Mark OToole The Crooner

Mark OToole The Crooner

Rising Star Entertainment Group, LLC announces the debut CD release of popular Las Vegas entertainer, Mark OToole, titled "The Crooner". OToole delivers assured and sexy versions of thirteen American Popular Songbook tunes, including standards, an original by Jason Scheff (lead singer of the band, Chicago) and a surprising opening with a Madeleine Peyroux/Jesse Harris/Larry Klein composition, "Don't Wait Too Long." The CD was produced by multiple Grammy Award winning producer, Keith Olsen, whose work with such artists as Pat Benatar, Fleetwood Mac, Rick Springfield and Santana is legendary. Les Brown Jr.'s Band of Renown provides the horn arrangements.

Mark OToole is a much-loved performer who, in two decades in Las Vegas, has covered pop, country, and Top 40 in the best rooms in town. He recorded "The Crooner" after recovering from a diagnosis of terminal Stage IV lymphoma in 2007. While in grueling chemotherapy treatment, he decided he wanted to return to singing the "standards" if he survived; he was seen occasionally during treatment on stage, bald head under a cap and frail, singing the music that was his inspiration - American Popular Song.

OToole brings an undeniable, life-affirming confidence and attitude to the music, with a 21st Century twist on the guys who were his idols: Sinatra, Davis and their ilk. His powerful voice and infectious charisma harken back to the days of legendary crooners.

OToole started singing as a kid, playing leading roles at The Boston Children's Theater. He formed his own band at age 16, performing everywhere he could from "mansions to dives." He honed another skill, impressions, which led to his first big break in show business. After hearing his hilarious impersonation of a matronly grandmother on WBVF-FM in Boston, radio personality Jay Thomas invited OToole to join his show on Power 106 in Hollywood. OToole's in-character interviews of stars such as William Shatner, Woody Harrelson and Geraldo Rivera were an instant hit and OToole was soon heard on 20 major radio stations nationwide. After a few years of his radio show, acting in theater, television and commercials, Mark missed his first love - singing; he listened to a voice in his head which said, "Go to Las Vegas."

Heady years followed his move. OToole appeared on Star Search, where he beat out a five-time winner with his version of Conway Twitty's "It's Only make Believe." Three consecutive Las Vegas "Best Male Vocalist" honors followed, and Mark and his band became the most sought after country band on the Strip and performed non-stop at all the hottest Las Vegas properties including the MGM, The Venetian and The Paris, to name a few.

In July 2007, OToole's life changed when he was told he had only weeks to live. He decided that was unacceptable, started to pray, made his promises and went to work at recovering. After months of intense chemotherapy, Mark is in full remission with a clean bill of health. Now, three shows a week, Mark OToole draws a packed crowd to the Ravello Room at the M Resort and Spa. The crowd, regardless of time of day, close-dances the night away.

"The Crooner" is available for purchase online at www.markotoolemusic.com, on Amazon and at his shows. The digital version will be available soon on iTunes and other major digital distributors.

The Crooner Track List
1.Don't Wait Too Long (3:22), by Jesse Harris/Larry Klein/Madeleine Peyroux
2.I Left My Heart in San Francisco (3:28) by George Cory/Douglass Cross
3.One Last Time (4:12) by Jason Scheff/Greg Barnhill/Brock Walsh
4.And I Love You So (3:29), by Don McLean
5.A Wink and a Smile (2:44), by Marc Shaiman/Ramsey McLean
6.Maybe This Time (3:25) by Fred Ebb/John Kander
7.It's Not For Me To Say (3:03), by Robert Allen/Al Stillman
8.When I Fall in Love (3:52), by Edward Heyman/Victor Young
9.You Don't Know Me (4:36), by Eddy Arnold/Cindy Walker
10.Save The Last Dance For Me (3:47), Frank Magine/Phil Spitalny/Walter Hirsch
11.What Kind of Fool Am I (3:43), Leslie Bricusse/Anthony Newley
12.If You Remember Me (3:50), Carol Bayer Sager/Marvin Hamlisch
13.We'll Meet Again (3:17), Ross Parker/Hughie Charles

Visit www.markotoolemusic.com to purchase the CD and learn more about Mark.

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