Johnny Tolley at the Ritz

     For over five years now, hometown boy Johnny Tolley has been coming to The Ritz Civic Center to host a fund raising event on behalf of The Arts Council of Mississippi County about twice a year.  This program is called “The Johnny Tolley ‘Ole Time Variety Show” and always include several family-friendly acts including song, dance and comedy.  There is no set admission cost, but donations for The Arts Council are encouraged.

     Many will remember that Johnny began his singing career with a high school band in Blytheville, and was singing professionally at the age of sixteen.  After college he performed several years on the Holiday Inn circuit, playing in states such as Arkansas, Texas and Tennessee as well as doing opening concerts for George Strait, Hank Williams, Jr., Marty Robbins, Jerry Reed and Jerry Clower.  Clower’s request for Johnny to be his opening act was a turning point in his career.  He began working as comedian Jerry Clower's opening act & this led to television appearances on The Porter Wagoner Show, The Wilburn Brothers Show, Country Place & others.

     Tolley always sings selections from his newly released CD entitled “Songs From The Heart”, such as “Texas” and “You Believed In Me”, along with selections from his first CD, “If This Is Our Last Time”, which received good radio play throughout the country.  His video for the song was featured on CMT, GAC, & COUNTRYCLIPS in Nashville.  He appears weekly at The Loveless Cafe in Nashville & works consistently performing show dates on the road.

     The Nashville Limelight described Johnny Tolley’s CD “Songs From The Heart” as “The best work thus far.  The smooth quality of his voice and delivery puts one in mind of James Taylor & Don Williams but yet, done it Tolley’s own style.  The sadness of “New Orleans in the Rain” and the heartbreak of life in “Harder Cards” are outstanding cuts.  There’s also a Texas swing that would please the dance hall crowds.  Overall, a real winner!”

     Over the years “The Johnny Tolley ‘Ole Time Variety Show” has featured a  variety of talented performers including Donna Dunkin, Charles Moody, Lavella McWilliams, Chuck Wilder, Tim Stone, The Off the Cuff Players, David Lyttle and Ken Jackson.  Johnny always welcomes new acts to the stage of The Ritz. At the latest show there was gospel vocalist Rhonda Hodges of Blytheville, Ashley Roacho from Walnut Ridge, Northeast Arkansas' Outstanding Teen, who perfored a tap dance,  Ashleigh Rogers, Lights of the Delta's Outstanding Teen, from Batesville, who enlighten audience goers with her vocal talent, and Kristen Heuck, Miss Lights of the Delta, from Jonesboro, who perform her “bollywood” dance.