Pat Boone Gives Surprise Performance in Normal
By: Jacob Long, WMBD/WYZZ-TV
Updated: April 27, 2012
NORMAL - He is like their Justin Bieber.
Pop culture icon Pat Boone rose to fame as a singer and actor in the 1950's and 1960's.
Then on Friday, those who loved him from the start got a chance to fall in love with him all over again.
Boone was in the Twin Cities for a show at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts. But before the curtain went up, he made a surprise stop at Evergreen Village in Normal.
"It's what we do for the residents. We want to do things that make them happy because we love them," said Administrative Services Coordinator Myrna Havener.
Residents there were gathered for lunch as usual. The only difference was they were told to expect a special visitor.
Despite their best guesses, no one knew Boone was about to walk in the front door of the assisted living facility.
Havener said, "We told no one. We did not want a crowd. This is just for them."
So once he arrived, the residents' faces lit up and they gave him a round of applause.
Since most of them grew up listening to his music, the moment was like today's teenagers meeting the latest chart topper.
During his visit, Boone sang three songs, including his well-known hit "Love Letters in the Sand."
He also took questions from the audience and talked about his family.
For resident Genevieve Whyte, it was like taking a trip down memory lane. She told WMBD 31 she used to listen to Boone's music while cleaning for her three kids.
"I just love his voice," she said. "I could just see him on the beach with his costars."
She said she has always admired the singer for having a 'wholesome' image.
Boone's visit was part of Evergreen's celebration for National Supportive Living Week. The center held events all week long with a 'mystery' theme.
Havener knew Boone was going to be in town during the events. So she took a chance and e-mailed his manager.
"I contacted his manager and asked 'Do you think Pat would have it in his heart to come sing a couple songs for our residents?'" she said.
The next day the manager replied and said Boone would be happy to do a free show before his appearance at the BCPA.
It's a moment Whyte will never forget.
"I loved it. I loved it," she said.
Pop culture icon Pat Boone rose to fame as a singer and actor in the 1950's and 1960's.
Then on Friday, those who loved him from the start got a chance to fall in love with him all over again.
Boone was in the Twin Cities for a show at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts. But before the curtain went up, he made a surprise stop at Evergreen Village in Normal.
"It's what we do for the residents. We want to do things that make them happy because we love them," said Administrative Services Coordinator Myrna Havener.
Residents there were gathered for lunch as usual. The only difference was they were told to expect a special visitor.
Despite their best guesses, no one knew Boone was about to walk in the front door of the assisted living facility.
Havener said, "We told no one. We did not want a crowd. This is just for them."
So once he arrived, the residents' faces lit up and they gave him a round of applause.
Since most of them grew up listening to his music, the moment was like today's teenagers meeting the latest chart topper.
During his visit, Boone sang three songs, including his well-known hit "Love Letters in the Sand."
He also took questions from the audience and talked about his family.
For resident Genevieve Whyte, it was like taking a trip down memory lane. She told WMBD 31 she used to listen to Boone's music while cleaning for her three kids.
"I just love his voice," she said. "I could just see him on the beach with his costars."
She said she has always admired the singer for having a 'wholesome' image.
Boone's visit was part of Evergreen's celebration for National Supportive Living Week. The center held events all week long with a 'mystery' theme.
Havener knew Boone was going to be in town during the events. So she took a chance and e-mailed his manager.
"I contacted his manager and asked 'Do you think Pat would have it in his heart to come sing a couple songs for our residents?'" she said.
The next day the manager replied and said Boone would be happy to do a free show before his appearance at the BCPA.
It's a moment Whyte will never forget.
"I loved it. I loved it," she said.
