From the age of 7 to 10, Joe honed his skills as a ventriloquist, mastering a variety of character voices that would prove invaluable in the years to come. During his high school years, Joe's musical trio, The New Californians, captivated audiences throughout Southern California. Their talents led them to open for the renowned Smothers Brothers at the prestigious Icehouse in Pasadena, CA.
My high school drama teacher, Mr. Caskey, went above and beyond to help me pursue my passion. Leveraging his connections, he arranged for Agnes Moorehead, known for her role in the popular TV show Bewitched, to coach me at the esteemed Pasadena Playhouse. This invaluable training elevated my stage performances with my bands and paved the way for my future endeavors in movies and commercials.
One of the most memorable moments in my performing career was when I had the opportunity to grace the stage of the prestigious Hollywood Bowl alongside my dear friends from high school. To make the experience even more extraordinary, we shared the stage with the legendary Richard and Karen Carpenter. The Richard Carpenter Trio emerged victorious in the Jazz Combo division, while my band, The Happy Rock Folk Society, claimed the top spot in the Group Vocalists division. It was a remarkable achievement and a cherished memory.
Having been born just a stone's throw away from Route 66 in St. Louis, my journey would keep me close to the iconic Mother Road when my family relocated to Los Angeles, residing just a mile away. Over the years, I traversed this historic route numerous times, immersing myself in its rich heritage. Today, my band, The Road Crew, proudly holds the title of official musical ambassador of Route 66, carrying on the spirit of adventure that the road embodies. My adventure continues as my band embraces the magic of this legendary highway.
My time serving in the military was initially filled with apprehension, but fate smiled upon me when I landed an audition for the esteemed Command Military Touring Shows. To my great fortune, not only was I selected, but two of my close friends were chosen as well. Together, we embarked on a mission to entertain troops in regions deemed too perilous for USO shows. Our trio's dedication and performances earned us the prestigious Army Commendation Medal, recognizing our contribution to bringing joy to thousands of soldiers stationed in hazardous territories. It was an honor and a privilege to serve through music.
Solid Gold, my band, embarked on an incredible journey across the United States and Canada, frequently performing on the rising stage at Disneyland and at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas. Our musical talents caught the attention of record companies. We reached the top 30 on Billboard magazine with our hit song "My Share of the Sidewalk," written by Michael Nesmith of The Monkees. Our Solid Gold 50's album for K-tel Records was a huge success. It was an exhilarating ride for our band, full of unforgettable experiences.