Johnny Dee and the Rocket 88s, during the past 25 years, have performed their brand of zany nostalgia and fast-paced medleys for millions of people in the U.S. Their national T.V appearances include Real People, P.M. Magazine, NBC News, & TBS with Bill Tush.

"JD & the Rocket 88's" award-winning audio and video PSA's for "Don't Mess with Texas" has been nationally acclaimed as the most effective psa campaign in the history of advertising. It has reduced trash on highways at least 60%.

"JD & the Rocket 88's" have performed for U.S. presidents, international royalty, Governor's Balls and many fundraisers with the Dallas Cowboys, Bob Hope, United Way, American Heart Association, MS, MD and West Texas Rehab.

"JD & the Rocket 88's" have performed with artists such as Dick Clark, Wolfman Jack, James Brown, Tanya Tucker, Beach Boys, Charlie Daniels, Pointer Sisters, Ricky Nelson, and Danny & the Juniors. They perform arrangements by such greats as Glen Miller, Elvis Buddy Holly, Diana Ross, Roy orbison, Everly Bros., and many more.

"JD & the Rocket 88's" have been celebrated by many publications: Atlanta Journal, New York Times, Houston Post & Esquire Magazine. "Johnny Dee and the Rocket 88's remind me of Sid Caesar's version of rock and roll in the 50's -- The Haircuts. They offer the humor for those who have always suspected rock & roll was pretty funny....and for those who didn't, their music is serious and true to its form." Dallas Morning News.

Johnny Dee and the Rocket 88’s performed at the Paramount as the kickoff for the fifth annual “Live at the Paramount Concert Series”. The evening was thoroughly enjoyable, filled as it was with classic rock and roll music, laughter, and updates on the state football game (well done, Eagles!). Without a doubt, the most thrilling aspect of the Paramount Theatre is its ability to make any performance feel small and intimate—especially when performers take time to banter back and forth with the audience, and to include them in the show the way Johnny Dee does. In fact, I literally became a part of the show not once, but twice! Apparently, you never know what will happen when Johnny Dee takes the stage.

However, even if the band had had no stage presence—no charisma at all—I still would have found them impressive. They do not simply cover old songs, they recreate some of the greatest hits rock and roll has ever seen. That much was obvious from the elation on the faces around me. For instance, when the pianist sang “Pretty Woman”, he perfectly mimicked Roy Orbison’s signature warble. When the song was “Blue Christmas”, the deep, drawling vocalizations sounded as much like the King as anyone could hope for outside of Las Vegas. It was truly blissful to enjoy an entire evening of the well-crafted melodies from an era when the greatest acts were not based upon sensationalism, but upon true musicianship and vocal talent.

Without a doubt, I would encourage those of you reading this to attend the rest of the “Live at the Paramount” series. If such an incredible show was the kickoff, it can only get better from here.

Patti Moulton
KACU-FM Columnist