Kenny Rogers and Friends

Next date: Thursday, 15 May 2025 | 07:30 PM to 10:35 PM

 

Classical Singer Graham Toole

Hits jackpot as Kenny Rogers

Graham Toole believed he had hit the jackpot when he was called up in January 2019 to sing as Kenny Rogers with the Las Vegas Legends in concert at Melbourne's Crown Casino. While it was a little surreal being on stage with these stars of the 1960-1990s, living and dead, Graham has made a career out of singing the songs of the greats.

 

The US-based Legends are just that in musical tribute circles - legends - with the longest-running show in the world and a full cast of singers, dancers, and a live band.

 

With 'American Kenny' unexpectedly out injured, Graham had nine days to learn four songs and a duet before taking to the stage for twenty-two shows beside Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Donna Summer, and Cyndi Lauper - or at least the closest thing to them. "It was world-class," he enthused.

 

In the past 25 years he has performed tributes to Glen Campbell, John Denver, and Kenny Rogers. Growing up in a musical house, his mum played piano, and his dad sang alongside himself and his five sisters, all going through classical training and eisteddfod competitions.

 

"Music's always been my passion," Graham said. At 12, the same year he discovered guitar, he joined an old-time dance band. At 16, Graham won a talent competition to be the curtain-raiser for a young John Williamson back in his Old Man Emu days of the early 1970s, and he was on his way.

In 2004, he was recognised with the Frank Ifield International Spur Award for his potential global country music appeal, individual style, and professionalism. With his Album A Life Worth Living.

 

Graham and his family in the mid-2000s playing the streets of Tamworth with his wife and children Rebecca, Julius, and Ashleigh Toole. Wife Leonie also sings and writes and, for 10 years, he and his young family sang in the streets of Tamworth.

 

While the couple penned and recorded an album, Graham said these days he was happy singing the songs of the music's greats.

 

"It's been a brilliant opportunity to play wonderful songs that everyone knows... that's the fun part: we encourage people to join in," Graham said.

"The music transcends through the ages; they are just such well-crafted songs."

 

Increasingly he finds second and third generations coming to the concerts, with grandparents eager to share the music they grew up with.

As for favorites, he said that was too hard to choose, with the melody in one, or a phrase in another clicking with him in particular situations.

 

"And that's what it's like for audiences too... one line in a song can just take them back to that special time in their lives," he said. 

 

When

Location

Goulburn Performing Arts Centre, 163 Auburn Street, 2580, View Map