Chris “Spoons” Daniels had a lot to celebrate last Saturday night. Chris has been leading his band, The Kings, for the past 36 years. In addition, ten years ago, Chris was diagnosed with Acute Myloid Leukemia. He received a life-saving bone marrow transplant from his sister, and thankfully, he is still with us today.
I was so thrilled to be a part of the celebration. I was at The Kings’ very first show at the Little Bear in 1984. And in 1989, when I was leaving Denver to move to New York, my going away party was at The Little Bear, with music by Chris and his Kings, of course. I even left a bra in the rafters as a memento of me being there.
Through the almost three decades that I was away in New York, it was Chris’ voice that represented home for me. His voice soothed my homesickness. I never went one day without listening to a Chris Daniels song.
In 2010, I got the news about Chris’ illness, and I was devastated. I was so afraid I’d never see him perform again. But since I returned to Colorado in 2016, I’ve seen him five times, including The Kings 35th Anniversary celebration at the epic Boulder Theater in April 2018.
For as long as I’m here, I will drive over the Rockies to see Chris perform every chance I get – I’ve got three decades to make up for!
Chris is a Colorado music icon, a Colorado Music Hall of Fame Inductee and active Executive Director, and a leading educator in Music Business. He has built an amazing legacy that will benefit Colorado musicians for years to come. He is an inspiration to many, and truly a Mile High treasure.
The Kings were in rare form last Saturday at The Little Bear. Colorado Music Hall of Fame inductee and cancer survivor, Freddi Gowdy of Denver’s legendary Freddi Henchi & The Soul Setters, wooed the crowd with his soulful voice and Michael Jackson-moves. Freddi flirts with the crowd, and gets them rowdy. “Aint no party like a Kings party, cuz a King’s party don’t stop.”
Bones Jones, lead guitarist, jammed a couple of great guitar solos.
Bones started out in high finance, but made his move to music soon after. Bones has been an independent musician for more than 40 years and has been with The Kings for about 25 of those. Not only is Bones a stellar guitarist, he is a digital marketing expert, who has partnered with us here at Virtuosity Worldwide LLC to support us in promoting the artists we love.
Chris Stongle, was a beast on drums. I enjoyed watching Chris play as much as I dug the beats. His name should be Smilin’ Stongle because I never saw him without a smile on his face. All through the show, Chris projected a joyful countenance. It’s clear he loves every minute he’s behind the set. And what a set of pipes he has! I’d love to hear Chris sing more often. He also plays with another Denver band, Bad Candy.
C.U. Denver graduate, Alex Goldberg. is the youngest member of The Kings, but demonstrates his bass line prowess at every show. The audience cheered for his solos. Just beginning his musical journey, he couldn’t ask for better mentors than Chris Daniels & The Kings.
Recently at a show at The Boulder Theater, Alex shared the bass duties for the night with bass legends Kenny Passerelli, bassist for Elton John, Joe Walsh and Hall and Oats as well as Stanley Sheldon, bassist for Peter Frampton who played on the Frampton Comes Alive record.
Jim Waddell on sax and flute. Jim played with Firefall for several years before joining Chris Daniels & The Kings in 2001. His flute solo, left us all in awe and, of course, everyone loves good sax.
Darryl “Doody” Abrahmson, must have the strongest lips on the planet. Doody turned the party into a celebratory revelry, even sneaking out into the crowd for a stellar solo.
Combine all of these amazingly talented musicians, and you have the recipe for a fantastic night of live music. It’s a real treat to watch them all interact on stage, and play off of each other. Chris Daniels & The Kings is definitely a band you must see live.
There are rumors that The Kings may be working on some new music. Stay tuned to Virtuosity Worldwide for the latest.
For more info on Chris Daniels & The Kings, visit their website ChrisDaniels.com and follow them on social media via the links below.
