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| April 4-10, 2002 | ARCHIVES |
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"Las Vegas Entertainment Today" Covers the Las Vegas Entertainment Scene Weekly | |
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With a little push at age 14 from Duke Ellington himself, Cookie Watkins set off on a singing path that now spans two decades, currently performing center-"Strip" Las Vegas as the one and only Tina Turner in "Legends In Concert" at Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino. "I was always described as the little girl with the big woman's voice," Cookie recalls. She said that her entire life, starting with voice and piano lessons when she was eight, "was kind of lost in music." Her big brother, Tony, sang for nine years with Duke Ellington's band; and, one night, the Duke heard Cookie singing in a dressing room. He persuaded her to perform onstage and predicted a great future for her. He later mentioned her in his book, "Music Is My Mistress," and gave a coming-out party for Cookie at the Rainbow Room when she turned 18. Having studied classical music at the Settlement Music School, Temple University and the Manhattan School of Music, Cookie turned to popular music when she realized how long it would take for her career to peak in opera. She admits that she was heavily influenced by such great R&B legends as Patti LaBelle, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin and Earth, Wind & Fire. Today, Cookie's tribute to Tina Turner is "Simply The Best," as she performs Turner's hits "Higher," "What's Love" and "Proud Mary." She shares the stage nightly with an incredible cast of tribute artists, including Steve McCoy as Tom Jones, E'Casanova as Michael Jackson, Brigitte Valdez as Celine Dion, TRIBUTE as the Temptations and Graham Patrick as the "King of Rock & Roll" Elvis Presley. As always, all the stars of the ever-rotating cast of "Legends," are backed by a live on-stage orchestra, incredible dancers and back-up singers, and use their own voices - no lip-synching. You won't believe your eyes! |
 "Legends in Concert" rocks the Imperial Palace twice nightly, 7:30 and 10:30 p.m., except Sundays. Tickets are just $34.50 for adults, including tax, tip and two drinks. Children 12 and under are $19.50. A dinner and show package is also available for just $39.50. For reservations or more information, call (702) 794-3261 or toll free (888) 777-7664. Also, check out www.imperialpalace.com on the worldwide web for more on "Legends In Concert" at the fabulous Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino, right in the heart of the action-packed Las Vegas "Strip."
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