JOHN MUELLER AS BUDDY HOLLY
Born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, John bears a striking resemblance to Holly.
He has had a successful professional acting career including guest roles on E! Entertainment, Ellen, Lois and Clark, Brisco County Jr. and recently the film Bloodline which also featured two of John’s original songs but his real passion has remained with Buddy Holly and rock and roll.
John first appeared as Buddy Holly in the world stage premiere of Be Bop A Lula in Hollywood. It was produced by Adam Ant and John Densmore of the Doors. He then won a Drama Desk Award and critical acclaim for his portrayal in the theatrical production of Buddy..the Buddy Holly Story at Kansas City’s famed American Heartland Theatre. John has held this role in many other cities including, San Diego, Chicago, Toronto, Miami and garnered rave reviews. The Chicago Tribune: “John Mueller is living proof that Buddy Holly’s legacy lives on. His lovingly detailed portrayal rings as clearly as a chord from a Fender Stratocaster. His performance is flawless.” The Chicago Sun Times: “John Mueller gives a stunning portrayal.” The Los Angeles Times: “Buddy rocks with the charismatic John Mueller in the title role.”
John has also performed with several members of Buddy Holly’s band including Tommy Allsup, Carl Bunch, and the late Niki Sullivan. John is most proud of the praise from Niki Sullivan, a former member of Buddy’s band, The Crickets: “John is a reincarnation of Buddy Holly. He is that good.” In addition, John has also won praise from Maria Elena Holly, Buddy’s widow and Buddy’s own brothers Larry and Travis.
Since 1999, every year has found John touring the frozen U.S. midwest to recreate the Winter Dance Party that was to be Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper’s final tour. John has played in every remaining ballroom that the originals did over 44 years ago. The concert also features the son of the Big Bopper and has been described by critics and public alike as the most authentic re-creation ever done and has even garnered John the keys to the city of Green Bay, Wisconsin. John has also raised monies for musical scholarships from these concerts.
Recently, John was proud to have performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with John Mellencamp, Marshall Crenshaw, Nanci Griffith, and Joe Ely to name a few. Other highlights include a live TV appearance with over 2 million viewers nationwide on the Jerry Lewis Telethon and also performing a live sing-a-long version of “Peggy Sue” with over 48,000 fans at Texas Tech University’s halftime show.
John takes an authentic approach to Buddy’s music. He plays Holly’s songs true to their original form on a reissued 1957 Fender Stratocaster–the exact year and make of Buddy’s guitar and uses the same heavy flatwound guitar strings that Buddy used. John is indeed living proof that Buddy Holly lives on.
