Born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, John Mueller has enjoyed a successful acting and music career for many years including TV and film roles on E! , Ellen, Lois and Clark, Brisco County Jr., Return to Horror High and most recently the indie film Bloodline which will also feature two of John’s original songs from his newly released CD, "Romance and Redemption." You may have also seen him on late night TV (we’re talking 3:00am) as the spokesperson for a crappy guitar he no longer remembers the brand name of. Perhaps best known for his worldwide acclaimed concert and stage portrayals of Buddy Holly, he first portrayed Buddy in a world premiere stage production of "Be Bop A Lula" in Hollywood that was produced by Adam Ant and The Door’s John Densmore. He then won a Drama Desk Award for his portrayal of Buddy in the theatrical production of "Buddy..the Buddy Holly Story" at Kansas City’s American Heartland Theatre and held this role in many other cities including, San Diego, Chicago, Toronto, and Miami.
The Chicago Tribune: "John Mueller is living proof that Buddy Holly’s legacy lives on. His lovingly detailed portrayal rings as clearly as a chord from a Fender Stratocaster. His performance is flawless."
The Chicago Sun Times: "John Mueller gives a stunning portrayal."
Most recently, John undertook the portrayal of yet another American icon, Hank Williams in "Lost Highway" at the Old Town Theatre in Wichita, KS.
John also performs and tours regularly in former Seinfeld writer Pat Hazell’s "The Wonder Bread Years," a 90 minute comedic one man show and tell that’s very funny and poignant.
Since 1999, every winter has found John touring the frozen midwest to re-create the Winter Dance Party that was to be Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper’s fateful and final tour. John has performed his Winter Dance Party show in every remaining venue that the originals did over 45 years ago and at many performing arts centers, theatres and casinos worldwide. The show has won the endorsement of the Holly and Valens estate and been described by critics and public alike as the most authentic re-creation done. In 1999 the show garnered John the keys to the city of Green Bay, Wisconsin from the mayor. Additionally, the show has raised substantial monies for musical scholarships and music education programs for under funded schools.
Recently, John was proud to have performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with John Mellencamp, Marshall Crenshaw, and Joe Ely to name a few. Other highlights include a live TV appearance with over 2 million viewers nationwide on the Jerry Lewis Telethon.
John has also shared the stage with such greats as Taj Mahal, The Coasters, Bobby Vee, Marty Stuart, Dick Dale and Bill Haley’s Original Comets, Kevin Montgomery and Robert Reynolds.
His first original CD entitled "A Boy’s Gotta Do What a Boy’s Gotta Do" was a fifties-esque blend of pop, rock, country and even surf and featured ten original songs and two covers. The bonus track "Hey, Buddy" (tribute to Buddy Holly) first debuted live in Chicago on WGN’s Steve and Johnny Radio Show and was also included on their first ever “Best of Steve and Johnnie Show” live CD entitled "Life after Dark" on the Nation Records label. The song has also aired on regional stations across the U.S. as well as the UK.
His newest release is entitled "Romance and Redemption" which features more of John’s original songs with many musical styles and influences: Rock and Roll, folk, country, and swing, i.e., American music at it’s best. Next up, John plans to do an unplugged acoustic album of new originals and covers.
Though John is indelibly linked to Buddy Holly and Holly’s influence can be heard in some of his songs, he’ll forever continue writing and performing his own compositions and hopes to start where Holly left off: Creating new and vivid sounds in the classic American roots tradition. Hail, Hail Rock and Roll!
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Hi Dude, Just popped in from over the pond to have a listen to your tracks. Love it, keep it up. 'Always Have A Dream' Denny UK www. MrBenidorm. com Independent Record Label
Hi John, It's great to be friends. We saw you at the Willowbrook Ballroom last January and really enjoyed the show. We are doing an article on it that will appear in the January issue of Keep Rockin. Liz & Lou
Just thought I'd drop you a line and let you guys know how awesome I thought the concert was and I will be in Clear Lake for the 50th! Also, I am so lucky that I can call you, Ray, and Bopper my friends! Have an awesome weekend dude!
