Godfather of Fitness

It was a night to celebrate life, health and vitality at Jack LaLanne’s 95th birthday party. The “Godfather of Fitness” enjoyed turning another year old and told everybody, “I can’t afford to die—it would ruin my image.” Lou Ferrigno and Montel Williams laughed, along with hundreds of Jack’s friends and family. After toe-tapping Big Band music throughout dinner, a birthday cake was rolled into the ballroom of the ultra elegant Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Since they were also celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, Jack and his wife Elaine both took the stage and sang to each other! “If you were the only girl in the world,” warbled Jack, showing off his romantic side. But the biggest surprise came moments later when one of the Fitness Guru’s most famous disciples, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger appeared, and paid tribute to LaLanne “as a role model and a human being who was nice to me before anyone knew my name.”

The amazing LaLanne (born September 26, 1914) used the occasion to help others by having the event benefit the OCNA (Ovarian Cancer National Alliance). “During this wonderful celebration tonight, as we reflect on Jack’s lifelong dedication to helping millions of people get and stay fit, we are also helping the fight to beat ovarian cancer,” said Keith Mirchandani, CEO of TriStar Products, which manufactures the famous Jack LaLanne Power Juicer, before he unveiled a new Power Juicer and noted that donations to the OCNA go with every sale. Cheers were heard from the many cancer survivors in the audience and their supporters.

The King of Kustom Cars

After 32 years of silence… Elvis comes alive! That was on the intriguing invitation to an event at the famous Barris Kustom Cars headquarters on Riverside Drive in North Hollywood. The great George Barris was hosting the official Hollywood launch celebration for the new Epic CD, “The End—A New Beginning” by John Krondes and the Elvis Hit-making Team. Presley’s hit-making pals returned to the studio for the first time since 1977, bringing back the Memphis sound with singer-songwriter Krondes. It was also an opportunity to put the spotlight on the Elvis related book “Barris’ Cars of the Stars,” since George had customized for the King himself, in-between creating the Batmobile and the Munsters Koach. Among the car-loving stars on hand were hulky Lou Ferrigno, lovely Shirley Jones and comic-husband Marty Ingles doing a funny Elvis impersonation, Kate Linder, Butch Patrick, Suzanna Leigh, Miss California Teen USA Chelsea Gilligan, Elvis’ best man Joe Esposito, and songwriter Carol Connors, a former Elvis girlfriend. The event benefited the St. Jude Children’s charity. Hail to the King!

Jazz great Corky Hale

The world renowned jazz pianist and singer Corky Hale hosted a party to launch her new CD of timeless romantic ballads featuring her songbird friends. On the disk joining Corky are Sally Kellerman, Freda Payne, Ariana Savalas, Brenna Whitaker and Tricia Tahara. All took the stage at the Vibrato Grill Jazz club situated at the top of Beverly Glen. The singing was sensational, and the setting couldn’t have been more splendid with Priscilla Presley, Neile Adams, Peter Marshall and Bill Withers among the VIP guests. The “Corky Hale and Friends—I’m Glad There is You” CD is for lovers of music and lyrics that wrap around you like a cozy warm blanket and fill you with amorous thoughts. Like an angel, Corky played the harp on some of the tunes and smiled at her husband Mike Stoller, the great “Stand By Me” songwriter. They certainly make beautiful music together.