Freddy Gowdy wants to sing again.  This Colorado entertainer,
now in his 60s, spent most of his life touring and recording
with the funky Freddi-Henchi Band, an act that one music
historian dubbed, "the greatest party ensemble in Colorado music
history."  Then in 2009, cancer took the life of longtime
partner Marvin "Henchi" Graves, and Freddy "Freddi" Gowdy
stepped away from the spotlight.  Music lovers missed him.
Lannie Garrett was among them.  "He is so charismatic and
soulful," Garrett, the intrepid Denver songstress and the steam
behind Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret, said as she finalized plans
for a new show at the club devoted to the music of Sam Cooke and
Stevie Wonder. "He's always been one of my favorite singers and
performers."  At Garrett's urging, Gowdy returned to the stage
last week to kickstart "The Songs of Sam Cooke & Stevie Wonder,"
which runs Fridays through November. Gowdy hoped to complete the
show's two-month run, but just this week, the demands of his own
cancer battle put the soul man'