S19|EP369 - A Velvet Reunion: Gianni and Bobby Vinton's Timeless Tales

Gianni opens the show with co-host Jeanie Raymond and interviews his longtime friend Bobby Vinton by audio only at Vinton’s request. They discuss Vinton’s major hits “Blue Velvet” (1963) and “Mr. Lonely,” his ongoing nerve issues from shingles and his regret about not getting the shingles shot, and memories of Russo’s spaghetti dinners for Vinton’s family in Las Vegas. Vinton recounts awkwardly telling Dean Martin he topped Billboard airplay (with Sinatra present) and describes how his Polish hit “My Melody of Love” led to a syndicated variety show, though none of his children pursued performing beyond son Rob helping manage. Russo plugs upcoming appearances and books, mentions a planned $50 million film, and Vinton shares a story about an impostor “John Wayne Jr.” that ultimately helped him befriend John Wayne. The show closes with “Mr. Lonely.”