Thompson (left) and Fabulous
Johnny Fabulous’ music is infused with a sense of playfulness that 30 years ago inspired him and his bandmates to introduce themselves as the “Fabulous brothers” at a cozy Santa Cruz bar. For the band, the moniker was a one-night stand; for Johnny that silly little idea that was fueled by maybe one too many 86 proof potions “became a whole new life for me.”
The pandemic and dedication to family ties brought the talented, slightly mischievous and delightfully irreverent musician/composer to Las Vegas in 2020…and another three years to be “discovered” by Las Vegas’ treasure, Keith Thompson. Thompson is the accomplished composer and musical director who conceived Composer’s Showcase, a monthly late night entertainment community collective who gather to present original music.
Earlier this year, Thompson introduced the newcomer with a bit of trepidation that expectations may have been set a tad too high. Fabulous was, well, Fabulous, and has become a semi-regular as his schedule permits.
As a 2-year old, Johnny was captivated by the piano and by the time he was six, he was “writing my own songs.” Although there was very little formal training, “all the musicians I played with became my teachers.”
As recently as last month, after the gravelly voiced singer with the beguiling smile opened Thompson’s show with a ditty reminiscent of the day wife and singing partner Pam borrowed the car, “and I never saw that car again.” Relegated to long walks and bus rides, he paid homage by composing the sprightly, If I Had A Car.
For the next 90 minutes, singer after singer made reference to the title or imagined a name change to “Fabulous.”
The joy that the entertainer realized working senior centers as he established himself in the business remains with him. “My best audiences are senior audiences. I get to see the power of music…how it affects people.” He recognizes that the music “has healing in it.”
Johnny performs dinner music regularly at Casa di Amore and his unique repertoire of standards and bluesy original music at Henderson’s Vegas Valley Winery. For details, check Johnny Fabulous on Facebook.
