Rocky Cartwright
I've learned, from 63 years of life's bitter lessons and the fleetingness of beauty and the absurdity of the human condition, how to croon.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Started playing at the Thunderbird Inn, Wildwood, NJ on August 27th, 1966. Played for Lady Bird Johnson, 1971. Escorted out by the secret service. Next gig, Pan Am Christmas Party, 1983. Long stint (April-May, 1989) at the Istachatta VFW. 1989-93 Sabatacle wherein I learned how to croon (Vern Yonkers, Instructor.) 1995 over zealous fan smashes my uke. 1998 politely bansished from a UNICEF benefit. 2000 Briefly changed my name to Chrysanthemum 7. 2003 Brought out of retirement by request to play Bryan brendle's Birthday Party. 2004 Audited a music theory course. Put on honorary academic probation. 2005 Recorded first and second albums.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
The Istachatta VFW
Your musical influences
Bing Crosby, Ted Nugent, Cliff Edwards, Deanna Durbin, Phil Rizzuto, Sigmund Romberg, Starland Vocal Band, RATT, Big Baby Jesus, Kurt Weill, Vinny Testaverde, Jimmie Rodgers, Twiggy, Martin Denny, Paul Whiteman, Roy Acuff, Tony Orlando, Ernie Kovacs, Slim Whitman, Andrew Lloyd Weber, New Edition, Sly Stone, Bobby Mitchell, John Stamos
What equipment do you use?
a ukulele and my pickled trachea.
Anything else?
I enjoy Greek food.
