By Mandy Oakham
Veteran entertainer Rodney Vincent has shared the stage with The Platters, The Deltones and Freddie and the Dreamers.
And he has shared his talent as a songwriter with legendary rock n roller Gene Pitney. A one night, guest performance with Pitney led to a personal invitation to be his guest on his last three Australian tours.
Not only was Rodney honoured to work with such a great international artist, but also he received the rare opportunity to write and record the song, What a Big Surprise, with Pitney.
Rodney, who has recently released his new album Heart and Soul, will be performing at the Sphinx next Wednesday in his special Xmas in July show.
“I do a little bit country, a little bit of comedy and a little bit of rock n roll,” Mr Vincent says.
“And, of course, I do a tribute to Gene Pitney, so there is definitely something for everybody in the show.
“I like to sing, but I like to laugh so everyone who comes along is guaranteed a good time,” he said.
Rodney’s standing in the Australian entertainment scene is no accident. It is the result of a long, hard apprenticeship which he says “started a while a go”.
From his first engagement playing guitar in an old time dance band at his local hall, to New Faces where he got his first big break, Rodney has survived the highs and the lows of the industry. After his appearance on the New Faces, Rodney joined the Channel Nine Singers on the In Melbourne Tonight show which featured Graham Kennedy, Ugly Dave Grey, Bert Newton and other household names.
On the demise of the Tonight show, Rodney teamed with Terry Gill to form Double Tempo, a duo who performed both on television and the cabaret circuit around Australia.
After a variety of music hall, theatre and band work, Rodney embarked on his solo career.
He also joined one of Australia’s greatest comedians, Col Elliott, not only as his special guest but also played the straight man to many of Col’s characters. The world of comedy added another string to his bow, and the refreshing aspect of his routine is that it centres on good clean fun.
Rodney Vincent’s reputation for being a genuine, all-round entertainer has been exemplified in recent years by the fact that he has a terrific following. This loyal following extends from small shows in community halls to national venues.
