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Jarreau draws patrons from all over

October 07, 2007 @ 12:35 AM

BILL ROSENBERGER

The Herald-Dispatch

HUNTINGTON -- It seems Al Jarreau's music lends itself to lovers.

Just last week, Charleston couple Monte and Carolyn Hughes got married, with Carolyn walking in to Jarreau's "Heaven and Earth."

A couple from Marietta, Ohio, Eric and Pamela Lankford, came to see the man whose song, "We're in This Love Together," they shared their first dance to 17 years ago on their wedding day. Coincidentally, Saturday also was their anniversary.

"We have been Al Jarreau fans for twenty-plus years, and we have been waiting for him to perform close," Pamela Lankford said. "And two hours is close enough."

Jarreau, a seven-time Grammy-award winner, is the only vocalist in history to win in three separate categories, including jazz, pop and R&B. The 67-year-old released his first record, "We Got By," in 1975. In 1979, he released his fourth record "Glow." That same year, Monte Hughes, who was in the Air Force and stationed in Germany, saw Jarreau perform for the first time.

"I've been hooked ever since," he said.

Marshall graduate and St. Albans resident Joslyn Davidson said she's been a fan for as long as she can remember. She said Jarreau's style of music makes it easy to like.

"He is my favorite," Davidson said. "I worship him. He's just a wonderful singer and a very good man."

Jarreau's appearance at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center drew a hearty crowd, which was expected for the first show of the 2007-08 Marshall Artist Series. Director of Marking and External Affairs Angela Jones said the 71st season has a great schedule, starting with Jarreau.

"The artist series is known all around the country for its variety," Jones said. "We have a great lineup every year, but we always like to kick off our season with a bang."

Mark Webb/The Herald-Dispatch

Acclaimed vocalist Al Jarreau opens the Marshall Artists Series at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center on Saturday, October 6, 2007.

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