August 2023

Vegas Turns Out for Michael Grimm
By: Sam Wagmeister / People & Places
Michael Grimm, the humble Southern soul
singer from bayou country, collapsed with
stroke-like symptoms in late May and landed
in the intensive care ward of a
local hospital fighting for his
life. By mid-July, weakened by
his time on a ventilator, Grimm
completed out-of-state physical
and speech therapy and
returned to his Las Vegas home.
Grimm’s charismatic
nature and haunting vocals
won over audiences in 2010
when he edged out 10-year old
singer Jackie Evcancho to win
America’s Got Talent’s Grand
Prize. Grimm further won
America’s hearts by committing
grand prize dollars to build a
new home for the grandmother who raised him.
Lucie Grimm
(Photo courtesy Ed Foster)
He dedicated his winning song, “When a Man Loves a Woman” to
Lucie, the girlfriend who is now his wife.
When word leaked out of Grimm’s illness, local crooner and close
friend Mark OToole sprang into action with his energetic “Let’s-Put-
On-A-Show” enthusiasm aiming to raise money to defer Grimm’s
exploding medical bills. Over 500 fans crowded into the Silverton’s Veil
Showroom last month as dozens of Las Vegas performers contributed
in a tribute to their friend while even more joined the event online and
phoning in donations. “It’s hard for me to swallow the outpouring of
love,” Grimm said of the benefit, just days after returning home. Wife
Lucie had partnered with OToole and his production team of Megan
Belk and Kathy Wolfe, all the while keeping the event under wraps from
hubbie Michael.
Singers, musicians, magicians and comedians quickly volunteered
their services swelling the program to four hours. Among those behind
the scenes were, Henderson’s Steve Beyer Productions who donated
the equipment and manpower to awe the audience with sound and
lighting services and Aron Elekes whose Go Live Vegas production firm
produced and live streamed the event.
With a short production window, many of the city’s top names
who had prior commitments sent video tributes that were assembled
and produced for showing by singer Terri Haley. “I put my Sugar
Shack podcast on hold,” Haley told The Vegas Voice, adding that she
established her Las Vegas roots early on with Grimm.
“I did my first Vegas duet with Michael, Will You Still Love Me
Tomorrow,” adding sheepishly, “He sang backup.”
Among those appearing were fellow America’s Got Talent alumni
Tape Face, Terry Fator, Murray SawChuck and Trump impersonator
John DiDomenico.
Bill Medley, founding member of the Righteous Brothers, plans
an August 9 tribute to Grimm at the Smith Center’s Myron’s Cabaret
Jazz. The two share a 20-year friendship that’s seen them tour together
and Grimm join the Righteous Brothers band as guest guitarist. They
plan to share stories and again perform together. (Tickets available at
theSmithCenter.com)“It’s been overwhelming with the outpouring.
“It’s been boxes and boxes of get well cards and donations,” Lucie
Grimm said of the well-wishers. “A heartfelt “Thank You” to everyone
who expressed get well wishes.”
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August 2023