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Johnny Rogers is living in the past. And as far as he’s concerned, there’s nothing wrong with that. Rogers is a Buddy Holly tribute artist who plans to “Rock ‘n Roll in Rhinelander” in a benefit concert for the Rhinelander Soccer Club next month.

Rogers concert performance as the late rock ‘n roll pioneer has gained him national attention. More importantly, says Rogers, he’s gained the approval of two very tough critics: Buddy Holly’s brother Larry, and Holly’s former guitarist Tommy Allsup.

“That means an awful lot to me,” said Rogers who performed in concert recently in Holly’s hometown of Lubbock, Texas, with Holly’s family in the audience. “It was a tremendous honor,” he added.

While Larry Holly says Johnny’s portrayal of his brother in concert is his “favorite”, former Holly guitarist and Grammy Award-winner Tommy Allsup says, “Johnny does the best Buddy tribute I’ve ever seen. And he’s the best showman I’ve ever worked with.”

Rogers will bring his critically acclaimed show to Rhinelander when he performs “Buddy and Beyond—A Salute to the Fifties and Sixties” on Friday, April 4th at the Rhinelander High School Auditorium.

Bob Willging, spokesman for the Rhinelander Soccer Club, says proceeds from this year’s annual fundraiser concert will go toward youth sports programs and development of the new soccer field complex at Hanson Lake.

“We’re excited about bringing this show to Rhinelander,” said Willging. “It has historical significance, in that Buddy Holly actually played in Rhinelander 50 years ago this summer.”

Tickets for the 7:00pm show are $12 for adults, $8 for children 12 & under, while kids 5 and under are free. Tickets are available at Trig’s Food and Drugs in Rhinelander, or by calling 715-282-6613. Doors will open at 6pm. Along with the concert, there will also be refreshments and some nice door prizes.

“Musically speaking, Buddy was way ahead of his time,” explains Johnny Rogers. “Me, I’m way behind. I just love the music of that era. I’m in my thirties now, but when I was in high school, I had to find people a lot older to perform with, because none of the guys my age wanted to play the old stuff.”

Rogers says it all started as a young teenager when he heard the Holly song “Rave On.” That was all it took. “It was like someone turned on a switch,” he said. “I’ve been playing Buddy’s music ever since.”

But as much as he loves performing as Holly (he even has the vintage clothing and signature Holly-style glasses), Rogers also enjoys paying tribute to other music legends of the past. Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Ricky Nelson are just a few of the names he salutes during his two-hour performance.

“It’s fun,” he says referring to the ever-changing list of legendary artists he performs as. “It keeps the show interesting.” It also keeps the audience wondering what he’ll do next.

Rogers says he once performed a song by pop star Prince while in Las Vegas, and as it turns out, Prince himself was in the audience. “I guess he must have liked it because afterwards, he came backstage to meet me, and gave me one of his guitars,” said Rogers.

While his show often has a “roots of rock ‘n roll” feel to it, don’t be surprised if he breaks into a bit of classic country. “I love doing Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Conway Twitty, Willie Nelson, and Marty Robbins too. Hopefully there’s a little something for everyone.”

The concert is sponsored by Ministry Health Care, Associated Bank, Northland Orthopedic Associates, Ripco Credit Union, Doctors Foster and Smith, and Island Bay Printing.

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bill rodd wrote on Jul 12, 2008 2:33 PM: " I sure wish I was there to see Buddy Holley perform again, when I saw him in person 50 years ago, it was the highlight of my young life. I just love(d) Buddy Holley and his music. " The comments above are from readers. In no way do they represent the views of the Rhinelander Daily News.

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