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Kenny Jones is a singer, songwriter, musician and recording artist.
Originally from Atchison, KS, Kenny discovered his love for music as a young child. He made his performance debut at 12 years old, singing and dancing to the music of James Brown with the group, The Jive Five.
While attending Zion Baptist Church, the young Kenny learned how to play piano, bass guitar and drums. He became a member of the gospel group, The Jesus Children and played bass for the Genetta Bradley Singers in Kansas City.
As a teen, Kenny became the lead singer for one of Atchison’s popular R&B bands, Soul Review.
Later, Kenny joined the U.S. Navy. He returned home, continued his work with the church and later relocated to Denver, CO to pursue a gospel career at The House of Joy. There, he recorded his first gospel album and released his first single, “Peanut Butter and Jelly.”
Kenny was voted The Best Male Vocalist of the Year by the Gospel Music Workshop of Denver in 1989 and 1990.
Kenny became the lead singer for one of Denver’s most popular R&B bands, 1UP. He performed at the opening of The Hard Rock Café in Shanghai, China and also became the lead singer for Groove City, a popular R&B band from Seattle.
Kenny has performed throughout the U.S. and abroad in theatres, concert venues, showrooms and casinos. He has been a guest on numerous radio stations and made several television appearances.
In June of 2013 Kenny was awarded the keys to the city in his home town of Atchison, Kansas.
Kenny now tours throughout the U.S. starring as Sammy Davis, Jr. in “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show.”
Kenny Jones is a singer, songwriter, musician and recording artist.
Originally from Atchison, KS, Kenny discovered his love for music as a young child. He made his performance debut at 12 years old, singing and dancing to the music of James Brown with the group, The Jive Five.
While attending Zion Baptist Church, the young Kenny learned how to play piano, bass guitar and drums. He became a member of the gospel group, The Jesus Children and played bass for the Genetta Bradley Singers in Kansas City.
As a teen, Kenny became the lead singer for one of Atchison’s popular R&B bands, Soul Review.
Later, Kenny joined the U.S. Navy. He returned home, continued his work with the church and later relocated to Denver, CO to pursue a gospel career at The House of Joy. There, he recorded his first gospel album and released his first single, “Peanut Butter and Jelly.”
Kenny was voted The Best Male Vocalist of the Year by the Gospel Music Workshop of Denver in 1989 and 1990.
Kenny became the lead singer for one of Denver’s most popular R&B bands, 1UP. He performed at the opening of The Hard Rock Café in Shanghai, China and also became the lead singer for Groove City, a popular R&B band from Seattle.
Kenny has performed throughout the U.S. and abroad in theatres, concert venues, showrooms and casinos. He has been a guest on numerous radio stations and made several television appearances.
In June of 2013 Kenny was awarded the keys to the city in his home town of Atchison, Kansas.
Kenny now tours throughout the U.S. starring as Sammy Davis, Jr. in “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show.”
A 2011 contestant on the hit reality show “America’s Got Talent”, and affectionately known as “The Prince of Soul” by many respected musicians and fellow live entertainers, over the past several years Dezmond Meeks has built a devoted national following, performing sold-out shows from the legendary venues of Hollywood and The Sunset Strip to the underground hot spots of New York City. A skilled pianist with a stunning five-octave vocal range, Dezmond found the roots of his artistic inspiration from time spent as a musician/singer in the Gospel churches of Southern Louisiana and has since taken the values and strength along on the long journey to stardom.
At age 11, Sandy was hanging out with his father on the set of Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In. A discussion ensued about a joke and Sandy offered his opinion. Next thing you know Sandy is making his TV debut on the #1 show in the country working with John Wayne and soon-to-be president, Richard Nixon.
At 15, Sandy performed for 3,000 people at New York's Westbury Music Fair. He attended the University of Nevada at Las Vegas where he earned a degree in Hotel Management. After college, he launched himself into the world of stand-up comedy.
Young Hackett honed his comedic skills on stage at the famed Casbah Lounge of the Sahara Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas (Never heard of it? Then disregard the word "famed"). Before long, Sandy was working the Playboy and Comedy Club circuit throughout the U.S. He got additional seasoning by dealing cards in Las Vegas and trying out his act on the patrons at his table. Sandy learned that making an audience laugh is incredible, but making an audience laugh while you are taking their money is challenging.
A casting director for CBS saw Sandy and hired him for a television pilot. As fate would have it, Sandy got to work with the icons he would eventually create a show about when he appeared with Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra in “The Cannonball Run II.” It wasn't long before he landed a feature role in "Hot Dog, the Movie." He followed this up with a starring role in "Hamburger, the Motion Picture.” What was his next movie? (Insert your own joke here; we've heard them all).
In 1988, Joey Bishop was shooting a pilot for a TV game show called “Joey Bishop’s Punchline.” Joey handpicked Sandy to work with him to develop the project. In case you’re not keeping track, that means Sandy worked with Joey Bishop, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. No wonder this show is so dear to his heart!
Sandy’s work as a dramatic actor includes "Jack of Hearts,” "Lovers & Liars” and "Ex-Cop." In 1998, he played “District Attorney Martin Siegel” in the PBS series, "On Common Ground.” Sandy's next film was also a drama, "The S.I.N.," a political thriller in which he portrayed a private detective unraveling a complicated mystery, like why did he agree to do this film? He then appeared singing and dancing in the holiday musical, "Twas." Does Sandy look familiar? He had starring roles in "The Indie-Pendant" and "Down & Derby" with Pat Morita.
Sandy has also been busy developing a Rat Pack murder mystery. The script is ready to go. Anybody got 5 million to produce this project?
Sandy has entertained audiences in just about every venue imaginable, from television, film and the main showrooms in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, to theatres and performing arts centers throughout the U.S. and abroad. Schedule permitting, Sandy still loves doing stand-up. Book him! He will make you laugh!
Playing Joey has brought unexpected dividends. Sandy met his talented wife, while performing as Joey. He saw her in the audience and threw himself on her bringing the show to a stop. He asked for her number. She kissed him! Now, 16 years later they have a son, a daughter, this show and many other projects.
Sandy celebrates the legendary Rat Pack portraying Joey Bishop in "Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show,” and “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Christmas,” two nostalgic shows that emulate the fun and recreate the relationships of four of the greatest show business buddies of all time. Add the music performed in the 1960s, create the character of “Frank’s One Love” based on the relationship between Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner, throw in some original Ron Miller and Lisa Dawn Miller songs, and the comedy lessons taught by his father and Joey Bishop, and you have a theatrical production about the infamous Rat Pack that comes from the heart. For Sandy this is truly a labor of love!
At age 11, Sandy was hanging out with his father on the set of Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In. A discussion ensued about a joke and Sandy offered his opinion. Next thing you know Sandy is making his TV debut on the #1 show in the country working with John Wayne and soon-to-be president, Richard Nixon.
At 15, Sandy performed for 3,000 people at New York's Westbury Music Fair. He attended the University of Nevada at Las Vegas where he earned a degree in Hotel Management. After college, he launched himself into the world of stand-up comedy.
Young Hackett honed his comedic skills on stage at the famed Casbah Lounge of the Sahara Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas (Never heard of it? Then disregard the word "famed"). Before long, Sandy was working the Playboy and Comedy Club circuit throughout the U.S. He got additional seasoning by dealing cards in Las Vegas and trying out his act on the patrons at his table. Sandy learned that making an audience laugh is incredible, but making an audience laugh while you are taking their money is challenging.
A casting director for CBS saw Sandy and hired him for a television pilot. As fate would have it, Sandy got to work with the icons he would eventually create a show about when he appeared with Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra in “The Cannonball Run II.” It wasn't long before he landed a feature role in "Hot Dog, the Movie." He followed this up with a starring role in "Hamburger, the Motion Picture.” What was his next movie? (Insert your own joke here; we've heard them all).
In 1988, Joey Bishop was shooting a pilot for a TV game show called “Joey Bishop’s Punchline.” Joey handpicked Sandy to work with him to develop the project. In case you’re not keeping track, that means Sandy worked with Joey Bishop, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. No wonder this show is so dear to his heart!
Sandy’s work as a dramatic actor includes "Jack of Hearts,” "Lovers & Liars” and "Ex-Cop." In 1998, he played “District Attorney Martin Siegel” in the PBS series, "On Common Ground.” Sandy's next film was also a drama, "The S.I.N.," a political thriller in which he portrayed a private detective unraveling a complicated mystery, like why did he agree to do this film? He then appeared singing and dancing in the holiday musical, "Twas." Does Sandy look familiar? He had starring roles in "The Indie-Pendant" and "Down & Derby" with Pat Morita.
Sandy has also been busy developing a Rat Pack murder mystery. The script is ready to go. Anybody got 5 million to produce this project?
Sandy has entertained audiences in just about every venue imaginable, from television, film and the main showrooms in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, to theatres and performing arts centers throughout the U.S. and abroad. Schedule permitting, Sandy still loves doing stand-up. Book him! He will make you laugh!
Playing Joey has brought unexpected dividends. Sandy met his talented wife, while performing as Joey. He saw her in the audience and threw himself on her bringing the show to a stop. He asked for her number. She kissed him! Now, 16 years later they have a son, a daughter, this show and many other projects.
Sandy celebrates the legendary Rat Pack portraying Joey Bishop in "Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show,” and “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Christmas,” two nostalgic shows that emulate the fun and recreate the relationships of four of the greatest show business buddies of all time. Add the music performed in the 1960s, create the character of “Frank’s One Love” based on the relationship between Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner, throw in some original Ron Miller and Lisa Dawn Miller songs, and the comedy lessons taught by his father and Joey Bishop, and you have a theatrical production about the infamous Rat Pack that comes from the heart. For Sandy this is truly a labor of love!
Born in Brooklyn, Tom Wallek is a comedian, actor and impressionist.
Tom moved to Detroit when he was very young where he attended Farmington High School and was voted the funniest in his class.
Tom served in the U.S. Navy for four years. Afterwards, he pursued a career as a comedian and performed weekly at The Comedy Store, creating an act of comedy and impressions.
In 1984, Tom moved to Las Vegas where he met and became friends with Sandy Hackett, son of legendary comedian Buddy Hackett. Sandy was the host of a showcase at the Mint Hotel downtown and gave Tom the needed stage time and advice to hone his talent and craft. He performed in numerous clubs and venues throughout Las Vegas.
In 1991, Tom became part of the cast of “The Comedy Cabaret” at the Maxim Hotel. He later performed as the lead in “Tropical Heat,” at the Rio Hotel and Casino. Since then, Tom has performed at numerous comedy clubs and performing arts venues and theatres throughout the country, as a comedian and impressionist.
While Tom portrays Dean Martin, he also understudies the role of Joey Bishop in “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show,” which has been touring extensively throughout the U.S. since 2009.
Born in Brooklyn, Tom Wallek is a comedian, actor and impressionist.
Tom moved to Detroit when he was very young where he attended Farmington High School and was voted the funniest in his class.
Tom served in the U.S. Navy for four years. Afterwards, he pursued a career as a comedian and performed weekly at The Comedy Store, creating an act of comedy and impressions.
In 1984, Tom moved to Las Vegas where he met and became friends with Sandy Hackett, son of legendary comedian Buddy Hackett. Sandy was the host of a showcase at the Mint Hotel downtown and gave Tom the needed stage time and advice to hone his talent and craft. He performed in numerous clubs and venues throughout Las Vegas.
In 1991, Tom became part of the cast of “The Comedy Cabaret” at the Maxim Hotel. He later performed as the lead in “Tropical Heat,” at the Rio Hotel and Casino. Since then, Tom has performed at numerous comedy clubs and performing arts venues and theatres throughout the country, as a comedian and impressionist.
While Tom portrays Dean Martin, he also understudies the role of Joey Bishop in “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show,” which has been touring extensively throughout the U.S. since 2009.
New York Cabaret Scenes writes, "Lisa Dawn Miller’s show at The Metropolitan Room was one of the best shows ever. Very rarely do you get to see a singer cast a magic spell on stage and have the audience in the palm of her hand."
Jeff Rossen, Chicago Editor/Recordings Reviewer, Cabaret Scenes Magazine said of Miller’s "Fly Away" CD debut, "Take a collection of songs of exceptional quality and breadth, set them in striking arrangements and then turn the lyrics and melodies over to a singer whose voice can cut straight through the heart, and you've got one heck of a dazzling debut."
Lisa's father was legendary songwriter, Ron Miller. His hit songs include "For Once in My Life," "Touch Me in The Morning," "Place in the Sun," "Yester-me, Yester-you, Yesterday," "Heaven Help Us All," "I've Never Been to Me," "Someday at Christmas," "Everyone’s a Kid at Christmas Time," "One Little Christmas Tree," "I’ve Never Been a Woman Before," "If I Could" and many more.
Of her character, "Frank’s One Love," Miller says, "We let the audience decide who she is although, we based my character on Ava Gardner. Frank and Ava had such a tumultuous love affair, but we believe that she was the one Frank truly loved the most."
The songs, "The Things I Should Have Said" and "Wasn’t I a Good Time" which Miller sings with the character of "Frank Sinatra" in the show, were written by her father and discovered only after his death in 2007. When Sandy Hackett (Miller’s husband and co-producer and director of the show) heard Lisa perform the songs in New York, he thought they would be perfect in the show to express the deep feelings of such passionate love.
Lisa has produced several recordings, including for her son, 18-year-old singer/actor, Oliver Richman, who has already shared the stage with Stevie Wonder. She produced numerous songs from her father’s legacy catalogue (recorded and performed by Oliver) and directed the music videos for "Heaven Help Us All," "For Once In My Life – The 50th Anniversary Release," "Will I Still Be Me," and "Everyone’s a Kid at Christmas Time." She also wrote and produced several original songs and music videos for Oliver including, "You and I," "Rise," "Believe" and "The Diagramming Club."
Lisa wrote and produced the debut single, "Let’s Go!" for her daughter, 13-year-old singer/actress/dancer, Ashleigh Hackett, as well as her follow-up singles, "Can You Feel It," "Slay" and "On and On and On!"
Lisa produced and directed a behind-the-scenes look at the making of "Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show," as well as all of the show’s promotional and music videos. She can be heard singing the opening and closing songs for the film, "When Comedy Went to School," both of which she produced. She is currently developing a musical based on the life of her father entitled, "For Once in My Life."
Lisa has released three EPs, "Fly Away," "Hello You" and "My Turn Begins Today," and several singles. She wrote "It’s Christmas" and "My Favorite Time of Year," which premiered in "Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Christmas," and continues to be performed in the show during its nationwide annual holiday tour.
Lisa directs "My Buddy," a live theatrical production based on the life of her father-in-law, legendary comedian, Buddy Hackett. The show stars her husband Sandy Hackett. It premiered at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach and is on tour throughout the U.S., where it has received rave reviews.
Lisa lives in Los Angeles with her husband and is the very proud mom of Oliver, a freshman at New York University Tisch School of the Arts and Ashleigh, a middle schooler, also a student of the performing arts.
New York Cabaret Scenes writes, "Lisa Dawn Miller’s show at The Metropolitan Room was one of the best shows ever. Very rarely do you get to see a singer cast a magic spell on stage and have the audience in the palm of her hand."
Jeff Rossen, Chicago Editor/Recordings Reviewer, Cabaret Scenes Magazine said of Miller’s "Fly Away" CD debut, "Take a collection of songs of exceptional quality and breadth, set them in striking arrangements and then turn the lyrics and melodies over to a singer whose voice can cut straight through the heart, and you've got one heck of a dazzling debut."
Lisa's father was legendary songwriter, Ron Miller. His hit songs include "For Once in My Life," "Touch Me in The Morning," "Place in the Sun," "Yester-me, Yester-you, Yesterday," "Heaven Help Us All," "I've Never Been to Me," "Someday at Christmas," "Everyone’s a Kid at Christmas Time," "One Little Christmas Tree," "I’ve Never Been a Woman Before," "If I Could" and many more.
Of her character, "Frank’s One Love," Miller says, "We let the audience decide who she is although, we based my character on Ava Gardner. Frank and Ava had such a tumultuous love affair, but we believe that she was the one Frank truly loved the most."
The songs, "The Things I Should Have Said" and "Wasn’t I a Good Time" which Miller sings with the character of "Frank Sinatra" in the show, were written by her father and discovered only after his death in 2007. When Sandy Hackett (Miller’s husband and co-producer and director of the show) heard Lisa perform the songs in New York, he thought they would be perfect in the show to express the deep feelings of such passionate love.
Lisa has produced several recordings, including for her son, 18-year-old singer/actor, Oliver Richman, who has already shared the stage with Stevie Wonder. She produced numerous songs from her father’s legacy catalogue (recorded and performed by Oliver) and directed the music videos for "Heaven Help Us All," "For Once In My Life – The 50th Anniversary Release," "Will I Still Be Me," and "Everyone’s a Kid at Christmas Time." She also wrote and produced several original songs and music videos for Oliver including, "You and I," "Rise," "Believe" and "The Diagramming Club."
Lisa wrote and produced the debut single, "Let’s Go!" for her daughter, 13-year-old singer/actress/dancer, Ashleigh Hackett, as well as her follow-up singles, "Can You Feel It," "Slay" and "On and On and On!"
Lisa produced and directed a behind-the-scenes look at the making of "Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show," as well as all of the show’s promotional and music videos. She can be heard singing the opening and closing songs for the film, "When Comedy Went to School," both of which she produced. She is currently developing a musical based on the life of her father entitled, "For Once in My Life."
Lisa has released three EPs, "Fly Away," "Hello You" and "My Turn Begins Today," and several singles. She wrote "It’s Christmas" and "My Favorite Time of Year," which premiered in "Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Christmas," and continues to be performed in the show during its nationwide annual holiday tour.
Lisa directs "My Buddy," a live theatrical production based on the life of her father-in-law, legendary comedian, Buddy Hackett. The show stars her husband Sandy Hackett. It premiered at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach and is on tour throughout the U.S., where it has received rave reviews.
Lisa lives in Los Angeles with her husband and is the very proud mom of Oliver, a freshman at New York University Tisch School of the Arts and Ashleigh, a middle schooler, also a student of the performing arts.
"If it’s dirty it’s not funny – but if it’s funny, it’s not dirty” – Buddy Hackett
Born in Brooklyn in 1924, Leonard Hacker was the son of an upholsterer and part-time inventor who wanted his son to follow in his footsteps. But Buddy (as he quickly became known) stood barely 5’6” tall yet weighed over 200 pounds-and had almost no choice in the matter. He was born to be funny.
A childhood bout with Bell's Palsy left him talking out of the side of his mouth - and the tendency of his voice to reach a near-hysterical volume made everything that came out of his mouth sound hilarious. He was a man who was dearly loved for his gift of making people laugh.
His first job as a comedian was at the Pink Elephant, a tiny club in Brooklyn. His salary was $40 a week. In 1948 he met a car dealer named Frank Faske who became his de facto manager and even invested his own money buying jokes for Buddy. In spite of the written material by others, the two of them realized that Buddy was funniest when he was himself and that's when his star really started to rise.
He studied acting and in 1954 it paid off, as playwright Sidney Kingsley tapped him to appear in "Lunatics and Lovers" on Broadway, for which he won the coveted Donaldson Award for Best Newcomer at age 21. Even the New York Times theater critic, Brooks Atkinson, praised his talent, extolling his "exuberance" in "the best part Mr. Kingsley has written." The role led to appearances on "The Tonight Show" with Steve Allen and on "The Jackie Gleason Show.” This led to his own sitcom, "Stanley," which was filmed live and launched the career of Carol Burnett.
In 1958 Buddy drew critical rave reviews for his role in the film version of Erskine Caldwell's "God's Little Acre." Variety praised his performance as having "perception and depth and real acting." Buddy's career was so set that he even turned down Frank Sinatra's offer to be his opening act. "I'd rather be your competition across the street than be your opening act for the rest of my life," Buddy responded to Frank. Despite the refusal, Buddy became a lifelong friend of Sinatra and the rest of the Rat Pack, appearing with them in several Vegas performances, as well as numerous incarnations of Joey Bishop's shows and the Dean Martin Show. Buddy steadily worked with them all throughout their careers, even performing with them at Carnegie Hall in 1961.
In 1962, he starred as Marcellus Washburn - Robert Preston's sidekick in the film version of "The Music Man," followed by his hilarious turn in the star-studded Stanley Kramer extravaganza, "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World," the number one grossing box-office movie of the year and the number one comedy film of all time at that point.
But it was in the 1960s and 70s, holding court at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas, that Buddy became a legend. Del Webb, owner of the Sahara, appreciated his talent and loved him for his audience appeal as well as his hotel sense - a trait he had learned from his early days in the Catskills at the Concord Hotel and had never forgotten. Webb appointed Buddy Vice President of the Sahara and Buddy took the job seriously.
In his new job, Buddy made it a point to discover new talent. "Buddy was the one who gave me my first big job," recalls David Brenner. "He saw me on 'The Tonight Show' and the next morning he called the Sahara and told them to book me - not in the lounge, where I would have been thrilled, but in the showroom! He booked me on the spot as the opening act for Sonny & Cher." Charo was another recipient of his largesse, as was former "Time Tunnel" singer and star, James Darren. By this time, Hackett's reputation was so big in Vegas that, when he saw the Sahara put up big "Merry Christmas" lights on top of the building, he asked that the hotel put his name up in lights as well as on the marquee out front. The Sahara agreed and many who drove along the Las Vegas Strip thought that Buddy was the new owner.
"My Dad brought a lot of changes to Vegas," says his producer | writer son, Sandy Hackett. "He influenced comedy, paving the way for all young comedians today.”
Buddy originated and recorded the character of “God” for “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show” before he passed away in 2003.
While millions see Buddy’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, prominently placed in front of Disney’s El Capitan Theatre, millions more continue to smile and laugh, watching Buddy in “The Love Bug” or “The Little Mermaid” or watching reruns of his guest appearances on the “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson. Buddy had more appearances on “The Tonight Show” than any other guest.
In 2003, Buddy was the recipient (posthumously) of the prestigious Disney Legends Award, a lifetime achievement award for those with significant contributions to the Walt Disney Company. Sandy Hackett accepted the award on his father’s behalf.
After Buddy passed in 2003, Disney took out a full-page ad on the cover of Variety Magazine. On it was a sketch drawing of a saddened “Ariel” from “The Little Mermaid” and it simply read, "Buddy Hackett - You will always be part of our world.”
In 2014, Sandy Hackett and his wife, Lisa Dawn Miller, launched “My Buddy,” a live theatrical production about the life of Buddy Hackett, in which Sandy stars and Lisa directs. The show premiered at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, Florida and has received rave reviews as it tours throughout the U.S. Sandy has written a book of the same name which is due to be released in the spring of 2019.
"If it’s dirty it’s not funny – but if it’s funny, it’s not dirty” – Buddy Hackett
Born in Brooklyn in 1924, Leonard Hacker was the son of an upholsterer and part-time inventor who wanted his son to follow in his footsteps. But Buddy (as he quickly became known) stood barely 5’6” tall yet weighed over 200 pounds-and had almost no choice in the matter. He was born to be funny.
A childhood bout with Bell's Palsy left him talking out of the side of his mouth - and the tendency of his voice to reach a near-hysterical volume made everything that came out of his mouth sound hilarious. He was a man who was dearly loved for his gift of making people laugh.
His first job as a comedian was at the Pink Elephant, a tiny club in Brooklyn. His salary was $40 a week. In 1948 he met a car dealer named Frank Faske who became his de facto manager and even invested his own money buying jokes for Buddy. In spite of the written material by others, the two of them realized that Buddy was funniest when he was himself and that's when his star really started to rise.
He studied acting and in 1954 it paid off, as playwright Sidney Kingsley tapped him to appear in "Lunatics and Lovers" on Broadway, for which he won the coveted Donaldson Award for Best Newcomer at age 21. Even the New York Times theater critic, Brooks Atkinson, praised his talent, extolling his "exuberance" in "the best part Mr. Kingsley has written." The role led to appearances on "The Tonight Show" with Steve Allen and on "The Jackie Gleason Show.” This led to his own sitcom, "Stanley," which was filmed live and launched the career of Carol Burnett.
In 1958 Buddy drew critical rave reviews for his role in the film version of Erskine Caldwell's "God's Little Acre." Variety praised his performance as having "perception and depth and real acting." Buddy's career was so set that he even turned down Frank Sinatra's offer to be his opening act. "I'd rather be your competition across the street than be your opening act for the rest of my life," Buddy responded to Frank. Despite the refusal, Buddy became a lifelong friend of Sinatra and the rest of the Rat Pack, appearing with them in several Vegas performances, as well as numerous incarnations of Joey Bishop's shows and the Dean Martin Show. Buddy steadily worked with them all throughout their careers, even performing with them at Carnegie Hall in 1961.
In 1962, he starred as Marcellus Washburn - Robert Preston's sidekick in the film version of "The Music Man," followed by his hilarious turn in the star-studded Stanley Kramer extravaganza, "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World," the number one grossing box-office movie of the year and the number one comedy film of all time at that point.
But it was in the 1960s and 70s, holding court at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas, that Buddy became a legend. Del Webb, owner of the Sahara, appreciated his talent and loved him for his audience appeal as well as his hotel sense - a trait he had learned from his early days in the Catskills at the Concord Hotel and had never forgotten. Webb appointed Buddy Vice President of the Sahara and Buddy took the job seriously.
In his new job, Buddy made it a point to discover new talent. "Buddy was the one who gave me my first big job," recalls David Brenner. "He saw me on 'The Tonight Show' and the next morning he called the Sahara and told them to book me - not in the lounge, where I would have been thrilled, but in the showroom! He booked me on the spot as the opening act for Sonny & Cher." Charo was another recipient of his largesse, as was former "Time Tunnel" singer and star, James Darren. By this time, Hackett's reputation was so big in Vegas that, when he saw the Sahara put up big "Merry Christmas" lights on top of the building, he asked that the hotel put his name up in lights as well as on the marquee out front. The Sahara agreed and many who drove along the Las Vegas Strip thought that Buddy was the new owner.
"My Dad brought a lot of changes to Vegas," says his producer | writer son, Sandy Hackett. "He influenced comedy, paving the way for all young comedians today.”
Buddy originated and recorded the character of “God” for “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show” before he passed away in 2003.
While millions see Buddy’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, prominently placed in front of Disney’s El Capitan Theatre, millions more continue to smile and laugh, watching Buddy in “The Love Bug” or “The Little Mermaid” or watching reruns of his guest appearances on the “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson. Buddy had more appearances on “The Tonight Show” than any other guest.
In 2003, Buddy was the recipient (posthumously) of the prestigious Disney Legends Award, a lifetime achievement award for those with significant contributions to the Walt Disney Company. Sandy Hackett accepted the award on his father’s behalf.
After Buddy passed in 2003, Disney took out a full-page ad on the cover of Variety Magazine. On it was a sketch drawing of a saddened “Ariel” from “The Little Mermaid” and it simply read, "Buddy Hackett - You will always be part of our world.”
In 2014, Sandy Hackett and his wife, Lisa Dawn Miller, launched “My Buddy,” a live theatrical production about the life of Buddy Hackett, in which Sandy stars and Lisa directs. The show premiered at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, Florida and has received rave reviews as it tours throughout the U.S. Sandy has written a book of the same name which is due to be released in the spring of 2019.
At just four years of age, Ashleigh Hackett brought down the house in her stage debut appearing with her father, comedian Sandy Hackett, in a holiday performance at the Las Vegas Hilton for over 2,200 people. Now at 13 years old – a singer, actress and an accomplished dancer, Ashleigh has released several music videos and single recordings. She has appeared live on stage at numerous performing arts centers across the country.
In 2017, Ashleigh released her fourth original single, “On and On and On,” following her 2016 single and music video release of “Slay,” an original song about the power that girls have to change the world.
Ashleigh made her solo debut as a singer and dancer at nine years old with her first single release and music video, “Let’s Go!” Ashleigh was invited to South Carolina to headline the 2015 Charleston Kids Fair where she premiered her follow-up original song, “Can You Feel It?” In April 2015, Ashleigh released a behind-the-scenes video which chronicled the highlights of her journey to Charleston.
Ashleigh played the role of “the Angel” in the 2010 remake of “One Little Christmas Tree,” released by her then 10-year-old brother, Oliver Richman. The song was written by legendary songwriter, Ron Miller – Oliver and Ashleigh’s grandfather. Ashleigh has toured across the country making numerous guest appearances in “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show” to rave reviews, performing alongside the character of “Sammy Davis, Jr.,” singing and dancing in “The Candy Man.”
Ashleigh was born into a long lineage of entertainers, writers, musicians, and performers. Ashleigh’s paternal grandfather, legendary comedian, Buddy Hackett, starred in several blockbuster films including Disney’s “The Love Bug” and “The Little Mermaid,” and in other classics such as “It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” and “The Music Man.” Buddy received the prestigious Disney Legends Award and appeared on the “Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson more than any other entertainer.
Ashleigh’s maternal grandfather, Ron Miller, has written some of the biggest hit songs/standards including, “For Once in My Life,” “Touch Me in the Morning,” “A Place in the Sun,” “Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday,” “Heaven Help Us All,” “I’ve Never Been to Me,” “Someday at Christmas” and “If I Could.” He was the recipient of the Heroes and Legends Award for Lifetime Achievement in Songwriting and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Ashleigh’s parents, Lisa Dawn Miller and Sandy Hackett are accomplished writers, producers, directors and multi-faceted entertainers of live theatrical productions, music, film and television.
Ashleigh’s big brother, multi-talented 18-year-old singer | actor, Oliver Richman, has released numerous singles and music videos including “For Once in My Life – The 50th Anniversary Release,” “Count on Me,” “Believe” and “Celebrate Me Home.” He was invited by Stevie Wonder to share the stage at L.A. Live, where he received a standing ovation from over 7,500 people and was featured on Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studio’s “The Young Icons,” a nationally syndicated television show about young people changing the world. He is currently a New York University Tisch School of the Arts student studying drama | musical theatre.
In 2016, Ashleigh recorded a remake of the Stevie Wonder classic, “Everyone’s a Kid at Christmas Time” with her mother and big brother in tribute to her grandmother who wrote the song with her grandfather. She also appeared in the holiday music video.
Ashleigh is a 7th grade drama student in Los Angeles. She loves her family and performing. She also loves the theatre, music, dance, getting together with friends and her golden retriever, Charlie.
At just four years of age, Ashleigh Hackett brought down the house in her stage debut appearing with her father, comedian Sandy Hackett, in a holiday performance at the Las Vegas Hilton for over 2,200 people. Now at 13 years old – a singer, actress and an accomplished dancer, Ashleigh has released several music videos and single recordings. She has appeared live on stage at numerous performing arts centers across the country.
In 2017, Ashleigh released her fourth original single, “On and On and On,” following her 2016 single and music video release of “Slay,” an original song about the power that girls have to change the world.
Ashleigh made her solo debut as a singer and dancer at nine years old with her first single release and music video, “Let’s Go!” Ashleigh was invited to South Carolina to headline the 2015 Charleston Kids Fair where she premiered her follow-up original song, “Can You Feel It?” In April 2015, Ashleigh released a behind-the-scenes video which chronicled the highlights of her journey to Charleston.
Ashleigh played the role of “the Angel” in the 2010 remake of “One Little Christmas Tree,” released by her then 10-year-old brother, Oliver Richman. The song was written by legendary songwriter, Ron Miller – Oliver and Ashleigh’s grandfather. Ashleigh has toured across the country making numerous guest appearances in “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show” to rave reviews, performing alongside the character of “Sammy Davis, Jr.,” singing and dancing in “The Candy Man.”
Ashleigh was born into a long lineage of entertainers, writers, musicians, and performers. Ashleigh’s paternal grandfather, legendary comedian, Buddy Hackett, starred in several blockbuster films including Disney’s “The Love Bug” and “The Little Mermaid,” and in other classics such as “It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” and “The Music Man.” Buddy received the prestigious Disney Legends Award and appeared on the “Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson more than any other entertainer.
Ashleigh’s maternal grandfather, Ron Miller, has written some of the biggest hit songs/standards including, “For Once in My Life,” “Touch Me in the Morning,” “A Place in the Sun,” “Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday,” “Heaven Help Us All,” “I’ve Never Been to Me,” “Someday at Christmas” and “If I Could.” He was the recipient of the Heroes and Legends Award for Lifetime Achievement in Songwriting and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Ashleigh’s parents, Lisa Dawn Miller and Sandy Hackett are accomplished writers, producers, directors and multi-faceted entertainers of live theatrical productions, music, film and television.
Ashleigh’s big brother, multi-talented 18-year-old singer | actor, Oliver Richman, has released numerous singles and music videos including “For Once in My Life – The 50th Anniversary Release,” “Count on Me,” “Believe” and “Celebrate Me Home.” He was invited by Stevie Wonder to share the stage at L.A. Live, where he received a standing ovation from over 7,500 people and was featured on Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studio’s “The Young Icons,” a nationally syndicated television show about young people changing the world. He is currently a New York University Tisch School of the Arts student studying drama | musical theatre.
In 2016, Ashleigh recorded a remake of the Stevie Wonder classic, “Everyone’s a Kid at Christmas Time” with her mother and big brother in tribute to her grandmother who wrote the song with her grandfather. She also appeared in the holiday music video.
Ashleigh is a 7th grade drama student in Los Angeles. She loves her family and performing. She also loves the theatre, music, dance, getting together with friends and her golden retriever, Charlie.
Sandy was inspired at a young age by his father, legendary comedian Buddy Hackett, to enter the world of comedy. Buddy was a powerful teacher and role model; an avid reader who studied diligently, re-examining his comedy techniques. He taught his son by example. The younger Hackett soon learned that an evening with Buddy Hackett was an evening of comedy and entertainment at its best (Buddy passed away on June 30, 2003). This was the foundation from which Hackett began his development, growth and versatility as a comedian, writer, producer and entertainer.
At age 11, Hackett accompanied his father for a scheduled appearance on "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In." It was there that he caught the eye of the show's producers and made his first professional television debut.
Hackett graduated with a degree in Hotel Administration from UNLV. He also served as UNLV’s Director of Entertainment. At the Sahara Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, he created and produced "Sandy Hackett's Talent Showcase." He also hosted and produced the show at Sahara Reno, Sahara Tahoe and the Mint and Dunes Hotels & Casinos. During this time, Hackett introduced over ten thousand acts, including many first-time appearances in Las Vegas by Andrew "Dice" Clay, Howie Mandel, Gary Muledeer, The Unknown Comic, Tony D'Andrea, Jenny Jones, George Wallace and many others.
For the next 40 years he led his people through the desert in search of the Promised Land, stopping at comedy clubs to learn his craft and entertain the masses. His father came to see him one night and asked him to come share the stage with him. It was a dream come true for the younger Hackett. He accepted and then got to travel and learn from the master of comedy for the next 10 years as his opening act, road manager, stage manager, navigator and best friend.
Throughout the 1990’s, Hackett successfully ran his own comedy club in Laughlin, Nevada. He also worked as an agent, manager, event planner and buyer of talent. He became the Entertainment Director for Sun City Summerlin, booking talent for 400+ shows in two years at the Starbright Theater, turning a venue that was losing money into a profitable operation in 3 months.
When HBO announced it was going to do a movie about the Rat Pack, longtime family friend, Joey Bishop, called Hackett and said, “Sandy, I think you’d be perfect to play me!” Hackett replied, “Uncle Joey, that’s great! Who do I call? What do I do?” Bishop said, “I don’t know! Nobody called me!” The idea of playing Bishop struck a chord with Sandy. Bishop (one of Buddy’s best friends and a man Sandy grew up with) was someone Sandy had long admired. He decided to pen his own show, recreating Bishop and his famous buddies, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. and thus, "Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show" was born… and so was the baby Moses... but that's another story for another time.
Hackett, together with his wife, producer | director |singer, Lisa Dawn Miller, have created and produced “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show,” and “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Christmas,” the most successful original live theatrical productions of their kind. The shows have toured nationwide to great critical acclaim, earning thousands of fans around the globe.
In 2014, Hackett successfully launched the premiere of “My Buddy,” a live theatrical production about the life of his father and the deep bond they shared. Directed by Miller, the show opened to wonderful reviews and standing ovations at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts and is now on tour throughout the U.S.
Sandy and Lisa live in Los Angeles and are the very proud parents of Oliver, a freshman at New York University Tisch School of the Arts and Ashleigh, a middle schooler, also a student of the performing arts.
Sandy was inspired at a young age by his father, legendary comedian Buddy Hackett, to enter the world of comedy. Buddy was a powerful teacher and role model; an avid reader who studied diligently, re-examining his comedy techniques. He taught his son by example. The younger Hackett soon learned that an evening with Buddy Hackett was an evening of comedy and entertainment at its best (Buddy passed away on June 30, 2003). This was the foundation from which Hackett began his development, growth and versatility as a comedian, writer, producer and entertainer.
At age 11, Hackett accompanied his father for a scheduled appearance on "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In." It was there that he caught the eye of the show's producers and made his first professional television debut.
Hackett graduated with a degree in Hotel Administration from UNLV. He also served as UNLV’s Director of Entertainment. At the Sahara Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, he created and produced "Sandy Hackett's Talent Showcase." He also hosted and produced the show at Sahara Reno, Sahara Tahoe and the Mint and Dunes Hotels & Casinos. During this time, Hackett introduced over ten thousand acts, including many first-time appearances in Las Vegas by Andrew "Dice" Clay, Howie Mandel, Gary Muledeer, The Unknown Comic, Tony D'Andrea, Jenny Jones, George Wallace and many others.
For the next 40 years he led his people through the desert in search of the Promised Land, stopping at comedy clubs to learn his craft and entertain the masses. His father came to see him one night and asked him to come share the stage with him. It was a dream come true for the younger Hackett. He accepted and then got to travel and learn from the master of comedy for the next 10 years as his opening act, road manager, stage manager, navigator and best friend.
Throughout the 1990’s, Hackett successfully ran his own comedy club in Laughlin, Nevada. He also worked as an agent, manager, event planner and buyer of talent. He became the Entertainment Director for Sun City Summerlin, booking talent for 400+ shows in two years at the Starbright Theater, turning a venue that was losing money into a profitable operation in 3 months.
When HBO announced it was going to do a movie about the Rat Pack, longtime family friend, Joey Bishop, called Hackett and said, “Sandy, I think you’d be perfect to play me!” Hackett replied, “Uncle Joey, that’s great! Who do I call? What do I do?” Bishop said, “I don’t know! Nobody called me!” The idea of playing Bishop struck a chord with Sandy. Bishop (one of Buddy’s best friends and a man Sandy grew up with) was someone Sandy had long admired. He decided to pen his own show, recreating Bishop and his famous buddies, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. and thus, "Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show" was born… and so was the baby Moses... but that's another story for another time.
Hackett, together with his wife, producer | director |singer, Lisa Dawn Miller, have created and produced “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show,” and “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Christmas,” the most successful original live theatrical productions of their kind. The shows have toured nationwide to great critical acclaim, earning thousands of fans around the globe.
In 2014, Hackett successfully launched the premiere of “My Buddy,” a live theatrical production about the life of his father and the deep bond they shared. Directed by Miller, the show opened to wonderful reviews and standing ovations at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts and is now on tour throughout the U.S.
Sandy and Lisa live in Los Angeles and are the very proud parents of Oliver, a freshman at New York University Tisch School of the Arts and Ashleigh, a middle schooler, also a student of the performing arts.
Lisa spent the first part of her life as a business executive, serving as First Vice President of Investments at Morgan Stanley. Desiring a strong background and foundation in business, Lisa shunned the limelight of the entertainment industry, becoming a stockbroker, financial planner, stock portfolio/wealth management advisor and retirement planning specialist focusing on 401(k) retirement plans. With this knowledge, experience and foundation in place, Lisa decided to turn her interest back to her love of the arts – as songwriter, singer, producer and director.
Lisa is the President of Hackett Miller, Inc. which produces live theatrical and musical productions that tour throughout the U.S. She is also the Managing General Partner of the Ron Miller Songbook Publishing Company, LLC, which manages, licenses and produces reimagined master song recordings of the Ron Miller Legacy Catalogue. She is also the Managing General Partner of LDM Publishing, LLC, which owns, manages and licenses Lisa’s growing catalogue of intellectual properties, including her own songbook of over one hundred titles.
As an artist and performer, Lisa portrays “Frank’s One Love” (a character based on Frank Sinatra’s relationship with Ava Gardner), in the hit musical she produces, “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show.” Broadway World writes, “The Best Show This Year!” for the show’s run at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts where it played to record breaking crowds. Since 2009, the show has toured extensively throughout the U.S. Lisa produced and directed a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the musical. Her original songs can be heard in the show on the stages of hundreds of performing arts venues across the nation.
In 2016, Lisa released two EPs entitled, “Hello You” and “My Turn Begins Today,” in which she made her pop songwriting debut. She wrote “It’s Christmas” and “My Favorite Time of Year” which premiered in “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Christmas” during its nationwide holiday tour. She also performed and produced the opening and closing theme songs for the film, “When Comedy Went to School.”
As a singer and performer, New York Cabaret Scenes writes, “Lisa Dawn Miller’s show at The Metropolitan Room was one of the best shows I have ever seen. Very rarely do you get to see a singer cast a magic spell on stage and have the audience in the palm of her hand.” Jeff Rossen, Chicago Editor | Recordings Reviewer, Cabaret Scenes Magazine said of Miller’s “Fly Away” CD debut, “Take a collection of songs of exceptional quality and breadth, set them in striking arrangements and then turn the lyrics and melodies over to a singer whose voice can cut straight through the heart, and you’ve got one heck of a dazzling debut.”
Lisa’s father was legendary songwriter, Ron Miller. Some of his hit songs include “For Once in My Life,” “Touch Me in the Morning,” “A Place in the Sun,” “Yester-me, Yester-you, Yesterday,” “Heaven Help Us All,” “I’ve Never Been to Me,” “Someday at Christmas,” “One Little Christmas Tree,” “Everyone’s a Kid at Christmas Time,” “If I Could” and many more. “For Once in My Life” is one of the most recorded songs in music history, having been recorded by over 500 major label artists. In 2007, “For Once in My Life” won multiple Grammy Awards for the Tony Bennett/Stevie Wonder collaboration and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2009. Ron received Motown’s Heroes and Legends Award (posthumously) in 2007, a lifetime achievement award in songwriting.
Lisa has produced several music videos, including for her son, 18-year-old singer | actor, Oliver Richman – who was personally invited by Stevie Wonder to share the stage when he was just 10 years old. His performance received a standing ovation from over 7,500 people at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Lisa produced Oliver’s recording and music video, “For Once in My Life – The 50th Anniversary Release.” She has also written and produced numerous songs and music videos for Oliver including “Today,” “You and I,” “Rise,” and “The Diagramming Rap.” Lisa has also produced several reimagined covers for the Ron Miller Legacy Catalogue, including several recorded by Oliver, such as, “Heaven Help Us All,” “Will I Still Be Me” and “Everyone’s a Kid at Christmas Time,” a song which was co-written by her mother, Aurora Miller.
Lisa wrote and produced the debut single “Let’s Go!” for her daughter, 13-year-old singer | actress | dancer, Ashleigh Hackett, as well as her follow up singles, “Can You Feel It,” “Slay” and “On and On and On.”
Lisa is married to comedian | actor | producer, Sandy Hackett, son of legendary comedian, Buddy Hackett. In addition to “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show,” Lisa and Sandy launched “My Buddy,” a live theatrical production about the life of Buddy Hackett, in which Sandy stars and Lisa directs. The show opened to wonderful reviews at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, Florida and is on tour throughout the U.S.
Lisa is the co-writer and lyricist of “Growing Older,” a new musical about men going through the change of life and she is currently developing a new musical based on the life of her father entitled, “For Once in My Life.”
Lisa lives in Los Angeles with her husband and is the very proud mom of Oliver, a freshman at New York University Tisch School of the Arts and Ashleigh, a middle schooler, also a student of the performing arts.
Lisa spent the first part of her life as a business executive, serving as First Vice President of Investments at Morgan Stanley. Desiring a strong background and foundation in business, Lisa shunned the limelight of the entertainment industry, becoming a stockbroker, financial planner, stock portfolio/wealth management advisor and retirement planning specialist focusing on 401(k) retirement plans. With this knowledge, experience and foundation in place, Lisa decided to turn her interest back to her love of the arts – as songwriter, singer, producer and director.
Lisa is the President of Hackett Miller, Inc. which produces live theatrical and musical productions that tour throughout the U.S. She is also the Managing General Partner of the Ron Miller Songbook Publishing Company, LLC, which manages, licenses and produces reimagined master song recordings of the Ron Miller Legacy Catalogue. She is also the Managing General Partner of LDM Publishing, LLC, which owns, manages and licenses Lisa’s growing catalogue of intellectual properties, including her own songbook of over one hundred titles.
As an artist and performer, Lisa portrays “Frank’s One Love” (a character based on Frank Sinatra’s relationship with Ava Gardner), in the hit musical she produces, “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show.” Broadway World writes, “The Best Show This Year!” for the show’s run at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts where it played to record breaking crowds. Since 2009, the show has toured extensively throughout the U.S. Lisa produced and directed a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the musical. Her original songs can be heard in the show on the stages of hundreds of performing arts venues across the nation.
In 2016, Lisa released two EPs entitled, “Hello You” and “My Turn Begins Today,” in which she made her pop songwriting debut. She wrote “It’s Christmas” and “My Favorite Time of Year” which premiered in “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Christmas” during its nationwide holiday tour. She also performed and produced the opening and closing theme songs for the film, “When Comedy Went to School.”
As a singer and performer, New York Cabaret Scenes writes, “Lisa Dawn Miller’s show at The Metropolitan Room was one of the best shows I have ever seen. Very rarely do you get to see a singer cast a magic spell on stage and have the audience in the palm of her hand.” Jeff Rossen, Chicago Editor | Recordings Reviewer, Cabaret Scenes Magazine said of Miller’s “Fly Away” CD debut, “Take a collection of songs of exceptional quality and breadth, set them in striking arrangements and then turn the lyrics and melodies over to a singer whose voice can cut straight through the heart, and you’ve got one heck of a dazzling debut.”
Lisa’s father was legendary songwriter, Ron Miller. Some of his hit songs include “For Once in My Life,” “Touch Me in the Morning,” “A Place in the Sun,” “Yester-me, Yester-you, Yesterday,” “Heaven Help Us All,” “I’ve Never Been to Me,” “Someday at Christmas,” “One Little Christmas Tree,” “Everyone’s a Kid at Christmas Time,” “If I Could” and many more. “For Once in My Life” is one of the most recorded songs in music history, having been recorded by over 500 major label artists. In 2007, “For Once in My Life” won multiple Grammy Awards for the Tony Bennett/Stevie Wonder collaboration and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2009. Ron received Motown’s Heroes and Legends Award (posthumously) in 2007, a lifetime achievement award in songwriting.
Lisa has produced several music videos, including for her son, 18-year-old singer | actor, Oliver Richman – who was personally invited by Stevie Wonder to share the stage when he was just 10 years old. His performance received a standing ovation from over 7,500 people at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Lisa produced Oliver’s recording and music video, “For Once in My Life – The 50th Anniversary Release.” She has also written and produced numerous songs and music videos for Oliver including “Today,” “You and I,” “Rise,” and “The Diagramming Rap.” Lisa has also produced several reimagined covers for the Ron Miller Legacy Catalogue, including several recorded by Oliver, such as, “Heaven Help Us All,” “Will I Still Be Me” and “Everyone’s a Kid at Christmas Time,” a song which was co-written by her mother, Aurora Miller.
Lisa wrote and produced the debut single “Let’s Go!” for her daughter, 13-year-old singer | actress | dancer, Ashleigh Hackett, as well as her follow up singles, “Can You Feel It,” “Slay” and “On and On and On.”
Lisa is married to comedian | actor | producer, Sandy Hackett, son of legendary comedian, Buddy Hackett. In addition to “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show,” Lisa and Sandy launched “My Buddy,” a live theatrical production about the life of Buddy Hackett, in which Sandy stars and Lisa directs. The show opened to wonderful reviews at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, Florida and is on tour throughout the U.S.
Lisa is the co-writer and lyricist of “Growing Older,” a new musical about men going through the change of life and she is currently developing a new musical based on the life of her father entitled, “For Once in My Life.”
Lisa lives in Los Angeles with her husband and is the very proud mom of Oliver, a freshman at New York University Tisch School of the Arts and Ashleigh, a middle schooler, also a student of the performing arts.
Legendary Comedian, Buddy Hackett (1924-2003), paved the way for every comedian today, shaping and influencing generations of comedy. For over 60 years, Hackett entertained audiences around the world. Having appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson more than any other comedian, Hackett was one of the most adored entertainers of all time.
A brilliant film career, Buddy starred in some of the most successful movies of his time, “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World,” “Music Man” and the Disney classics, “The Love Bug” and “The Little Mermaid.” Hackett starred in hundreds of television shows throughout the decades including his critically acclaimed performance as Lou Costello in “Bud and Lou” opposite Harvey Korman.
He first burst on the scene with his now classic “Chinese Waiter” routine, which put him on the comedy map as the new funny kid on the block. Buddy Hackett’s tremendously versatile talent helped him conquer everything from the Catskills to Las Vegas, from Broadway to Hollywood and everywhere in between. Hackett was an idol and mentor to his comedy peers and countless young comedians and entertainers. Hackett’s contributions to the entertainment industry are like his charitable and humanitarian contributions – enduring and profound.
Buddy received a star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame prominently placed in front of Disney’s legendary El Capitan Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard.
In 2003, Buddy was the recipient (posthumously) of the prestigious Disney Legends Award, a lifetime achievement award for those with significant contributions to the Walt Disney Company. His son, Sandy Hackett accepted the award on his behalf.
Buddy originated and recorded the character of “God” for “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show” before he passed away in 2003.
In 2014, Sandy Hackett and his wife, Lisa Dawn Miller, launched “My Buddy,” a live theatrical production about the life of Buddy Hackett, in which Sandy stars and Lisa directs. The show premiered at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, Florida and has received rave reviews as it tours throughout the U.S. Sandy has written a book of the same name which is due to be released in the spring of 2019.
Legendary Comedian, Buddy Hackett (1924-2003), paved the way for every comedian today, shaping and influencing generations of comedy. For over 60 years, Hackett entertained audiences around the world. Having appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson more than any other comedian, Hackett was one of the most adored entertainers of all time.
A brilliant film career, Buddy starred in some of the most successful movies of his time, “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World,” “Music Man” and the Disney classics, “The Love Bug” and “The Little Mermaid.” Hackett starred in hundreds of television shows throughout the decades including his critically acclaimed performance as Lou Costello in “Bud and Lou” opposite Harvey Korman.
He first burst on the scene with his now classic “Chinese Waiter” routine, which put him on the comedy map as the new funny kid on the block. Buddy Hackett’s tremendously versatile talent helped him conquer everything from the Catskills to Las Vegas, from Broadway to Hollywood and everywhere in between. Hackett was an idol and mentor to his comedy peers and countless young comedians and entertainers. Hackett’s contributions to the entertainment industry are like his charitable and humanitarian contributions – enduring and profound.
Buddy received a star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame prominently placed in front of Disney’s legendary El Capitan Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard.
In 2003, Buddy was the recipient (posthumously) of the prestigious Disney Legends Award, a lifetime achievement award for those with significant contributions to the Walt Disney Company. His son, Sandy Hackett accepted the award on his behalf.
Buddy originated and recorded the character of “God” for “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show” before he passed away in 2003.
In 2014, Sandy Hackett and his wife, Lisa Dawn Miller, launched “My Buddy,” a live theatrical production about the life of Buddy Hackett, in which Sandy stars and Lisa directs. The show premiered at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, Florida and has received rave reviews as it tours throughout the U.S. Sandy has written a book of the same name which is due to be released in the spring of 2019.
Originally from Chicago, legendary songwriter, Ron Miller (1932-2007) wrote numerous hit songs including, “For Once in My Life,” “Touch Me in the Morning,” “Heaven Help Us All,” “Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday,” “I’ve Never Been a Woman Before,” “A Place in the Sun,” “Someday at Christmas,” “One Little Christmas Tree,” “Everyone’s a Kid at Christmas Time,” “I’ve Never Been to Me,” “If I Could,” and many more.
Ron’s songs have sold in the hundreds of millions with recordings by some of the biggest recording artists of all time, such as Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Michael Bublé, Harry Connick, Jr. and Celine Dion. His songs have endured through generations with several recordings by even the youngest artists of today including Justin Bieber, LeAnn Rimes, Jackie Evancho and Oliver Richman.
Ron’s songs have been featured in numerous top-grossing films and on countless television shows throughout the decades as well as in major ad campaigns by the largest global companies and brands.
Ron has numerous RIAA gold and multi-platinum records and multiple BMI awards. His songs have won several Grammy Awards including in 2005 for “Heaven Help Us All,” the last song recorded by the legendary Ray Charles.
Miller’s classic standard, “For Once in My Life,” is Motown Record's most recorded song and is one of the most recorded songs in history, period – having been recorded by over 500 major label artists.
In 2007, “For Once in My Life” won multiple Grammy Awards for the Tony Bennett/Stevie Wonder collaboration.
Ron received the Heroes and Legends Award (posthumously) in 2007, a lifetime achievement award in songwriting.
In 2009, “For Once in My Life” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Miller wrote the book and lyrics to many musicals including “Daddy Goodness,” “Clothespins & Dreams,” “Satchmo,” and “Cherry,” (based on William’s Inge’s “Bus Stop”) and produced several hit recordings including “I’ve Never Been to Me” by Charlene.
Ron’s daughter, Lisa Dawn Miller, is developing a new musical about her father entitled, “For Once in My Life.” She is the General Manager of Ron Miller Songbook Publishing, LLC and is launching a new website for her father in 2019 which will include a searchable database of his entire catalogue and never-before-heard recordings dating back to the 1960’s.
Originally from Chicago, legendary songwriter, Ron Miller (1932-2007) wrote numerous hit songs including, “For Once in My Life,” “Touch Me in the Morning,” “Heaven Help Us All,” “Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday,” “I’ve Never Been a Woman Before,” “A Place in the Sun,” “Someday at Christmas,” “One Little Christmas Tree,” “Everyone’s a Kid at Christmas Time,” “I’ve Never Been to Me,” “If I Could,” and many more.
Ron’s songs have sold in the hundreds of millions with recordings by some of the biggest recording artists of all time, such as Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Michael Bublé, Harry Connick, Jr. and Celine Dion. His songs have endured through generations with several recordings by even the youngest artists of today including Justin Bieber, LeAnn Rimes, Jackie Evancho and Oliver Richman.
Ron’s songs have been featured in numerous top-grossing films and on countless television shows throughout the decades as well as in major ad campaigns by the largest global companies and brands.
Ron has numerous RIAA gold and multi-platinum records and multiple BMI awards. His songs have won several Grammy Awards including in 2005 for “Heaven Help Us All,” the last song recorded by the legendary Ray Charles.
Miller’s classic standard, “For Once in My Life,” is Motown Record's most recorded song and is one of the most recorded songs in history, period – having been recorded by over 500 major label artists.
In 2007, “For Once in My Life” won multiple Grammy Awards for the Tony Bennett/Stevie Wonder collaboration.
Ron received the Heroes and Legends Award (posthumously) in 2007, a lifetime achievement award in songwriting.
In 2009, “For Once in My Life” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Miller wrote the book and lyrics to many musicals including “Daddy Goodness,” “Clothespins & Dreams,” “Satchmo,” and “Cherry,” (based on William’s Inge’s “Bus Stop”) and produced several hit recordings including “I’ve Never Been to Me” by Charlene.
Ron’s daughter, Lisa Dawn Miller, is developing a new musical about her father entitled, “For Once in My Life.” She is the General Manager of Ron Miller Songbook Publishing, LLC and is launching a new website for her father in 2019 which will include a searchable database of his entire catalogue and never-before-heard recordings dating back to the 1960’s.
A native New Yorker, Billy Karl graduated at the top of his class at New York University's Film & Television School with Martin Scorsese. Mentored by legendary film director Nicholas Ray ("Rebel Without a Cause"), Billy worked hard to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry by working as a cinematographer while studying film and television. His impressive resume quickly received some attention after graduation; and before Karl knew it, he was filming and directing commercials for such major clients as NBC, ABC, CBS, Warner Brothers, Citibank, Paramount Pictures, Purina, General Motors, DeLorean Motor Company and Nissan.
Billy soon found himself drawn to the stage and upon moving back to the west coast, he started writing and directing performances with the Actors Company in Los Angeles. Billy’s love for live productions eventually led him to Las Vegas. There, he worked in commercial production for the Las Vegas Hotel and Casino and gaming related industries. He also worked in radio and television including with comedian/producer, Sandy Hackett, creating and producing signature live events.
In 2000, Billy became the creative director and producer of Las Vegas' only nationally syndicated radio and television show, "Backstage Live."
With a strong background in radio, television and film, along with his experience in working with talents such as Dustin Hoffman, Keanu Reeves and Lily Tomlin, Billy was ready to take on the legendary Rat Pack in “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show!”
A native New Yorker, Billy Karl graduated at the top of his class at New York University's Film & Television School with Martin Scorsese. Mentored by legendary film director Nicholas Ray ("Rebel Without a Cause"), Billy worked hard to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry by working as a cinematographer while studying film and television. His impressive resume quickly received some attention after graduation; and before Karl knew it, he was filming and directing commercials for such major clients as NBC, ABC, CBS, Warner Brothers, Citibank, Paramount Pictures, Purina, General Motors, DeLorean Motor Company and Nissan.
Billy soon found himself drawn to the stage and upon moving back to the west coast, he started writing and directing performances with the Actors Company in Los Angeles. Billy’s love for live productions eventually led him to Las Vegas. There, he worked in commercial production for the Las Vegas Hotel and Casino and gaming related industries. He also worked in radio and television including with comedian/producer, Sandy Hackett, creating and producing signature live events.
In 2000, Billy became the creative director and producer of Las Vegas' only nationally syndicated radio and television show, "Backstage Live."
With a strong background in radio, television and film, along with his experience in working with talents such as Dustin Hoffman, Keanu Reeves and Lily Tomlin, Billy was ready to take on the legendary Rat Pack in “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show!”
Jeanne Quinn has been a professional graphic artist and award-winning web developer in the entertainment industry since 1996.
An eleven-time recipient of the prestigious Electronic Media Award (EMA), Quinn’s extensive portfolio includes designs for such artists as Brendan Bowyer of the Royal Irish Showband, Jack E. Leonard, Gordie Brown, Buddy Hackett, Jon “Bowzer” Bauman of Sha Na Na, Louie Anderson, Roy Rogers, and Emmy-Award winning Choreographer, Michael Darrin.
Jeanne has been commissioned for numerous high-profile projects up and down the Las Vegas Strip, the San Francisco theatre district, and for New York Off-Broadway productions.
Jeanne Quinn has been a professional graphic artist and award-winning web developer in the entertainment industry since 1996.
An eleven-time recipient of the prestigious Electronic Media Award (EMA), Quinn’s extensive portfolio includes designs for such artists as Brendan Bowyer of the Royal Irish Showband, Jack E. Leonard, Gordie Brown, Buddy Hackett, Jon “Bowzer” Bauman of Sha Na Na, Louie Anderson, Roy Rogers, and Emmy-Award winning Choreographer, Michael Darrin.
Jeanne has been commissioned for numerous high-profile projects up and down the Las Vegas Strip, the San Francisco theatre district, and for New York Off-Broadway productions.
A Washington, D.C. area native, Chrissy moved to Los Angeles in 2008 to pursue her passion for public relations in lifestyle and entertainment.
Chrissy’s early resume includes work in the hospitality and tourism industry. She spent two years in marketing and advertising for a celebrity-studded television show surrounding D.C.’s nightlife.
In 2009, she joined a public relations firm in Los Angeles and soon worked her way up to Senior Executive. Here, she began her work for the Hackett Miller Company which included public relations for all of Hackett Miller’s artists, as well as, their many production shows. In addition, she worked with a variety of other artists, including the legendary pop duo Air Supply and legendary record executive Jerry Greenberg. She also began working with her firm’s numerous television and film clients. Chrissy was named Vice President in 2013.
Her background in communications and journalism, combined with her savvy skill set and PR edge, has earned Chrissy unique, behind-the-scenes access to the media and entertainment world.
In 2015, Chrissy started her own company, CAS Public Relations (CAS PR) to continue her passionate and personalized work for clients. She expanded her client roster to include the health, beauty and lifestyle industries.
Chrissy loves to travel to new destinations and has a great love for dogs and the world of food and wine. She currently resides in California’s Bay Area.
A Washington, D.C. area native, Chrissy moved to Los Angeles in 2008 to pursue her passion for public relations in lifestyle and entertainment.
Chrissy’s early resume includes work in the hospitality and tourism industry. She spent two years in marketing and advertising for a celebrity-studded television show surrounding D.C.’s nightlife.
In 2009, she joined a public relations firm in Los Angeles and soon worked her way up to Senior Executive. Here, she began her work for the Hackett Miller Company which included public relations for all of Hackett Miller’s artists, as well as, their many production shows. In addition, she worked with a variety of other artists, including the legendary pop duo Air Supply and legendary record executive Jerry Greenberg. She also began working with her firm’s numerous television and film clients. Chrissy was named Vice President in 2013.
Her background in communications and journalism, combined with her savvy skill set and PR edge, has earned Chrissy unique, behind-the-scenes access to the media and entertainment world.
In 2015, Chrissy started her own company, CAS Public Relations (CAS PR) to continue her passionate and personalized work for clients. She expanded her client roster to include the health, beauty and lifestyle industries.
Chrissy loves to travel to new destinations and has a great love for dogs and the world of food and wine. She currently resides in California’s Bay Area.
Ryan Rose started playing music at an early age. Born into a musical family in Detroit Michigan, Ryan was given his first drum set at 5 years old. He studied music privately and at school. At 13, he began playing in his grandfather’s band and by the time he reached high school, he was working as a professional musician performing throughout the city of Detroit.
During high school, Ryan played in a jazz band which competed throughout the country. He won numerous awards for his musicality including several for Outstanding Rhythm Soloist.
Ryan received a full four-year scholarship to Wayne State University. While in college, Ryan played in the university’s big band, show choir and vocal jazz ensemble, while he continued to work simultaneously as a professional musician in Detroit.
Ryan played with jazz legends, Ira Sullivan and Johnny O’Neil in South Florida. During his time in Florida, Ryan performed with many local musicians learning and playing many different styles of Latin music. This experience (and all of his professional experiences since he was just 13 years old) along with his talent, his musical DNA and his music education has made Ryan a well-rounded, versatile and highly sought-after drummer.
In 2003, Ryan moved to Las Vegas where he performed with the band, Fahrenheit. He has performed at almost every casino from Mandalay Bay to the Sahara, performing with some of the finest musicians in Las Vegas. He played with the Cocho Arbe Trio at Just Jazz Nightclub and with world renowned percussionist, Michito Sanchez at the Rio Hotel and Casino performing Latin jazz and Brazilian music.
In 2009, Ryan was named Music Director for the critically-acclaimed, hit musical “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show” which tours extensively throughout the U.S.
Ryan is grateful and feels blessed that he makes a living doing what he loves!
Ryan Rose started playing music at an early age. Born into a musical family in Detroit Michigan, Ryan was given his first drum set at 5 years old. He studied music privately and at school. At 13, he began playing in his grandfather’s band and by the time he reached high school, he was working as a professional musician performing throughout the city of Detroit.
During high school, Ryan played in a jazz band which competed throughout the country. He won numerous awards for his musicality including several for Outstanding Rhythm Soloist.
Ryan received a full four-year scholarship to Wayne State University. While in college, Ryan played in the university’s big band, show choir and vocal jazz ensemble, while he continued to work simultaneously as a professional musician in Detroit.
Ryan played with jazz legends, Ira Sullivan and Johnny O’Neil in South Florida. During his time in Florida, Ryan performed with many local musicians learning and playing many different styles of Latin music. This experience (and all of his professional experiences since he was just 13 years old) along with his talent, his musical DNA and his music education has made Ryan a well-rounded, versatile and highly sought-after drummer.
In 2003, Ryan moved to Las Vegas where he performed with the band, Fahrenheit. He has performed at almost every casino from Mandalay Bay to the Sahara, performing with some of the finest musicians in Las Vegas. He played with the Cocho Arbe Trio at Just Jazz Nightclub and with world renowned percussionist, Michito Sanchez at the Rio Hotel and Casino performing Latin jazz and Brazilian music.
In 2009, Ryan was named Music Director for the critically-acclaimed, hit musical “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show” which tours extensively throughout the U.S.
Ryan is grateful and feels blessed that he makes a living doing what he loves!
Chris Hardin has been an accomplished pianist and Music Director for over 40 years. His talents as a conductor, arranger and performer have made him an integral part of “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show.”
Chris was born into a musical family with both of his parents being musicians in the Seattle Symphony. Chris started playing piano at the age of 3, oboe at 7, clarinet at 8 and flute when he was just 9 years old. He wrote his first composition for the piano as a child and by the time he was 12 years old, he learned how to play all woodwind instruments.
In middle school, Chris learned how to play all of the brass and percussion instruments and became the lead guitarist in a rock band. During this time, he was introduced to big band music and jazz choirs. He continued his classical training on the oboe and piano, but it was the harmonic textures of jazz and the driving rhythm of rock that inspired Chris.
During the next several years, Chris taught himself how to play all of the string and percussion instruments. He arranged numerous pieces for his high school’s jazz choir and stage band. As a senior, he was chosen by the state of Washington to play oboe with the Seattle Symphony.
Chris has performed with jazz greats Art Pepper, Maynard Ferguson, Bill Watrous, Don Lamphere and John Pugh. He played bass for Bob Hope and was a percussionist for the Oregon Symphony in Portland. For several years, he played in a country band, toured the west coast with several rock bands and continued to write for jazz choirs and big bands.
In 1986, Chris relocated to Los Angeles where he worked with Michelle Lee, the late Merv Griffin, Sally Kellerman, Freda Payne, the late Danny Gans, President Bill Clinton and many more. He has scored several films, written numerous pop arrangements and created several symphonic orchestrations and choir charts for artists, bands and symphonies throughout the U.S. and Europe.
For over twenty years, Chris has been writing music for the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony. He orchestrated and wrote the music arrangements for “A Joyful Light,” featuring Michael Isaacson and the Holiday Pops. He arranged and recorded all of the tracks for “A Promise of Time,” featuring Roslyn Kind and he performed, conducted and arranged the music for Craig Taubman’s “Hallelu” at the Gibson Amphitheater in Los Angeles.
Some of Chris Hardin’s numerous credits include conducting, writing and/or performing for artists such as Goldie Hawn, Sally Kellerman, Estell Reiner, Linda Hopkins, Theodore Bikel, Mare Winningham, the late Florence Henderson, Frankie Laine, Trini Lopez, as well as for several shows including, “Forever Plaid.” Chris orchestrated and performed for Tovah’s Feldshuh’s symphonic debut and has worked on projects for Warner Bros. Broadway on Sunset and The Caucus of Writers, Producers and Directors.
Chris Hardin has been an accomplished pianist and Music Director for over 40 years. His talents as a conductor, arranger and performer have made him an integral part of “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show.”
Chris was born into a musical family with both of his parents being musicians in the Seattle Symphony. Chris started playing piano at the age of 3, oboe at 7, clarinet at 8 and flute when he was just 9 years old. He wrote his first composition for the piano as a child and by the time he was 12 years old, he learned how to play all woodwind instruments.
In middle school, Chris learned how to play all of the brass and percussion instruments and became the lead guitarist in a rock band. During this time, he was introduced to big band music and jazz choirs. He continued his classical training on the oboe and piano, but it was the harmonic textures of jazz and the driving rhythm of rock that inspired Chris.
During the next several years, Chris taught himself how to play all of the string and percussion instruments. He arranged numerous pieces for his high school’s jazz choir and stage band. As a senior, he was chosen by the state of Washington to play oboe with the Seattle Symphony.
Chris has performed with jazz greats Art Pepper, Maynard Ferguson, Bill Watrous, Don Lamphere and John Pugh. He played bass for Bob Hope and was a percussionist for the Oregon Symphony in Portland. For several years, he played in a country band, toured the west coast with several rock bands and continued to write for jazz choirs and big bands.
In 1986, Chris relocated to Los Angeles where he worked with Michelle Lee, the late Merv Griffin, Sally Kellerman, Freda Payne, the late Danny Gans, President Bill Clinton and many more. He has scored several films, written numerous pop arrangements and created several symphonic orchestrations and choir charts for artists, bands and symphonies throughout the U.S. and Europe.
For over twenty years, Chris has been writing music for the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony. He orchestrated and wrote the music arrangements for “A Joyful Light,” featuring Michael Isaacson and the Holiday Pops. He arranged and recorded all of the tracks for “A Promise of Time,” featuring Roslyn Kind and he performed, conducted and arranged the music for Craig Taubman’s “Hallelu” at the Gibson Amphitheater in Los Angeles.
Some of Chris Hardin’s numerous credits include conducting, writing and/or performing for artists such as Goldie Hawn, Sally Kellerman, Estell Reiner, Linda Hopkins, Theodore Bikel, Mare Winningham, the late Florence Henderson, Frankie Laine, Trini Lopez, as well as for several shows including, “Forever Plaid.” Chris orchestrated and performed for Tovah’s Feldshuh’s symphonic debut and has worked on projects for Warner Bros. Broadway on Sunset and The Caucus of Writers, Producers and Directors.
Theodis Rodgers, Jr. is a jazz pianist and multi-keyboardist from Chicago. He is a composer, arranger, producer, performer, conductor and music director, working extensively in theatre, film and television throughout the U.S. and abroad.
Theodis’ work can be heard on countless recordings. He has been the music director and keyboardist for Curtis Mayfield, Patti LaBelle, Angelo Bofill, Jennifer Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Ramsey Lewis, Freddie Hubbard, The Emotions and Dennis DeYoung.
In recent years, Theodis toured Russia with Techora Rogers and the Chicago Spirituals with numerous concert hall and cathedral performances in multiple cities throughout the country. While in Russia, Theodis performed at the Hat Jazz Club in St. Petersburg.
Residing in Beijing, China throughout 2012, Theodis appeared regularly at Beijing’s China Wing Hotel and at the East Shore Live Jazz Café. He also conducted master classes at the Beijing Contemporary Music Institute.
Theodis’ credits as musical director and/or pianist include “Ain’t Misbehavin,” “Dreamgirls,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and Tony Award winner, Hinton Battle’s “Largely Live.” He has appeared with classical pianist, George Cooper and ragtime pianist, Reginald Robinson in a self-penned concert series, “From Mozart to Monk.”
Theodis currently lives in Chicago where he performs regularly throughout the city including at The Quarry, Room 43, Norman’s Bistro, Andy’s Jazz Club, The Jazz Showcase and Winter’s Jazz Club. He performs internationally with his jazz trio.
Since 2004, Theodis has been pianist | conductor for “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show” which tours extensively throughout the U.S.
Theodis Rodgers, Jr. is a jazz pianist and multi-keyboardist from Chicago. He is a composer, arranger, producer, performer, conductor and music director, working extensively in theatre, film and television throughout the U.S. and abroad.
Theodis’ work can be heard on countless recordings. He has been the music director and keyboardist for Curtis Mayfield, Patti LaBelle, Angelo Bofill, Jennifer Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Ramsey Lewis, Freddie Hubbard, The Emotions and Dennis DeYoung.
In recent years, Theodis toured Russia with Techora Rogers and the Chicago Spirituals with numerous concert hall and cathedral performances in multiple cities throughout the country. While in Russia, Theodis performed at the Hat Jazz Club in St. Petersburg.
Residing in Beijing, China throughout 2012, Theodis appeared regularly at Beijing’s China Wing Hotel and at the East Shore Live Jazz Café. He also conducted master classes at the Beijing Contemporary Music Institute.
Theodis’ credits as musical director and/or pianist include “Ain’t Misbehavin,” “Dreamgirls,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and Tony Award winner, Hinton Battle’s “Largely Live.” He has appeared with classical pianist, George Cooper and ragtime pianist, Reginald Robinson in a self-penned concert series, “From Mozart to Monk.”
Theodis currently lives in Chicago where he performs regularly throughout the city including at The Quarry, Room 43, Norman’s Bistro, Andy’s Jazz Club, The Jazz Showcase and Winter’s Jazz Club. He performs internationally with his jazz trio.
Since 2004, Theodis has been pianist | conductor for “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show” which tours extensively throughout the U.S.
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