James Otto and St. Jude patient Alayna.
James Otto brought his brand of country music to St. Jude on July 17, performing for patients and families in the Danny Thomas/ALSAC Pavilion. Otto, who has visited the hospital twice before, toured the Chili's Care Center before his performance.
Several children, including patients Amber and Alayna, couldn't resist the beat when Otto started off with "Just Got Started Lovin' You," from his album "Sunset Man."
It brought a smile to Otto's face to see the patients enjoying themselves. "This is one of the most amazing places that I have ever been to," said Otto. He followed with "These Are the Good Ole Days" and then talked to the audience about how his own family had been affected by cancer. "It's a special thing for me to come here," he said. "You know you are getting the best care in the world." He ended his pavilion concert with "Where Angels Hang Around," a song he and a friend wrote about St. Jude, which expresses the emotions that families share during hard times. Afterwards, he signed autographs and invited the children to pick out packages of Mattel Hot Wheels® cars, like the ones featured in the movie Cars, which he had brought as gifts.
St. Jude patients Amber and Alayna can't resist Otto's beat.
