Hailing from Stockton, California, Isaak had an impressive run at school, being the class president for three years, and winning the Student Body President in his senior year. He was also the valedictorian. At the University of the Pacific, he earned himself a bachelor’s degree in communications graduating 1981.
Signing to Warner Bros. Records in 1984, Isaak led with the debut single “Dancin” which was also his debut music video too. It was from his debut album “Silvertone” that spawned the other singles “Gone Ridin” and “Livin’ for Your Lover”, both of which were featured in the movie, Blue Velvet. Isaak was fortunate enough to have his contract renewed in 1988, as he moved to another division of Warner Bros. called Reprise Records. It was the following year that Isaak released his song “Wicked Game”, from the album, “Heart Shaped World” released in June 1989. The song reached the top twenty of nine different countries whilst the album went on to be certified 3x Platinum by the RIAA. It peaked at number 7 on the Billboard 200. From the following album, “San Francisco Days”, released April 13th 1993, until his release “Always Got Tonight”, released February 12th 2002, Isaak’s albums were an international chart success. As was his album “Beyond the Sun”, which was released on October 18th 2011.
That’s not it though, as Isaak was the composer behind the theme song of The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn. He even starred in his own television show, The Chris Isaak Show, which aired from March 2001 until March 2004.
Imelda was born in Dublin in 1974 and developed an early love of Rock and Roll particularly the work of the likes of Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent who would influence her sound as she grew up. By 16 she was working the Dublin club circuit, picking up tips of the trade from fellow musicians and even occasionally being barred from her own gigs due to her young age.
Her professional career officially began in 2003 when she released her first album on Foot Tapping Records ‘No Turning Back’, first under her maiden name Imelda Clabby and then again under her married name. Following the album’s release she relocated to London with husband and guitarist Darrel Higham.
Her big break came with the follow up album, 2008’s ‘Love Tattoo’. This time, with the support of a Major label, the album hit number one in the Irish charts and caught the attention of UK music maestro Jools Holland. He invited her to join him on tour and after being impressed with the reaction, also got her to appear on his show ‘Later…With Jools Holland’. All of this helped Imelda’s talents to reach new ears and expand her fanbase.
Her third album ‘Mayhem’ hit number one in Ireland and number 7 in the UK and was a sure sign that Imelda was here to stay. She has even made waves in the US performing on shows like Jay Leno and Conan.
Chris Isaak is hot, sexy, and talented. Did I mention he's an amazing live performer? He is the entire package! Mr. Isaak gets the crowd involved. He is personable and acts like he is talking to you.
I have seen him from small indoor clubs to large outdoor venues and he sounds amazing in all settings. He gets the crowds energized. Chris get personal with the people, shakes hands, sits on laps, takes photos, and does small talk. Who does that these days?? What a guy! I love when he sings the classics......Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis. No other performer can pull that off. I think his Pretty Women is just as good as the original. His best live performance is Great Balls of Fire. I love his music too especially San Francisco Days, Somebody's Crying, and Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing. Chris Isaak would be a perfect Vegas performer! People will come all over the world to see him because he's that good.
Let me finish by saying that you will not be disappointed when seeing a Chris Isaak show since he is very entertaining and has an amazing live voice. One more thing......awesome costumes.
Imelda May is really something special. Her rockabilly sound is very unique. I haven't heard anything like it in years. I couldn't believe all of the young girls I saw in the audience - they were seriously into the music!
A lot of them were dressed like her and everything. Some of them were spot on. Imelda's voice is amazing! It's even better live than on her album. Absolutely beautiful. All in all, it was really great time. The crowd was really into it. Just about everyone knew the words to all of the songs, including me. I usually feel a bit foolish singing along because my voice is terrible. But I threw caution to the wind and just enjoyed the music.
The band she had backing her up was wonderful as well, from the trumpet to the bass. I don't think I could've asked for a better time. She puts on one hell of a show. I'd gladly go see her again anytime. Her version of Tainted Love was awesome, and a really nice surprise. Hope she comes around again very soon!