About me:
Originally from Phila, Pa. Mom and Dad were in show business during the vaudeville days. Things were tough because of WWII. Anyhow I have been singing as long as I can remember. Church, glee club { I got to sit with the girls, thank you lord for a high voice } Also talent shows in school and Tony Grants Stars of Tomorrow in the summer on Steel Pier in Atlantic City. As I got older I started singing Doo Wop with my friends on the corner. I lived in a mixed neighborhood so we had black guys and white guys out there singing harmony all night long. I had grown up listening to R&B and early Ray Charles and a bunch of other groups. When Elvis hit the radio I was inspired to learn to play guitar. My first guitar was a $22.00 Stella with strings a half inch high.I didn’t know any better at the time so I just let my fingers bleed until the callus formed. I was writing some songs and got to record on Jamie Records in Phila but I got screwed like everyone else. I moved to New York City and got in with Joey Dee and the Starliters of Peppermint Twist fame. Some of the guys in the band were Felix Cavaliere, Gene Cornish and Eddie Brogotti who went on to be the Rascals. I was doing some studio vocal and guitar work for four or five producers. I had the good fortune to sing background on a couple of Jay and the Americans hits. I should have stayed in NY longer but I went back to Phila to put a show band together. I did and traveled all over the country. Played Las Vegas at the Flamingo, Dunes and Sams Town. I recorded some during that time and had a couple of regional hits which was enough to keep the good money coming. Moved to Atlanta in 1980. I was a regional manager for Olivetti copy machines. I covered the southeast setting up dealers. I fooled around with some bands but couldn’t find anyone that wanted to play the Corporate circuit. Most just wanted to play the bars on the weekend. It was hard to get across less work, more money. And still play once in a while in the bars. Peggie Hoskins and I teamed up using tracks and eventually we put a band together with Wayne Langford and John Barwick. We were very seccussful playing clubs, parties and Weddings. Peggie and I have a magic that happens when we are on stage. Our voices blend together with little effort. It was great for me to sing with Peggie and have Wayne on guitar at Sophia’s benefit. First gig since 2002 when I retired. The last gig was at Dillons on my 62nd birthday with Peggie, Wayne and John. A great birthday for me.
Well !@#$, I saw my photo up there and was all ready to drop in a new video from the Punchline this year......I'm home recovering from a car wreck.....I now fear Old Ladies driving, and Loratab is my new friend. So, rainy and cold this Sunday morning in the Georgia mountains, but I just took one of those "Damnitall" pills and plan to take a trip without leaving the farm! Good morning Ray!
Hello, I hope this finds you in good spirits. If not,....find another brand of SPIRITS! "Goodbye for now and may God bless" Brian Hoffman~Red Skelton Impersonator
Hi! Thank you for being my friend! I would like to invite you to my new music site! You can make a page and customize it, upload music and pictures! In the spring of 2010, I am launching a BIG promotional campaign and online CD release party! Lots of fun and freebies! My music site will be at the center of it! So please join me! *hugs* -Jodi Ann
Stopping by,...Showing some LOVE I want to thank you for allowing me as Red Skelton to be a part of your myspace life. Fall is here and the holidays are approaching. They can be stressful so I'm giving you a gift of laughter. If by chance you are in Las Vegas or plan on visiting us this season, I would be honored to meet you. I perform every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night 9pm inside the Royal Resort Hotel showroom located 99 Convention Center Drive (basically corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Convention Center Drive) The name of the show is Larry G Jones ~Man of 1002 Voices Show. I'm the opening act as Red Skelton. If you get the chance please stop by and say HI. If you want to see the show send me a message and I will send you a discount coupon for being a friend on myspace. "Goodbye for now and may God bless" Brian Hoffman~Red Skelton Impersonator
RAY !!! I LOVE YOUR CD, MAN !!! you are one soulful, talented person and I ..............................................actually stopped typing for a minute to give you an ovation ! Thanks so much for the gift,we treasure it !!! love m
HEY pappy i just posted that i had one of your songs on my profile and that I LOVE YOU AND ROCK you should look on my profile...... trevor showed me how to find you on myspace it was cool that i was looking at your profile but i went to music and found u and i looked at your top friends and i was your 2 and i am so happy i am on your top it could not mean more to me then ever......love you bye
Today I uploaded the preliminary cover artwork for my new comedy CD in the "photos" section at ReverbNation...a picture of me and one of my imaginary siblings! It is similar in theme to my first album (which is available at CDBaby).
I developed this project to evoke our memories of nursery rhyme days, but give a modern yet silly perspective. Why? Because as adults it's important to let our inner child come out and play...OFTEN!
I've been developing the "rest of the story" so everything is almost ready. My plan is that next weekend will be devoted to recording and producing SHELLY'S NURSERY RHYMES so it can be released by Halloween!
Thank you for your great support! Next week as a 'treat' I'll upload a preview clip of one of the tracks. Until then, enjoy the written, audio and video humor here. And please share it with your friends!
Stopping by,...Showing some LOVE I hope your weekend is a fun one! Enjoy it,... before it is gone;) I wish you continued success in all you do. "Goodnight now and may God bless" Brian Hoffman~Red Skelton Impersonator p.s. Are you planning to visit the Las Vegas Strip??!...If so, I hope you come see me ;) http://www.LasVegasActs.com/redskelton.html
Hi Ray, thank you so much for your kind words, it means a whole lot coming from such a great player, especially at a time when I was seriously thinking about giving it up. Guess we're all just frustrated and waiting for somebody cool like RAY SHARP to put us back on track!!! Love you, man!!!!!!! m
THANKS for the request Ray!! GREAT sound!..:) I am glad you enjoyued dropping by! Drop in anytime, and make yourself at home..:)..Have a great day and week ahead!...Freida
Just stopping by to say "HI;)" I hope your Sunday is a fun one! Enjoy your weekend,....or what's left of it;) I wish you continued success in all you do. "Goodnight now and may God bless" Brian Hoffman~Red Skelton Impersonator p.s. When and if you are in Las Vegas, I hope you come see me ;)
GREAT to have you onboard sailor - you are so darn good ! I love listening to your page, I get the biggest smile because the music is just so alive !!!
Just stopping by to say I hope all is well in your world. FYI....You can now find me on facebook too. http://www.facebook.com/RedSkelton4u Next time you are in the neighborhood, come see the funniest show in Las Vegas! I wish you continued success in all you do. "Goodnight now and may God bless" Brian Hoffman~Red Skelton Impersonator
Just stopping by to say HI! and show some LOVE. Need a GOOD LAUGH?!!?....Sure you do:) Visit http://www.LasVegasActs.com/showvideos.html to see VIDEOS! Next time you are in the neighborhood, come see the funniest show in Las Vegas! I wish you continued success in all you do. "Goodnight now and may God bless" Brian Hoffman~Red Skelton Impersonator
