This week on Talk About Las Vegas With Ira, Ira welcomes Bob Anderson, celebrated as the world’s greatest singing impressionist and a master of Las Vegas showrooms, who performed at the Italian American Club on February 16. In this golden-era episode, Bob reflects on his exceptional career, sharing stories from his historic Frank Sinatra performance at Carnegie Hall and his extensive career performing impressions that captivated audiences.
Hooking Your Audience: A Legendary Talent
This week, Ira, your host on the Talk About Las Vegas Podcast, delves into the extraordinary life and career of Bob Anderson, a name synonymous with unparalleled talent and captivating performances. Join us as we explore the life of this legendary singer, impressionist, and actor.
A Versatile Talent: More Than Just a Singer
Bob Anderson is not just a singer; he's a multifaceted entertainer who has captivated audiences worldwide with his extraordinary talent. From his spot-on impressions of iconic figures like Frank Sinatra to his soulful renditions of classic songs, Anderson's performances are nothing short of mesmerizing.
A Glimpse into His Early Life and Career
Born and raised in the heart of America, Anderson's passion for music and performance was evident from a young age. He honed his skills through years of dedicated practice and eventually caught the eye of legendary television host Merv Griffin. This pivotal moment launched Anderson's career, leading to appearances on the Merv Griffin Show and other popular television programs.
A Vegas Icon: Commanding the Stage
Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world, has been the stage for some of Anderson's most memorable performances. His residency at the Sahara Hotel was a resounding success, drawing crowds of adoring fans. Anderson's ability to seamlessly transition between singing and impersonating made him a true showman.
A Legacy of Excellence: Honoring the Greats
Anderson's tribute to Frank Sinatra is particularly noteworthy. His uncanny ability to capture Sinatra's voice, mannerisms, and stage presence has earned him the title of one of the world's finest singing impressionists. His live performances are a testament to his dedication and talent, transporting audiences back to the golden age of entertainment.
A Lasting Impact: Inspiring Future Generations
Bob Anderson's influence extends far beyond his own career. He has inspired countless aspiring singers and performers to pursue their dreams. His commitment to excellence and his passion for music continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.
Key Takeaways from the Episode:
- A deep exploration into the life and career of Bob Anderson, the legendary singer and impressionist.
- An exploration of Anderson's early life, influences, and career milestones.
- A discussion of his iconic performances in Las Vegas, particularly his tribute to Frank Sinatra.
- Insights into Anderson's unique talent and his ability to captivate audiences.
- A reflection on Anderson's lasting impact on the world of entertainment.
Don't miss this fascinating episode of the Talk About Las Vegas Podcast. Tune in to learn more about the extraordinary life and career of Bob Anderson. Remember to share this episode with your friends and family, and don't forget to subscribe to the Talk About Las Vegas Podcast for more exciting content.
Links:
Bob Anderson's Official Website
Watch the full Podcast Video
Read The Full Transcript
Talking with Bob Anderson Full Transcript
Ira Sternberg: Although Las Vegas has changed over the decades, there are still some talented entertainers who continue to perform here. And when you have a performer with multiple talents, it’s easy to understand their staying power. One such entertainer is my guest, Bob Anderson, the world’s greatest singing impressionist, who’s performing at the Italian American Club this Friday, February 16th at 8:00 p.m. For ticket information, go to IACVegas.com. For everything about Bob Anderson, go to BobAnderson.com, and you can follow him on Facebook and YouTube. Bob, welcome back to the show!
Bob Anderson: Ira, it’s been a while, and it’s so great to see you, man. We used to have a lot of these things together in the past!
Ira Sternberg: Exactly, exactly! So, Bob, you no longer live in Las Vegas, but you've always been part of the entertainment fabric here. How do you see yourself in the entertainment world in general and in Las Vegas specifically?
Bob Anderson: You mean presently?
Ira Sternberg: Yes, absolutely.
Bob Anderson: Well, I’ve been working a lot—I’ve been traveling all over the place. But, you know, the thing about Las Vegas is that things have changed a lot, as you know. The younger generation has taken over, and a lot of the people I was really close with, people like Sinatra, Tony Bennett—they’re gone, man. But I come back a lot. I’ve been traveling all over—New York, Chicago, everywhere—and I get to Las Vegas quite a bit. I’m really looking forward to this time now; it’s always been a great place for me.
Ira Sternberg: And you’ve been doing the Sinatra show for a while now. I remember seeing it in Las Vegas, with the full orchestra, the whole look and feel—it was an amazing performance. You even did Carnegie Hall!
Bob Anderson: Yeah, yeah. It really was something. When we did Carnegie Hall, we totally sold it out. And when I got there, the place was amazing. A guy came up to me, he was with the police department, and they knew me. He invited 200 of them to come to my show—they all sat together in the middle, and I introduced them to everyone. And I did the song The House I Live In—you know, What is America to Me—and they stood up through the whole show. It was amazing! It was just one of those unforgettable nights, and it went so well.
Ira Sternberg: That’s incredible, Bob. You know, I was looking back—one of the first interviews I did with you was all the way back in 2000. We go back more than 20 years, and I've aged, but you look the same!
Bob Anderson: (laughs) Oh, you’re great, Ira. Who could ever forget those days?
Ira Sternberg: Do you remember the first impression you ever did?
Bob Anderson: Oh yeah. The first one I ever did was Sammy Davis Jr. I was at a party at Merv Griffin’s house, and everyone was there—Debbie Reynolds, Shirley MacLaine, the Beach Boys, everyone. Merv was playing piano, and I just started doing Johnny Mathis out of nowhere. I’d never done impressions before in my life! So Merv turns to me and says, “I didn’t know you could do impressions!” And I said, “I didn’t either!” Then I did Tony Bennett, and Robert Goulet was in the room and yelled, “Can you do me?” So I did Goulet, and he actually came up to me and gave me a big punch on the chest—that’s how he was! By the end of the night, Merv had stayed up writing out my whole show, and he said, “Bob, you’re going to be the singing impressionist.”
Ira Sternberg: That’s amazing! And you’ve been doing impressions ever since. What’s amazing about your talent is how effortlessly you move from one voice to another. It’s like watching a musician play different notes.
Bob Anderson: Yeah, you know, I’ve been blessed to know so many of these guys, and they’re all up here in my head. But I try to keep it focused on the greats like Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Bobby Darin, Nat King Cole…all those classic guys. I want to celebrate them. They’re the ones who made Las Vegas great, made it the entertainment capital, and I’m still here to keep their legacy alive.
Ira Sternberg: Well, I’m working on my Bob Anderson impression, but it’s not going well. Maybe one day! (laughs)
Bob Anderson: (laughs) Keep at it, Ira. You’ll get there!
Ira Sternberg: When you perform at the Italian American Club this Friday, what can people expect? Are you mixing it up with some of your own music too?
Bob Anderson: Absolutely! I’ll be doing a mix of my own songs and then diving into impressions of the greats. I actually have a couple of new albums coming out soon, and they wanted me to sing as myself, not the impressions. So I’m really excited about that, too. But when I perform, it’s always a mix—I do a few numbers as myself, then bring out Sinatra, Bennett, and others. I try to keep it balanced.
Ira Sternberg: And I bet after the show, people come up to you who have seen you perform over the decades, bringing their kids and grandkids along to see you.
Bob Anderson: Oh, absolutely! That’s one of my favorite parts. Rich Little was at the last show, standing up and cheering, and we even brought him up on stage. There’s a whole new generation out there, and I want to show them what real music and showmanship are about.
Ira Sternberg: Speaking of Sinatra, I remember you telling me about the transformation you went through for that role, especially with all the makeup and prep involved. Can you tell us about that?
Bob Anderson: Oh, sure. I worked with Kazu Suji, one of the top Hollywood makeup artists, who’s done big movie stars. I thought he wouldn’t take me on, but when I met him, he had this big board of Sinatra photos and asked me to pick which look I wanted. He actually created a whole prosthetic for me that could be reused, so it’s like wearing a mask. That makeup took around three hours initially, but now we’ve gotten it down to about an hour and twenty minutes.
Ira Sternberg: That’s incredible! And you really inhabit Sinatra on stage. Have you had reactions from people who were close to him?
Bob Anderson: Oh, yes. Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett came to my show. Tony would come to every show in Vegas when he was in town. One night after a performance, he pulled me aside and said, “You did an amazing job, but nobody knew your name. At the end, take off your tie, be yourself, and say thank you to Sinatra for me.” It was such great advice. The crowd loved it when I started doing that.
Ira Sternberg: That’s a great story. And you know, it seems like you’re still as energetic as ever. How do you stay in such great shape?
Bob Anderson: I work out four to five days a week, Ira. I still ride my bike and vocalize daily. I just never stopped, and if I don’t do it, I feel like something’s off. It’s become part of me.
Ira Sternberg: Well, it shows! You always had that energy about you. Do you find Las Vegas has changed too much, though, compared to those days?
Bob Anderson: I do. I mean, it’s a different world now. A lot of performers are lip-syncing their way through shows these days. Back in the day, we would never dream of that. And I don’t mean to put them down; it’s just a different time. But the music we did—Sinatra, Bennett, Mathis, those are real legends, and their music was real music. I try to keep that alive for as long as I can.
Ira Sternberg: And you’re doing an incredible job at it, Bob. People can hear it for themselves this Friday, February 16th, at the Italian American Club. For tickets, go to IACVegas.com. And for everything about Bob, go to BobAnderson.com. Bob, it’s always a pleasure having you on the show.
Bob Anderson: Ira, it’s always great to talk with you. You’re one of the best at what you do, and I appreciate you having me here. Let’s do it again soon.
Ira Sternberg: Definitely, Bob. See you next time.
FAQS ABout Bob Anderson
who is bob anderson?
Bob Anderson is an American singer and impersonator, particularly known for his uncanny ability to mimic the legendary Frank Sinatra. His discovery was a chance encounter; in 1973 Anderson snuck into the Sahara’s Congo Room so he could view a Nancy Sinatra rehearsal. During this run-through, the opening act the Everly Brothers got into an argument with each other and left. Anderson saw his chance and approached the conductor, telling him he was a singer. With only hours before the show, he was given the opportunity to open for Nancy Sinatra, and continued to do so for the next two weeks.
what is bob anderson known for?
Bob Anderson is renowned for his captivating performances, where he seamlessly transitions between various iconic voices, including Elvis Presley, Dean Martin, and Johnny Cash. His signature style is characterized by his smooth vocals, impeccable timing, and engaging stage presence. He was also a regular on TV, attending over 200 appearances on shows such as The Merv Griffin Show, HBO, Showtime, Mike David Letterman, and the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.
is bob anderson still performing?
es, Bob Anderson continues to entertain audiences with his remarkable talent. He remains active in the entertainment industry, performing at various venues and events. At the time of this publication, Anderson is on tour, and has upcoming shows in Las Vegas, New York, and Boynton, FL. He is booked up through spring of 2025. Visit Tour for tickets.
how old is bob anderson?
As of 2024, Bob Anderson is in his late 70s or early 80s. His exact age has not been publicly disclosed.
is bob anderson still alive?
Yes, Bob Anderson is still alive and continues to captivate audiences with his exceptional talent, whether it’s impersonating famous singers or performing his own music. This gifted gentleman has such ability that Dean Martin was once quoted as saying “Bob does me better than I do me.” Tony Bennet himself also added, “As fine a talent as there is in the business.”
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