Backstage Vancouver: A Century of Entertainment Legends

Most Vancouverites will today know Red Robinson as an "oldies" DJ on the radio or as the guy who introduces classic movies on TV. His illustrious career includes the distinction of being the first DJ to regularly play rock 'n' roll music in Canada. For that and his other work in Vancouver since the fifties, including highlights such as introducing Elvis at Empire Stadium, he was inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. These credentials make him uniquely suited to be attached to this project. He has truly seen it all. He's part of the history. The book spans Vaudeville, the transition to movie houses, the advent of the movie star, touring music acts, home-grown stars, and more. Also shown is how Vancouver's architecture and the city itself changed with the changes in entertainment. I found it interesting to read about the lore of nightclubs, cabarets, theatres, and stadiums of days gone by. The thing that separates this book from others (and there really haven't been many to explore Vancouver's entertainment past) is the massive number of photographs included. Most are in black and white of course, and they truly paint a picture as to life through the phases of Vancouver's entertainment history. A highly recommended read for Vancouverites or those who have lived here (and been entertained here) in the past!