John Lloyd Young on Entertaining the Clintons, His Favorite Jersey Boys Song & His Cafe Carlyle Concert

Tony winner John Lloyd Young is back in the Broadway musical that made him a star, Jersey Boys, but when he’s not on stage at the August Wilson Theatre, fans can catch him in his new solo concert at Café Carlyle. Young is performing under the musical direction of Tommy Faragher from February 12 through 23 at the swanky cabaret space. Below, Young shares his Jersey Boys musical memories, performing for the first family and the concert that influenced him most.

What record/album was your favorite growing up?
Sinatra Reprise.

What concert most influenced you as a performer?
It was a concert on PBS I saw when I was very little: Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Liza Minnelli together. Each performer had an electric hold over the stage and the audience.

What is your go-to audition song?
I usually am given songs from the show I’m auditioning for. But my audition song for Jersey Boys was “Rags to Riches.”

What song are you most excited to perform in your show?
Little Anthony and the Imperials’ “Hurt So Bad.”

What musical theater track is the most played on your iPod?
I like Bernstein’s symphonic instrumental tracks on the original cast recording of West Side Story.

Who’s been your most memorable audience member?
Bill and Chelsea Clinton.

If you could invite any performer onstage for a duet at the Carlyle, who would it be?
Beyonce.

What musical theater performer from the past do you wish you can collaborate with?
Still living: Rob Marshall.
No longer with us: Bob Fosse and Michael Bennett.

What album was the soundtrack to your 20s?
Rent.

What’s your favorite love song?
“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” for the overwhelming love it keeps bringing me from my audiences.

What song makes you feel sexy?
Lou Rawls’ “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine.”

What is your favorite workout track?
John Williams’ Superman theme. 

What’s the best hidden gem in on your iPod?
Yael Naïm’s cover of Britney Spears’ “Toxic.”

Favorite break-up song?
The Jackson Five’s “Who’s Loving You?” (which is why I put it on my new album).

What song most makes you smile?
Mel Carter’s “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me.”

When this song plays, I can’t help but dance:
Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough.”
 
Don’t miss John Lloyd Young at Café Carlyle, February 12 through 23. Click below to see him perform “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” live.