(Eagle Mountain Casino, Porterville, CA 93257) – Crystal Gayle is a Grammy-winning American country music artist known for such songs as “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” and “Talking in Your Sleep.” Gayle will perform live in concert with special guest Johnny Lee on September 8, 2023 at Eagle Mountain Casino’s Event Center starting at 7pm.
In 1970, Decca Records released Gayle’s first single, “I’ve Cried (The Blues Right Out of My Eyes),” a traditional country song written by her sister, country legend Loretta Lynn that landed in the top 40 on the country chart. The label was more than happy to have Gayle follow in her sister’s famous footsteps, and they released three more singles over the next three years, all of which helped Gayle get some footing with listeners. But Gayle decided early on in her career that she wanted to make a name for herself on her own terms, and she left Decca for United Artists in 1974. There, Gayle was set free musically, and her first album, Crystal Gayle, was released that same year. “Wrong Road Again” became her first bona fide hit, finding a spot in the top 10 on the country chart.
Two years later, Gayle would find her way to No. 1 with “I’ll Get Over You,” and hot on its heels came the crossover smash “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” which hit No. 1 on the country charts and No. 2 on the pop charts. The album from which the hit came, We Must Believe in Magic, helped earn Gayle her first Grammy, for Best Female Country Vocal, and she became the first female country artist to go platinum.
In 1980, she landed at the top of the charts again with “If You Ever Change Your Mind” and “It’s Like We Never Said Goodbye.” In 1981, “You and I,” a duet with Eddie Rabbitt, was another crossover hit, and she made it to No. 1 five more times over the next few years.
While Gayle continued to record sporadically in the 1990s and 2000s, she saw her last hit in 1986 with “Cry.”
Johnny Lee’s Farewell Tour
Johnny Lee will be Gayle’s special guest as he is on his tour called “Hey Bartender, Last Call – The Farewell Tour.”
Lee’s breakthrough hit, “Lookin’ for Love,” helped usher in an historic era in country music, and four decades later Johnny Lee remains one of the genre’s most beloved entertainers. Possessing enviable comedic skills and a voice as warm and strong as sunshine on the Texas asphalt, Lee has enjoyed a successful career, but he isn’t near ready to call it quits yet. The proof is in his new album Everything’s Gonna Be Alright.
The 14-song collection looks poised to be a landmark album in an already impressive career, spotlighting not only Lee’s signature vocals but also his talent as a songwriter. The Texas native wrote or co-wrote the bulk of the project. “I’m more proud of this album because I wrote most of the songs on there,” Lee says. “I’m proud of the rest of my stuff too, but I’m really proud of this one because I’m the creator.”
Tickets are on sale now and start at only $75. Must be 21 and older to attend. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket kiosk machines inside the casino or online at www.eaglemtncasino.com.
Eagle Mountain Casino is a full-service casino owned and operated by the Tule River Tribe. The casino, located at 1850 West Street in Porterville, CA, off Highway 65, next to the Porterville Fairgrounds, is now open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The new property is double in size, growing to over 100,000 square feet, featuring new dining options, 1,750 slot machines, 20 table games, and a state-of-the-art event center. Guests must be 21 and older to drink alcohol and play on the gaming floor. For more information, go to www.eaglemtncasino.com or call 1-800-903-3353.
