Joe Shannahan, a former communications director/press secretary for Governor Tom Vilsack, has gone on record to say that one of the biggest mistakes Vilsack made as governor was to hire REO Speedwagon to perform for the National Governors Association meeting in Des Moines back in 2005. Vilsack’s favorite band, ZZ Top, was unavailable.
Now, we have a hint as to the musical tastes of Iowa’s next governor.
Here’s the news release issued this afternoon by the Culver Inaugural Committee:
Al Green to Headline One Iowa Gala; Tom Arnold to Emcee Event
Governor-elect Chet Culver and Lt. Governor-elect Patty Judge today announced that celebrated R&B singer Al Green will headline the One Iowa Gala, to be held at Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City on Thursday, January 11th, 2007.
Actor Tom Arnold will emcee the event, which will include Iowa musicians and other performers.
“Iowa City has a long tradition of hosting great live music, and we hope to continue that tradition with our gala,” said Emily Hajek, Director of the Culver-Judge Inaugural Committee. “We look forward to bringing Iowans together for what will be an exceptionally fun evening.”
A full list of performers will be released later in the month.
So, the man whose favorite song was "She’s Got Legs" by ZZ Top is being replaced by a governor who’s picked Al Green to headline his inaugural concert — an R&B artist whose most recognizable hit is titled "Love and Happiness."
About O.Kay Henderson
Kay is a founding member of the Radio Iowa network newsroom. In 1994, she became the network’s news director. She’s a featured reporter and commentator on Iowa Public Television’s “Iowa Press,” and the 2002 recipient of the Shelley Award.
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