The Executive Inn Showroom Lounge hosted many major concert events from 1977 to 2008. It's Throwback Thursday, so join us as we revisit some of the biggest and best '70s artists to take the stage in Owensboro. From Johnny Cash, Sammy Davis Jr., Glen Campbell, Wayne Newton, and every musician in between, it was a memorable decade in Owensboro!

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I have so many fond memories of the Showroom Lounge in Downtown Owensboro. My first visit to the Executive Inn Rivermont was when I made a visit in 1993 for a WaxWorks convention. I was just a small-town girl, so you can imagine how I felt when I walked through the doors for the first time. It was the biggest high-rise hotel I'd ever seen. The Showroom Lounge was so bright, welcoming, and spacious. I had no idea that in October of 1994, I would move to Owensboro and spend much more time there.

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TheDJMilesLong via YouTube
TheDJMilesLong via YouTube
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Remembering the Executive Inn Rivermont

Entrepreneur Bob Green had a vision for the Owensboro Riverfront in the '70s. Although he had many lifetime achievements, the biggest one that affected the Owensboro community was the building of the Executive Inn Rivermont. He already owned Executive Inn locations in Evansville and Vincennes, but turning his vision to downtown Owensboro, created decades of tourism and entertainment. The 250-room hotel and convention center opened its doors on October 14th, 1977. More rooms would be added during the construction project.

TheDJMilesLong via YouTube
TheDJMilesLong via YouTube
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Executive Inn Rivermont Showroom Lounge

When the Executive Inn opened, there was a huge celebration. The entertainment for the grand opening was held in the International Rooms because the Showroom Lounge wasn't quite finished. By the time Charlie Rich was asked to be part of the celebration, he already had two number one hits, "Behind Closed Doors" and "The Most Beautiful Girl,". He was at the peak of his career! Comic Woody Woodbury also took the stage during the grand opening event. Woodbury was a beloved comedian, actor, and talk show host who dominated the '60s. Everyone was singing, dancing, and laughing at the event! Here are the biggest performers who took the stage at the Executive Inn Rivermont in the '70s.

CHARLIE RICH - OCTOBER 14TH, 1977

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JIM ED BROWN SHOW - OCTOBER 17TH - 22ND, 1977

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PHYLLIS DILLER - OCTOBER 31ST THRU NOVEMBER 5TH, 1977

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ANNE MURPHY - NOVEMBER 7TH - 12TH, 1977

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JIM BAILEY - DECEMBER 5TH - 10TH, 1977

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LYNN ANDERSON - DECEMBER 11TH, 1977

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FRANK SINATRA JR. - JANUARY 30TH THRU FEBRUARY 4TH, 1978

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TOM JONES - FEBRUARY 10TH - 11TH, 1978

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BRENDA LEE - FEBRUARY 13TH - 18TH, 1978

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THE MILLS BROTHERS - MARCH 27TH THRU APRIL 1ST, 1978

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THE FIFTH DIMENSION - MAY 15TH, 20TH, 1978

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THE LETTERMEN - JULY 25TH - 29TH, 1978

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THE INK SPOTS - JULY 31ST THRU AUGUST 5TH, 1978

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JOHNNY CASH - AUGUST 18TH - 19TH, 1978

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BURL IVES - AUGUST 25TH - 26TH, 1978

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THE MAC DAVIS SHOW - SEPTEMBER 1ST - 2ND, 1978

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Getty Images for NBC
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JERRY LEE LEWIS - SEPTEMBER 18TH, 1978

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JIM NABORS - SEPTEMBER 29TH - 30TH, 1978

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FATS DOMINO - OCTOBER 2ND, 1978

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DIONNE WARWICK - OCTOBER 27TH - 28TH, 1978

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THE TEMPTATIONS - NOVEMBER 3RD - 4TH, 1978

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CHUBBY CHECKER - NOVEMBER 10TH - 11TH, 1978

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MEL TILLIS - DECEMBER 29TH, 1978

Frederick Breedon
Frederick Breedon
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LORNA LUFT - JANUARY 29TH THRU FEBRUARY 3RD, 1979

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TONY MARTIN & CYD CHARISSE - FEBRUARY 8TH - 10TH, 1979

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RONNIE MILSAP - FEBRUARY 16TH - 17TH, 1979

Rick Diamond
Rick Diamond
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WAYE NEWTON - MARCH 16TH - 17TH, 1979

Kevin Winter
Kevin Winter
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MICKEY GILLEY & THE RED ROSE EXPRESS - MARCH 23RD - 24TH, 1979

Rick Diamond
Rick Diamond
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CRYSTAL GAYLE - APRIL 6TH - 7TH, 1979

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GLEN CAMPBELL - JUNE 8TH - 9TH, 1979

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SAMMY DAVIS JR. - JULY 13TH - 14TH, 1979

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CHARO - OCTOBER 5TH - 6TH, 1979

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FRANKIE AVALON - NOVEMBER 9TH - 10TH, 1979

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Those are just some of the outstanding artists that came to play at the Showroom Lounge in the '70s. Did you see any of those performances? Which was your favorite? Join us as we reminisce and celebrate the most popular performances from the '80s soon. That decade provided music from Donnie & Marie, Reba, The Judds, Marshall Tucker Band, and more!

Here's a great video to keep the reminiscing going.

50 Famous Brands That No Longer Exist

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