Meet Vocalist Extraordinaire and Doris Day Tribute artist Kristi King Let’s see what she is all about!
Kristi made her first professional stage appearance in her hometown of Portland, Oregon at the tender age of nine. By the time she was twelve, she was a local celebrity. She was much in demand on radio and television, receiving a special permit to sing in local night clubs and hotels and headlining three years at the Oregon State Fair in Salem. She originally trained with the vocal coach who started the Musketeers and the Christy Minstrels.
LOS ANGELES – First stop on career path Kristi took a two-year acting course at Van Mar Acting Academy, learning skills she put to good use as a performer. She appeared in clubs and on many local television and radio shows; shared a stage with the Righteous Brothers; recorded three of famed songwriter Diane Warren’s songs, performing one live on the Regis Philbin Show; and opened twice for the legendary comedienne Joan Rivers.
LAS VEGAS – Next stop Lead singer in the show “Playboy Girls of Rock ‘n Roll,” among many other Strip hotel gigs.
PALM SPRINGS – Formed and produced a female vocal trio called “The Sensational Jewels“ (which is still performing today); produced and hosted a local TV talk show called “What’s Going On,” for the Fox TV channel.
KRISTI PRODUCED TWO CDS – “By Request,” a collection of contemporary songs. “Que Sera! Celebrating Doris Day.” Songs from the tribute show.
OTHER KRISTI KING PERFORMANCES – Kristi expanded her tribute offerings with a second Doris Day show. “Country Girls,” celebrating Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and other country singers. “Peggy Lee, I Love Being Here With You” and The “Great American Songbook.”
KRISTI KING’S SCHEDULE TODAY – In addition to the tribute shows, Kristi performs with her vocal trio “The Sensational Jewels” and in her own shows, such as “A Life of Song.” A favorite in the Palm Springs area, Kristi performs several times a month at various venues.
MIHM-You produced and hosted a show in Palm Springs entitled “What’s Going On”. Tell us about that experience.
KK-My Show “What’s going on” biggest thrill was interviewing Dean Martins Son, Ricci Martin. He was a personal friend and interviewing him in my own house was a thrill. He also performed with his band (the original Beachboy backup band) in my back yard. That was just one of many celebrity interviews.
MIHM-What Projects are next for you?
KK-So much. I just acquired a trove of 17 piece orchestra charts and am eager to use them. I’m ready to perform with a symphony. *A few years ago I did a show of songs important to me. It was called : My Life of Song. I am now working on a music video and have plans for a new album. *I am also working on a new show in Las Vegas. My greatest hope is to play/portray the part of Doris Day in a movie. *Oh, and I want to write my life story. Onward Ho!!
MIHM-If you could work with somebody you admire, celebrity, politician, musician, leader or anybody else who would it be and why?
KK-Simple: Doris Day. My Hero.
MIHM-Define what success means to you?
KK-Success to me is true inner peace and happiness in your soul. Integrity. Being authentic. Making a living doing what you love. Smiling.
MIHM-Who have been your biggest heroes in your career?
KK-My biggest heroes are many. Aretha, Karen Carpenter, Carol King, Bonnie Raitt, Chaka, Donna summer. I am a R&B girl all the way.
MIHM-How can people reach you? Do you have a website and social media?
KK- Kristique@msn.com www.Kristiking.com
THE DORIS DAY TRIBUTE SHOW – Kristi premiered the Doris Day tribute show in Stanwood, Washington, in April, 2011, to a sold-out house. What followed was a series of theater bookings from Bellingham, Washington to Palm Springs, California. The popular show was also presented to great acclaim at resorts, hotels and retirement communities in the Puget Sound and Palm Springs areas.
Kristi left home after graduating from high school and was given the opportunity in Chicago to be a Playboy bunny. They had seen pictures of Kristi and thought she looked like Barbie Benton, and hired her because of it. Two years later, she was hired to be the lead singer for the “playboys girls of rock ‘n’ roll show” because of her affiliation with Playboy. *It should be noted that Kristi never appeared in the magazine.
