Country Music Legend Narvel Felts at Historic Rodgers Theatre!
It’s not every day that a country music legend pulls into town.
But that will be the case on June 6 when country music legend Narvel Felts performs at Poplar Bluff’s Historic Rodgers Theatre.
It won’t be the first time, though, notes Penny Cooley, manager of the theatre.
“He has played at the Rodgers several times now, and it is always great because he has such a loyal fan base. They come from all over the country to come see him, and certainly from all over Missouri.”
Felts is a country music legend, but he is also a regional home town guy.
Felts was raised in Bernie and attended Bernie High School. As a matter of fact, he was “discovered” at the Bernie High School Talent Show. It just so happens, there was a talent scout in the audience.
He recorded his first single, “Kiss-a Me Baby” when he was only 16 years old. His career then skyrocketed with the help of other legends in the making, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash. By the 1970’s, Felts was well established in the world of American country music. His first major hit was a cover of Dobie Gray’s “Drift Way” in 1973. His version made it to Number 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles in September, 1973.
He became known to fans as “Narvel the Marvel”, and continued with a string of hits including “Lonely Teardrops” and a cover of Willie Nelson’s “Funny How Time Slips Away”. Felts has been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
Felts recalls how his first guitar was held together with wire, and was acquired by trading his BB gun for it. He worked in the cotton fields to save $15 for his net guitar, and then won that infamous high school talent show with a cover of Carl Perkins’ “Blue Suede Shoes”.
Tickets for the June 6 show at The Historic Rodgers Theatre are available at Hays Music Store, Myrtle’s Place, and the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce. Premium tickets are $20; general admission is $10; and balcony seating is available for $5. Tickets are also available at www.rodgerstheatre.org, or by calling Brent Davis, 573-429-0416.
Opening act is “Double Edge” from Memphis, TN.
Event sponsors include Southern Bank, Fox Media Network, Comfort Inn, and Brick Oven Pizza Company.