Doc Severinsen, Mary Wilson teaming up at Smith Center
“The Tonight Show” band never had to play pop hits on school classroom instruments when Doc Severinsen was at the helm. But if there had been YouTube back then, the 86-year-old showman probably would have been game.
He of the loud blazers and blistering trumpet is the last of the Johnny Carson era to still represent. Severinsen’s big band plays The Smith Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday.
Las Vegas’s own Mary Wilson will join the band with guest vocals on a few songs. It has been a busy month for Wilson, who turned 70 on March 6 and sang last week for Cirque du Soleil’s “One Night for One Drop” benefit. She says she doesn’t remember singing with Severinsen’s band before.
When the Supremes performed on the Carson show, “I guess he was there,” she says with a laugh. “But this really is the first time. I hope it will be the first of many.”
Contact reporter Mike Weatherford at mweatherford@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0288.
