Evelyn "Champagne" King to perform at San Manuel next Thursday

Brenton Wood's Sweet Old School Revue featuring Evelyn "Champagne" King and special guest

Where: San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino, 777 San Manuel Blvd., Highland

When: Doors open 6:30 p.m. Thursday Oct.6 

Cost: $43.75 to $32.50

Information: www.ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000

By Wes Woods II

Staff Writer

HIGHLAND - Evelyn "Champagne" King, known for hit songs like 1978's "Shame" and 1982's "Love Come Down" and "I'm in Love," will perform a 45-minute set as part of Brenton Wood's Sweet Old School Revue. 

The R&B, disco and post disco Bronx, New York born but Philadelphia raised singer will perform Thursday night at the San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino with Wood and a special guest.

"We got to give them the hits," King said in a Thursday interview, when asked what songs she would perform. "Everybody's going to know them. We added some spark to it. There's a lot more groove to some of the songs. You hear some percussion for 'Shame.' My husband Freddie Fox is the music director. He arranges everything and takes care of everything so it's going to be good."

King released her debut album "Smooth Talk" in 1977 which included "Shame," a song which was inducted in the Dance Hall of Fame in 2004.

Some of her songs, such as "Love Come Down," have been sampled by hip-hop and R & B artists.

"It's flattering and it's complimentary to you. You can tell somebody really likes what you've done," King said about the covers.

Another minor hit for King was 1982's "Betcha She Don't Love You," which was on the 1982 album "Get Loose."

Her last album was 2007's "Open Book," which displayed her staying power.

"You have to have a signature voice where they know it's you," King said about her longevity over different styles of music. "If you don't have that they won't really respect your singing. If you're a singer, you're a singer. I'm not a rapper or a hip hopper and I see the difference in the sound of the music ... but the music has to be upgraded. I don't mind it. It's a good thing for us because we're moving along. But stay within the realm of what you do." 

King has not lost her voice's power.

"I stayed out of trouble. But I have to honestly say I don't rehearse ... I was given a gift. I thank God every day I haven't lost my spark. I love what I do." 

Meanwhile, headliner Wood is known for his 1967 hits "The Oogum Boogum Song" and "Gimme Little Sign."