Pop rock legend brings some ‘Sugar, Sugar’ to Burlington

He had worldwide hits in the 60s and 70s but for Andy Kim, performing before Canadian audiences still gives him a thrill.

And Kim will do just that when he brings his hit-filled show to the Burlington Performing Arts Centre for one performance on Oct. 6.

Born and raised in Montreal, Kim knew at a young age that music was to be his career so he headed down to New York to break into the business.

It didn’t take long for his talents to be recognized as both a singer and a songwriter.

He first hit the charts with How’d We Ever Get This Way followed by Shoot ‘Em Baby, Rainbow Ride, Baby I Love You, So Good Together and Be My Baby.

Along the way, Kim co-wrote and sang on Sugar, Sugar, which topped the charts in 1969 for the fictional television cartoon band the Archies (a tune that knocked the Rolling Stones out of the number 1 position).

In 1974 Kim made it to the top of the charts again with Rock Me Gently, a record that sold three million copies.

Following those successes Kim stepped back somewhat from making pop tunes and reinvented himself as Baron Longfellow where he continued his career as a recording artist.

The image he created for himself in the early days was that of a blond California surfer dude and he altered his voice to fit the image, Kim has since said. “People were then surprised to see this dark-haired, dark-skinned Canadian kid from a Lebanese background.”

As for his upcoming shows, Kim promises his audience an intimate evening where he shares stories from his career as well as presenting all those hits.

“I always love performing for Canadian audiences,” he has said. “They always make me feel at home.”

Tickets for the shows are available at various prices from the BPAC online box office.