You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I’m telling you why: Santa Claus is coming to town.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (October 5, 2004) – On Friday, November 5, the Kentucky Historical Society will highlight the songwriting career of northern Kentucky native, Haven Gillespie, at its annual meeting. Developed by Mike Thomas, the Society’s Museum Theatre Manager, this one-hour presentation will include musical arrangements by pianist, Jay Flippin, in a cabaret performance that features several of Gillespie’s greatest hits, including “You Go to My Head,” Drifting and Dreaming,” “Breezing Along with Breeze” and more.
Dropping out of school at the age of 14, Gillespie left his impoverished family from Covington, Kentucky, to move to Chicago, finding work as a printer. Until his death in 1975, Gillespie penned lyrics to hundreds of songs from Broadway to Hollywood. His songs have been performed and recorded by entertainment greats, including fellow-Kentuckian Rosemary Clooney, Al Jolson, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin and Peggy Lee. As recently as 1984, Gillespie’s 1921 song “Right or Wrong” was popularized by country star, George Strait. Though successful as a songwriter, Gillespie retained his membership in the printers’ union throughout his adult life.
“You Go to My Head: The Haven Gillespie Songbook” will be held in conjunction with the Society’s annual business meeting. A reception will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. in honor of the Society’s newest temporary exhibit, A River Runs Through Us: The Rivers of Kentucky which opens to the public on Saturday, November 6.
The dinner-theatre presentation, held at the Kentucky History Center in Frankfort, will begin at 7 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (502) 564-1792, ext. 4414. Cost to attend the performance of “You Go to My Head” is $22, KHS members, $27, nonmembers. Reservations will be accepted through October 29.
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The Kentucky Historical Society, since 1836, has provided connections to the past, perspective on the present and inspiration for the future. KHS operates the Old State Capitol, Kentucky Military History Museum and its five-year-old headquarters, the Kentucky History Center. Since 1999, the thirty-million dollar History Center has welcomed almost one million visitors. For more information about the Kentucky Historical Society and its programs, visit the Web at http://history.ky.gov or call (502) 564-1792.
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