"The Johnny Tolley 'Ole Time Variety Show"
For many years now, hometown boy Johnny Tolley has been coming to Blytheville to host a fund raising event on behalf of The Arts Council of Mississippi County about twice a year. This program is called “The Johnny Tolley ‘Ole Time Variety Show” and always include several family-friendly acts including song, dance and comedy. There is no set admission cost, but donations for The Arts Council are encouraged.
Many will remember that Johnny began his singing career with a high school band in Blytheville, and was singing professionally at the age of sixteen. After college he performed several years on the Holiday Inn circuit, playing in states such as Arkansas, Texas and Tennessee as well as doing opening concerts for George Strait, Hank Williams, Jr., Marty Robbins, Jerry Reed and Jerry Clower. Clower’s request for Johnny to be his opening act was a turning point in his career. He began working as comedian Jerry Clower's opening act & this led to television appearances on The Porter Wagoner Show, The Wilburn Brothers Show, Country Place & others. |
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Johnny Tolley always sings selections from his CDs, such as “Texas” and “You Believed In Me”, which have received good radio play throughout the country. His video for the song was featured on CMT, GAC, & COUNTRYCLIPS in Nashville. He appeared weekly at The Loveless Cafe in Nashville & works consistently performing show dates on the road.
The Nashville Limelight described Johnny Tolley’s CD “Songs From The Heart” as “The best work thus far. The smooth quality of his voice and delivery puts one in mind of James Taylor & Don Williams but yet, done in Tolley’s own style. The sadness of “New Orleans in the Rain” and the heartbreak of life in “Harder Cards” are outstanding cuts. There’s also a Texas swing that would please the dance hall crowds. Overall, a real winner!” |
Over the years “The Johnny Tolley ‘Ole Time Variety Show ” has featured a variety of talented performers including Charles Moody, Troy Thompson, Tonya Harris and Lora Anderson, Aaron Bowser, Sky Shipley, Madison Groves, James Branscum, Izzy Baugh—Miss Lights of the Delta 2019, David Lyttle, Charlie Groves, Laura Martin and Candie Groves, Lavella McWilliams, Chuck Wilder, Tim Stone, Rani Rush, Marybeth Byrd, The Off the Cuff Players and Ken Jackson, just to name a few.
Johnny always welcomes new acts to the stage. At past shows there was gospel vocalist Rhonda Hodges of Blytheville, Ashley Roacho from Walnut Ridge, Northeast Arkansas' Outstanding Teen, who perfored a tap dance, Ashleigh Rogers, Lights of the Delta's Outstanding Teen, from Batesville, who enlighten audience goers with her vocal talent, and Kristen Heuck, Miss Lights of the Delta, from Jonesboro, who perform her “bollywood” dance. Each show's lineup is different and always an enjoyable evening. |
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