Photos by Andy Argyrakis

From the end of the 1960s through the mid-1970s, Three Dog Night logged an unbeatable streak of 21 consecutive Top 40 singles and 12 gold albums in a row, while also selling more concert tickets than any other act of the era.

That enormous impact carried over towards today as a line-up led by lifelong vocalist Danny Hutton continues to be a top touring attraction, equally capable of attracting rock, pop, country and R&B listeners, such as those who packed the grand Genesee Theatre in Waukegan.

Even though fellow co-founders/singers Chuck Negron and Cory Wells are no longer on this earth and it’s been ages since either were in the group, the Three Dog Night of now faithfully replicated the records they made together throughout 80 nostalgic minutes.

Beyond the band operating like a well-oiled machine, the tightly-knit harmonies were an equally important element in making sure “The Family Of Man,” “Shambala,” “Black And White” and “Never Been To Spain” came across like anyone would remember.

The Vocal Group Hall of Famers, who are way overdue to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, resumed performing tracks they personally popularized, such as “Out In The Country” and “Easy To Be Hard,” plus the surprises of Jackson Browne’s “Somebody’s Baby” and Danny Hutton Hitters’ take on Nik Kershaw’s “Wouldn’t It Be Good,” as heard in John Hughes’ suburban Chicago-centric movie “Pretty In Pink,” in honor of its 40th anniversary.

Though Three Dog Night’s tracks were often interpretations of others, many turned out to be the definitive versions, including Harry Nilsson’s “One,” Paul Williams’ “An Old Fashioned Love Song” and Argent’s “Liar.”

The same could be said about radiant renditions of Randy Newman’s “Mama Told Me Not to Come” and Laura Nyro’s “Eli’s Coming,” which were sandwiched around a festive “Celebrate” and another local connection to the Chicago Transit Authority’s horn section accenting the original.

Even so, Three Dog Night saved its most inspiring selections until the end, offering a more than welcome “Prayer Of The Children,” and after the iconic “Jeremiah was a bullfrog” introduction, bringing some serious “Joy To The World” to the Genesee.

For additional information on Three Dog Night, visit ThreeDogNight.com.

Upcoming shows at the Genesee Theatre include The Ides Of March featuring Jim Peterik and The Buckinghams (Mar. 14); Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood (Mar. 19); Ohio Players and Dazz Band (Mar. 20); Bee Gees Gold (Mar. 21); Forever K-Pop (Mar. 26); The Spinners and The Miracles (Mar. 28); Bob Dylan (Mar. 30); BeBe Winans (Apr. 3); Howie Mandel (Apr. 4); Glenn Miller Orchestra (Apr. 9); Smokey Robinson (Apr. 10); Andrew Dice Clay and Jon Lovitz (Apr. 11); Eaglemania (Apr. 12); Arrival From Sweden (Apr. 16); Rick Springfield (Apr. 17); World Ballet Company: “Cinderella” (Apr. 19); Los Lonely Boys (Apr. 23); Yächtley Crëw (May 7); LeAnn Rimes (May 8); Rod The Show (May 9); The Lovin’ Spoonful, Terry Sylvester and Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels (May 14); The Psychedelic Furs (May 15); Terry Fator (May 29); Lee Brice (Jun. 5); Tommy James & The Shondells (Jun. 6); The Wailin’ Jennys (Jun. 12) and AVTT/PTTN (Jun. 20). For additional details, visit GeneseeTheatre.com.

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