Does a strong mayor need strong pipes?
If so, Buddy Gilmore might be your man.
Gilmore, a defense contractor who is running against eight others to become the city’s first strong mayor, took the stage Saturday night at Il Postino downtown to sing with the Commodores – minus Lionel Richie.
The group, which has reportedly sold more than 75 million records worldwide, is best known for songs like “Easy,” “Three Times a Lady,” and “Brick House.”
It was a chance meeting that put Gilmore on stage with the group.
Last week, Gilmore said he joined county Commissioner Sallie Clark and council candidate Lisa Czelatdko at Il Postino after the Pikes Peak Firearms Coalition mayoral forum and ran into the Commodores, who were there for a taping of a new TV pilot.
“I mentioned that I had recorded one of their songs on my last CD,” he said via Facebook. “They invited me to sing with them in the production wrap party. No way could I turn down an opportunity like that!”
Gilmore said the night was “even more rewarding” because he and his wife, Lee, were joined Saturday night by Councilman Sean Paige and his wife, Pam.
Businessman Perry Sanders, who owns Il Postino and is developing the new Mining Exchange hotel, also sang with the group, Gilmore said.
“I should also note that one of the Commodores will be the new music director for the Mining Exchange hotel,” Gilmore said.
Gilmore is no stranger to singing.
When he was 12, Buddy performed at Madison Square Garden with members of the Grand Old Opry.
Buddy once sang karaoke with Bruce Willis; he has also sung karaoke with Cuba Gooding Jr.
In 2009 Buddy recorded his first — and only — CD titled “Under The Covers with Buddy Gilmore.”
No doubt, Gilmore can sing.
His dancing abilities, well, that’s another story.
To listen to Gilmore sing with the Commodores, click here.