INTRODUCTION
In the beginning, there was nothing but “Rock”…
From his hometown of Wichita, Kansas to Hollywood via the Chicago theater scene, Actor/Musician John Mueller has been entertaining audiences for years.
Growing up, John’s love of music was nurtured by such cutting-edge artists as Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and, of course, Buddy Holly. Innovative even at a young age, John played along with the 45s on a “Dutch Masters” cigar box guitar and a Sears and Roebuck drum set. In addition to playing the guitar, John also plays the harmonica, a little mandolin and the uke.
Inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in 1999, John Mueller describes his original music as “rooted in the Americana tradition”. His songs tend to have a wicked and wry sense of humor with influence of Holly, Willie, Woody, Dylan and Berry —— “all shaken in a martini glass”. John also admires great songwriters like John Prine, Joe Ely, Bob Dylan, and Lennon/McCartney.
Then things started to “Roll”…
One could say John Mueller caught the “acting bug” while working his first job at the K 42 Drive-In. He headed to Chicago to study acting and performed in several award-winning and critically acclaimed stage productions. While in Chicago, John began to land small roles in television commercials, several tv series and motion pictures.
Moving to Hollywood, John Mueller landed additional movie roles and television appearances. Some of John Mueller’s favorite roles on stage and film include Buddy Holly, Hank Williams, Brodie in Tom Stoppard’s play, “The Real Thing,” and the lead narrator/performer in the popular one-man show “The Wonder Bread Years.” Most recently, John played Hootie Hargrove opposite Alicia Silverstone in “Angels in Stardust”, set to be released January 2014.
John Mueller sites Clint Eastwood as a “wunderkind” and inspiration. In addition to his acting ability and movie direction, Eastwood also plays piano and composes his own music his film soundtracks. Eastwood has had such a consistent career that has remained vital, and this is the standard to which John Mueller sets his own career.
If he could remake any movie and star in it, John Mueller chose “Atlas Shrugged.” A recent movie version of this favorite book was produced in three long parts. “I’d make a edited down version of it,” John mused, “with me starring as Hank Reardon.” Upon further thought, John adds, “I’d like to get to do a nice role in a western——a good guy, of course.”
Bringing it all together…
But if acting is in John’s heart, then music is in his soul. He landed several parts in which he was able to combine his musical talent with his acting. Fans of Rock and Roll legend Buddy Holly were quick to realize that no other performer had captured the icon’s spirit and persona as faithfully as John Mueller.
Original Crickets member Niki Sullivan best sums it up: “John is a reincarnation of Buddy Holly. He is that good. He has the same determination in his eyes as Buddy did, and when John is on stage, he is a totally dynamic performer, just like Buddy. John is awesome.”
Such praise encouraged John Mueller to produce The Winter Dance Party Tour. What started out as a one-time gig, has turned into an annual event, and Buddy Holly fans all over the country love the show.
Whether he is participating in his musical tour, acting in television and movies, or recording his original music compositions, John Mueller is a rare gem in the world of entertainment. Find out more about this dynamic talent by browsing through John Mueller’s portfolio!
