Elliot Lurie at Avon Theatre
CL RECOMMENDS
CRITIC’S PICK
Wed. Aug. 27
Elliot Lurie, Avon Theatre — The name may not be familiar, but Lurie’s voice might be, especially if you were raised on AM radio when the song “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass was a smash in 1972. That was long before anyone even considered the catchphrase “yacht rock.” Lurie sang the pop ear-worm and its follow-up “Jimmy Loves Mary-Anne.” He also had a few solo albums but left the music business, at least as a performer, for decades. He’s back and of course those tunes will highlight his set. But he’ll also dig back to his 1975 post-Looking Glass release for some of those overlooked songs making this show worth considering as an interesting blast from the past. — Hal Horowitz
From the venue:
An evening of stories and songs with Elliot Lurie and Larry Gonsky from Looking Glass
Special guest Greg Lee from Yacht Rock Revue
The full band consists of:
Greg- guitar/vocals
Fran- guitar/vocals
Justin- bass/vocals
Kevin- drums/back vocals
Tony- keys
Jimmy- keys
Michelle- back vocals
Will- sax
Elliot- guitar/vocals
Larry- keys/vocals
Elliot Lurie is a singer and songwriter best known for the hit “Brandy (You’re A Fine Girl)”. Recorded by Looking Glass, featuring Lurie on vocals and guitar, “Brandy” was released in the summer of 1972. It quickly rose to the top of the charts, selling over a million copies and becoming one of the most played radio records of the year. Over time the song has endured, recorded by such disparate artists as Kenny Chesney and Red Hot Chili Peppers and featured in numerous films and TV productions including Charlie’s Angels and The Simpsons. It was prominently featured in the blockbuster Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 in which Kurt Russell's character describes it as "possibly Earth's greatest composition"!
Looking Glass charted one more time, with “Jimmy Loves Maryanne” in 1973. Reaching #33, the record has become something of a cause celebre among some ‘70’s music fans. Featuring Lurie’s distinctive vocals and produced by the legendary Arif Mardin, some feel it’s a more distinguished recording than “Brandy”. The song was later covered by New Wave icon Josie Cotton.
Looking Glass disbanded in 1974 and Lurie recorded a solo album. Accompanied by some of L.A.’s finest musicians, including members of The Crusaders and Toto, the album was well reviewed but found little commercial traction.
In 1984 Lurie moved to Los Angeles and began a second career supervising music for film and television. He achieved considerable success both as an independent supervisor and as executive in charge of music for Twentieth Century Fox.
Lurie has recently returned to his first loves – singing, writing and playing guitar. He says, “I started playing out again, beginning with occasional oldies shows, sitting in as a ‘special guest’. Although I’ve constantly remained involved with music over the years, I was reminded that the most direct connection is still performing live to an audience.”
To that end he has continued performing in group settings as well as developing a show that features just his vocals and guitar. “I play my songs sort of ‘as written’ and I sing a few songs that were in the air when I was growing up, that influenced me. It all feels very personal and intimate.”
At Avon Theater
Elliot Lurie at Avon Theatre | 08/27/2025 7:30 PM