LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends join Music Matters "Live" lineup

Seattle Music Examiner

Music Matters “Live” just added LeRoy Bell And His Only Friends to its already robust lineup.

Bell will be a featured performer, along with Vicci Martinez, who gained national attention last year with her show-stopping performances on season one of NBC’s The Voice. Also on the bill is Americana singer / songwriter Star Anna and The Laughing Dogs. 

 

Although he looks preternaturally young, Bell has been working the music scene for decades. In 1978, he and his friend Casey James formed the duo Bell and James. They went on to write and record the funky disco hit, “Livin’ It Up.”

Bell would go on to compose songs that became hits for other artists - including a couple of singles for Elton John, from The Complete Thom Bell Sessions - produced by Leroy’s uncle. The record was released in 1979.  Elton John’s version of “Mama Can’t Buy You Love” eventually became a top ten hit.

 

Although Bell seemed to disappear from the national scene, his passion for music never subsided. He continued writing and performing steadily. Last year, the Tacoma native auditioned for the American version of The X Factor, and was selected for the Final 16.  

 

Bell made a very respectable showing, but was eliminated after the fifth live episode. Still, the soul crooner finished eighth overall. Most importantly, his appearance on the show brought this talented singer / songwriter and musician back into the spotlight. 

 

In another quirky connection to Elton John, a special musical addition to this year’s Synergia Northwest production include selections from Sir Elton John's rock classic, “Madman Across The Water.” The original orchestral scores were donated to Synergia Northwest especially for this event, on behalf of Sir Elton John.

 

Other artists for this year’s show include Yes drummer and Grammy award winning artist AlanWhite, plus his band, White; Heart guitarist Howard Leese; and a first time dance and musical performance by Dora Oliveira's Samba Reggae Revolution. Other special guests will be announced in the near future.

 

Music Matters “Live” will take place at the historic, Paramount Northwest Theatre in Seattle on Saturday evening, May 12th. Proceeds will benefit music programs in Washington public schools.