Grammy winner Boz Scaggs in Cerritos

CERRITOS - Boz Scaggs, called "one of rock and roll's most soulful vocalists" by Rolling Stone, will perform a special Valentine's Day concert Feb. 14 at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.Tickets range from $50-$85, though $85 and $80 seats are sold out. Scaggs recently proved his timelessness by charging back into the Top 20 with "Memphis," which Rolling Stone called an "R&B covers [album] with the right amount of grit and sweetness...sublime." The magazine noted in particular the record's "deep, soulful vocals." Known for his raspy, throaty vocals, the multi-platinum selling singer and songwriter has had a long and varied career. He grew up in Texas when the South was immersed in R&B, soul, rock and blues. In high school he teamed with buddy Steve Miller, who later also became a successful blues-rock guitarist and singer. After high school, Scaggs spent years traveling, taking in the R&B scene in Europe and performing on sidewalks and in nightclubs. In 1967, he headed to San Francisco, where he joined the Steve Miller Blues Band, which helped to revolutionize American rock and roll. Scaggs made his U.S. solo debut with the self-titled Boz Scaggs in 1968. His acclaimed discography includes the quadruple-platinum album "Silk Degrees," featuring the popular singles "Lido Shuffle" and "Lowdown." The record garnered a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blues Song. The New York Times extolled the pop-soul album "Other Roads," which featured the Billboard hit "Heart of Mine," for its "edgy streetwise lyrics." Scaggs followed with the Grammy-nominated blues collection "Come on Home" and the critically acclaimed 2001 R&B album "Dig," which Rolling Stone called "smooth yet gritty." His next album, "But Beautiful," a collection of standards done in traditional fashion, debuted at No. 1 on the jazz charts. Tickets to the Feb. 14 concert can be purchased online at cerritoscenter.com or by calling (562) 467-8818.

********** Published: Jan. 9, 2014 - Volume 12 - Issue 39