Performing at the Hilton in Las Vegas late last year was a dream come true for Sri Lankan crooner Derrick Junkeer. He performed at the Oasis Lounge in November singing with some topline performers such as Genevieve from the Platters (she performed with the Platters at the Cinnamon Grand and also in Australia on their world tour last year) and Maurice White from Earth Wind and Fire and the Rolles Brothers who had many hits in the 70’s.
Sales of his CDs and DVDs also soared after his shows and Derrick was invited on a grand tour of the ShowRoom where Elvis performed his last concert and where many showbiz legends have given concerts.
One of the highlights for Derrick J was to see his name in the Las Vegas Magazine with other famous entertainers who performed in the Vegas strip in November. Derrick says he understands that he is only a small fish in a big pond, but adds it’s nice to be in this big pond as an entertainer in the entertainment capital.
Derrick was thrilled to meet Roy Hamilton Junior who attended Derrick J.’s show and liked his version of “You’ll never walk alone”,“ I Believe” and “Unchained Melody”. The son of the famous Roy Hamilton who died at the age of 41 leaving behind a huge catalogue of recordings, some seventy singles and many albums, his dad’s first single “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in 1954 issued on Epic Records was one of the musical highlights from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s musical “Carousel”. This song also made him popular in England as it was recorded in 1963 by Gerry & the Pacemakers, and also curiously enough went on to become a football anthem in England.
Roy Jnr was impressed by Derrick J’s performances of his father’s hits and said his father would have been proud of him. These words coming from the son of such a great musician who himself is a recording artiste was music to Derrick J. |
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