Two-time Las Vegas Headliner of the Year Frankie Moreno talked about his return to the Vegas Strip in this edition of “The Five Question Challenge” (Photo property of Killer Imaging & courtesy of Rogers & Cowan)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
It is an honor to welcome Frankie Moreno to Jake’s Take.
Ever since he made his debut on the popular CBS talent competition Star Search, Frankie Moreno has captivated audiences across the country with his sold out concerts at New York’s Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center and the Hollywood Bowl. In addition to his concerts at these iconic arenas, Mr. Moreno increased his fan base with a performance of his self-penned hit, “Tangerine Honey,” on Dancing with the Stars, which lead to two impeccable TV specials: PBS’s Frankie Moreno in Concert and his Emmy-nominated Songs at Home. Mr. Moreno also collaborated with a diverse group of musicians that ranged from world-renowned violinist Joshua Bell and Air Supply to country superstars Sugarland and Billy Currington.
Frankie Moreno is also a two-time winning “Las Vegas Headliner of the Year, who is making his triumphant debut to the Las Vegas Strip next month with his new show: Under the Influence! Starting April 20 at the PH Showroom at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Mr. Moreno will pay homage to celebrated music luminaries such as Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley and the Beatles, who each made their mark on the Vegas strip. Under the Influence is expected to combine Frankie’s unmatched vocal style, his fully choreographed band, stunning visual technology and choreography from Dancing with the Stars Alumni Lacey Schwimmer that will excite Vegas audiences.
Frankie took time out of rehearsals for Under the Influence to tackle The Five Question Challenge. In this edition, he talked about the lessons that he learned from his collaborators and teased his upcoming return to the Las Vegas Strip.
Jacob Elyachar: When did you get interested in music? How did that passion evolve into the desire of having a career in the entertainment industry?
Frankie Moreno: I got into music very early. I was one of those little 3-year-old freaks who could play the piano. I do not know why or how. I always knew music is what I would be doing. It is the only thing I ever wanted to do. I guess the passion developed into a career simply by persistence.
JE: You have had the honor and privilege of working with a diverse group of artists such as Joshua Bell, Sugarland, and Air Supply. What lessons did you learn from them that helped you grow as a musician?
FM: I have learned so many different things from each. It’s a pretty eclectic group of people I have been lucky enough to work with. I learned discipline from Joshua Bell, appreciation from Sugarland and work ethic from Air Supply. I mean, all of them have really shaped me into who I am.
JE: This April, you will return to the Las Vegas Strip for your new Vegas residency show: “Under the Influence,” which will take place at the Planet Hollywood Showroom. What are some of the challenges that you faced throughout this creation process? How did you overcome them?
FM: This process has been excellent. No hold ups really. We have been touring and having a blast, so when we were getting residency offers, we were very picky. Base Entertainment brought us on and suggested Planet Hollywood, and we loved the idea. Everything about it has been just right. I just can’t wait to get started.
JE: What can your fans look forward to “Under the Influence”?
FM: This is going to be the biggest show we have done by far. I cannot wait for everyone to see it. It is absolutely fantastic. Everything I could dream up they made real and even cooler. There’s some of our classics and some surprises too.
JE: If you had the opportunity to meet with aspiring singer-songwriters who wanted to get into the music industry, what advice would you share with them?
FM: I have done a lot of work going to schools and teaching songwriting classes. I love it. It’s the best feeling watching new artists grow. I would say to them just to always be themselves and not follow anyone else. If a road has already been taken, make a new one.
For more information about Frankie Moreno, visit his website.
You can also follow Frankie on social media. Visit his Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube channels.
