PRESIDENT BUSH ASKS FOR NEW TRINI LOPEZ RECORD
The 25th star on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars was presented to international recording star Trini Lopez at the Flamingo resort casino where he once headlined and had Bill Cosby open for him! Even President George Bush sent a White House note of congratulations saying he was a big fan- and signed off asking Trini send him a copy of his newest album Rambling Man part produced here at the Palms by my friend Ron Dante. The star will be set in cement on the sidewalk on the Strip outside the Flamingo.
Ron, who has produced for Cher, Barry Manilow and many other super-singers made a congratulatory speech: “It was wonderful working with him. This was my big joy. He has an incredible success story with music, his debut record was a No. 1 hit. How’s that for starting right out of the gate. His single from that album “If I Had A Hammer” went onto become a No. 1 hit in 25 countries, eventually sold 5 million copies. He went onto release 61 more albums and now this one! That’s an extraordinary legacy.”
Trini, who still gets dozens of fan mail letters from all over the world daily, told me: “I’m dressed like Bugsy Segal today because way back in 1947 he opened the Flamingo and my career started at this hotel. I actually opened for Frank Sinatra here in Vegas. We hung out and became great pals. Sammy Davis Jr. was another great friend and we hung out together whenever we were working in the same city. His widow, Altovise sent me a telegram of congratulations today.” Trini has no intention of slowing down and has a new PBS-TV biopic The Whole Enchilada upcoming.
Comedy impressionist Rich Little, who has the fourth star on the Las Vegas Walk, was one of the guest speakers noting Trini’s amazing career and achievements. Rich revealed that he’s written a new biography Little by Little that will be released later this year. He said that Trini was so admired he had met every President at the White House since John F. Kennedy. “We go back a lot of years so I know his heart and soul have gone to help those less fortunate that was always his passion being kind and helping others,” said Rich.
Among the guests at the Flamingo Showroom presentation were comic Sammy Schorr and Vegas resident Susan Stafford who was the first letter turner, pre Vanna White, on Wheel of Fortune. A time capsule was collected with Trini’s records, art renderings, photos and the new CD which will be sealed and put in place beneath the official star!
The Las Vegas Walk of Stars is now in its third year and the next star will honor Elvis Presley and will be set on September 26.