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Exclusive interview with Don Paul Mantarro, manager and good friend to recording artist Dobie Gray, may he rest in peace.

Don Paul Mantarro and Dobie Gray

Don Paul talks about his early years with The Portable People and Joe McDonald and others, how he met Dobie Gray, and their travels all over the world. In particular, Don Paul relates the story of how Dobie Gray was the first entertainer to perform for a “mixed” audience in South Africa.

Dobie Gray Makes History

Dobie Gray on South Africa stage

Dobie Gray, legendary American singer and songwriter, passed away on December 6th, 2011. Don Paul shares experiences of the two fo them from the 1960’s and 70’s, “The In Crowd” to “Drift Away” and “Loving Arms” are just three of the many memories Dobie Gray gave to us. Also, Dobie Gray landed Ben Vereen’s role in the L.A. production of the Mega – Hit, Musical “Hair,” in which Dobie remained for two and a half years.

Don Paul Mantarro’s Early Years in the Music Business

Don’s Creation

Dobie Gray and Don Paul Mantarro in South Africa

Inaugural Concert

Don Paul’s loss of his friend, Dobie Gray, and the funerals in Dobie’s honor.

Dobie Gray Funeral

Don Paul Mantarro, Meatloaf, Dobie Gray

Dobie Gray and Kris Kristofferson

Sidebeat Music is on Actors Entertainment, a channel on the Actors Podcast Network,
a Pepper Jay Production.

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