Johnny Rogers was born in Chicago to parents that were born in the southern states of Kentucky and Tennessee. His father was a radio personality in the late 40’s and early 50’s, who crossed paths with some of the biggest legends of music history Elvis, Hank Sr., George Jones, Lefty Frizel, Marty Robbins and Conway Twitty, to mention a few. When he was very young his father gave him his first guitar. He had no interest in playing, until he heard Buddy Holly for the first time. The song was Rave On. He said it was like someone or something turned a switch on inside of him. From that moment on he knew what he wanted to be in life and that was someone like Buddy. His father showed him a few basic chords. That was all he needed to get started playing. While he was in high school he tried starting his own band, but finding kids his own age with the same taste in music seemed to be impossible. So, he began to look for older guys that grew up listening to the music. He started sneeking in the honky tonks with his fathers help and a fake ID. But, he wasn’t there to drink, he was there to learn about becoming an entertainer.

Johnny’s father was very good friends with a Chicago honky tonk legend by the name of Jimmy Nichols. Johnny’s father had given Jimmy his start in the late 50’s and now Jimmy would return the favor. Johnny started playing lead guitar for Jimmy Nichols at the age of 15. He was self taught and learned all styles of music. Johnny made his debut on stage at the Off Broadway Lounge. Immediately he was a big draw. People would come from miles around to see the kid with horn rim glasses and lightning guitar licks. Johnny continued playing guitar for the Chicago legend until he was 21 and it was time to start his own band and his own show.

Johnny will transport his audience back in time when you could go to your favorite malt shops with your favorite girl and dance to your favorite bands. His show will start with his portrayal of country legend Johnny Cash. By his side is the legendary Tommy Allsup (2 time Grammy winning Producer and Artist). Tommy played on more than 6,500 sessions and was Buddy Holly’s friend and lead guitarist from 1958-1959. He escaped death when flipping a coin wth Ritchie Valens. Ritchie called heads and the rest is Rock N Roll history. The second show Johnny will portray Elvis Presley re-creating his Sun Studio and early RCA years. The show will climax with Johnny’s uncanny portrayal of the late great Buddy Holly.

Buddy Holly & Beyond Tribute was last modified: March 6th, 2022 by kender_admin
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