legendary performers.

Master vocalists and musicians Dave LaFame as Roy and Aaron Solomon as Johnny will perform all the hits that made these legends famous, including Oh, Pretty Woman, Ring of Fire, Only the Lonely, Folsom Prison Blues, plus many others. In addition, they will duet with a familiar face in the female tribute world, Kathy Thompson, on Crying and Jackson, both real audience pleasers.

You’ll also be treated to stories and events from Roy’s and Johnny’s lives as both friends and collaborators.

See You at the Opera House

Backed by a live band of acclaimed musicians, this event is definitely worth the trip to downtown Orillia.

Tickets are only $45.00 per person, including HST. You can either order online @ www.orilliaoperahouse.ca or call the Box Office directly @ (705) 326-8011.

Want to see more of this superb tribute act? Click on this video link to get just a glimpse of the two performers and a little window into this must-do night of fun and entertainment.

Looking for somewhere great to stay after the show? Check out our list of the best hotels in Orillia for details. And for your dining pleasure, these top restaurants in Orillia for inspiration.

See you on June 22 at 7:30 pm!

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Guest Contributor Lynn Coulter is a long-time fan of rock’n’roll and country and a member of Springtime Entertainment who proudly bring you this special event.