Johnny and Gil

I had played drums for Johnny Mathis back in the late 60s and came across Gil Reigers when I stepped in to substitute conduct for Raquel Welch at Caesars Palace. Gil was playing guitar for her and Burt Bacharach. After the first night conducting without even a chance to rehearse with the orchestra, Gil piped up and said “John Beal gives great ictus!” We’ve been friends ever since. 😉 Gil is not only Johnny’s guitarist, but his production manager. Scott Lavendar is the music director.