Stars pay tribute to Ruth Brown

The life story of Ruth Brown may be headed for the big screen.

Brown's son, Ronnie McPhatter, has been in negotiations with actor Jamie Foxx, who won a Best Actor Academy Award for his portrayal of Ray Charles, it was learned Friday.

Ron Mancuso, chief operating officer of the Bootlegger Bistro, said McPhatter indicated he has been in talks with Foxx.

McPhatter was at the Bootlegger on Thursday night for a tribute to his mother, the R&B legend who performed at the Bootlegger every Thursday for a couple of years before her death in 2006 at age 78.

A packed house of more than 200 turned out for the tribute, which featured an all-star lineup of performers who sang many of Brown's favorites.

It was such a success, said Mancuso, that "we hope to do it every year."

It was a night of healing, he said.

Brown's weekly gig had ended with some hurt feelings over what was characterized as a miscommunications. She died two months later, before things were smoothed over.

But there was nothing but love, along with non-stop rhythm and blues, filling the room Thursday.

Regi Brown (no relation) started off the seven-performer show with "I Sold My Heart to the Junkman" and "Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean."

Sonny Turner of the Platters followed with "Have A Good Time" and Wendy Edmead, who worked with the Pointer Sisters, added, "Teardrops From My Eyes" and Brown's classic " If I Can't Sell It."

Sonny Charles of the Checkmates contributed "Love Letter" and Jimmy Castor performed "5-10-15 Hours"

In a rare public performance, Mary Wilson, one of the original Supremes, sang "Body & Soul" and "Smile."

McPhatter added "Treasure of Love" and "I Don't Know" before the group capped the night with "Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean."

"My mother would be very happy tonight," said McPhatter, whose father, Clyde McPhatter, like Brown a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, formed the Drifters.

Atop the piano that Brown played was the leopard print-padded chair she used during her Bootlegger days.

The Bootlegger's wait staff paid homage in its own way.

A snifter of blackberry brandy was placed on the piano. It was the drink she started each show with.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Stefano Ripamonti, the Las Vegas-based Italian consul, is meeting today with members of the Italian community to plan a local fundraising concert/event for victims of the earthquake in Abruzzo province near Rome. Local entertainer Nelson Sardelli has been involved in organizing support. They are meeting at Town Center Lounge II, 2992 W. Cheyenne Ave.

Hearing rumblings of Chicago ownership involved in the purchase of Crazy Horse Too, with a major local nightclub tied in to a win-win side deal. ...

Steve Rossi, a regular on Ed Sullivan's show with comedy partner Marty Allen, is heading for Broadway as a headliner. He's one of the four leads in "Don't Leave It All to Your Children," a musical comedy that's been packing in crowds at the Annenberg Theater in Palm Springs, Calif., for several years.

Originally called "The Senior Class" four years ago, the show is about the older generation's take on baby boomers. It opens at the Actors Theatre on 47th Street on May 25, Rossi's 76th birthday. Allen and Rossi were one of the hottest comedy acts for years, with more than 40 appearances on Sullivan's show. ...

SIGHTINGS

Singer Macy Gray, having an early dinner in the upstairs area at Tao (Venetian) with her two daughters on Friday night. ...

Karl Engemann, Marie Osmond's manager, at Lance Burton's magic show (Monte Carlo) with his grandkids Friday while their parents, CNN's Larry King and his wife, Shawn, had dinner with Steve Wynn. ...

Nineties pop star CeCe Penniston, singing her club hit "Finally" at Tao (Venetian) on Thursday. Also in the crowd, rapper/producer Jermaine Dupri and comedian Bill Bellamy. ...

Former Vegas exotic dancer Bambi Jr., who later married talk-show host Montel Williams, at the opening night of Lon Bronson's band at Ovation showroom (Green Valley Ranch) on Thursday. She was visiting from Connecticut with her mother. ... Eli Mattson, third season runner-up of "America's Got Talent," joined Terry Fator (Mirage) on stage Wednesday during the show to sing a couple of numbers. ...

THE PUNCH LINE

"A man was charged with drunk driving after crashing a vehicle he made out of a barstool and a lawnmower. Friends don't let friends drive a barstool mounted on a lawnmower." -- Jimmy Fallon

Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.