Lou Ann Shields Retires After 9 Years

 

 

 

                          In March of 2000, Lou Ann Shields joined The Holidays along with Sam Ferrella, Frank Gori, Ralph Falk and George Price.

                          December 31, 2009 was Lou Ann's last show with The Holidays. After nine years of performing, Lou Ann decide to retire

                          to spend more time with her family and to become a Grandmother.

 

                          Over the nine years, Lou Ann took part in The Holidays' four CD's. For Your Love, Keepin The Sound Alive, Here and Now

                          and Collectible Records, Why Do Fools Fall In Love.  Lou Ann's hard work and dedication for the group, along with her

                          elegance, helped make The Holidays what they are today, one of Pittsburgh's premiere Oldie Show & Dance groups.

                          Over the nine years, she performed with some of the best national acts like Kenny Vance & The Planotones, The Dubs,

                          Jive Five, Chubby Checker, Fred Parris & The 5 Satins to mention a few and great local acts such as Jimmy Beaumont &

                          The Skyliners, The Vogues, Jimmy Ross & The Jaggerz, Fred Johnson of the Marcels and the list goes on.  One of Lou's

                          biggest fans was "the Daddio of the Radio", Mr. Porky Chedwick.  Porky loved everything that Lou sang, especially the

                          songs "Waiting For You", "Ooh Baby Baby" and "Goodbye To Love".  Lou Ann performed for many audiences in and around

                          the Pittsburgh area over the years and also in Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland and many parts of Pennsylvania and she

                          made a lot of fans and friends along the way, which I know will miss her.

 

                          Her last show was this New Years Eve at Huber Hall in Latrobe and The Holidays of today consist of Sam Ferrella, Lou

                          Ann, Bryan McClain, Mickey Carr, Southside Jerry Mellix, Ian Hazelwood, Jerry Coleman, Lenny Santoro and Greg

                          Stewart and with a little help from Bob Lemon and Laura Daniels.  We will miss Lou and on behalf of The Holidays we wish

                          her well, and she will always be a Holiday!

 

                          The Original Holidays were together for a little over 4 years, but Lou Ann and myself "Sam Ferrella" along with a lot of

                          help kept The Holidays music and name on the lips of the DJ's and fans for this past decade and with the internet DJ's our

                          music reached DJ's from all over the US and as far as the country of Australia.  The Holidays were included in a CD

                          produced by Crystal Ball Records, called "Doo Wopin Around The World".

 

                          On behalf of The Holidays and myself "Sam Ferrella" I spent 9 plus years singing with Lou. We went through a lot of

                          ups and downs and a lot of changes along the way, but all in all we had a great time.  Without Lou sticking it out

                          all these years  and supporting all my decisions, I'm not sure where The Holidays would be today or even if we would

                          have lasted as long as we have.  She has been my right arm in keeping this wonderful group together and I thank

                          her for that!  Most of all we all will miss Lou's friendship. 

 

                          In closing Lou, thank you for your dedication, your hard work, your beautiful voice, and your friendship.  You  have

                          a lot to be proud of and you have accomplished a lot overthe years, you will always be a HOLIDAY! Good luck, stay in

                          touch and we love you.

 

                                                                                                                                                       Sam Ferrella (The Holidays)

 

                          In 2010, The Holidays will open up with their new female singer, Marilyn Rush.  Marilyn is familiar to The Holiday

                          faithful, because she has filled in for Lou Ann from time to time.  We welcome her to The Holiday Family.              

 

                         

PHOTOS OF LOU ANN OVER THE YEARS

(use the arrow keys to see more pics - click on a pic to enlarge)

 

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