Meet Rocky and JonPaul Wallace! They will be performing in the Detroit Duets on this year’s “The Ford Fireworks” presented by The Parade Company. You can watch them and many others on Local 4 and live streamed on ClickOnDetroit Monday, June 24 starting at 8 p.m.
GET TO KNOW ROCKY
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From a young age, Rocky knew she wanted to sing. Starting from middle school, she took vocal lessons in classical and gospel music, and she is now working towards making her own sound. You can discover what that sound is on all digital platforms, including her 2019 single, “Day Trip.”
What’s your favorite part of being a musician?
I love singing, so whether it’s writing and recording or live on stage, just binging in the moment and letting the music flow though me is just the highest high.
What artists have influenced you?
Aretha Franklin, Stevie Nicks, Amy Winehouse, Carlos Santana, Jimi Hendrix
What has been your favorite performance so far?
I’ve been blessed with a lot of great opportunities and have opened for some incredible performers but my favorite show was a private event I did that was orchestrated by piano player and composer Chris Virzi. It was the first time I sang alongside my mentor, Frankie Jason Turner, and the first time I played with a horn section. I also met my current keyboard player, Ryan Romanik, through the same show. The band was truly a group of all star musicians and I learned a lot from playing with them.
Who would you like to get a chance to work with?
This list could go on for a while! Eminem, Mark Ronson, Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Demi Lovato, Paul McCartney just to start…
What would be your dream venue to perform in?
LCA
What’s a song you’d like to perform that you haven’t yet?
Probably, “A Change is Gonna Come”
If you could meet any musician in history, who would it be? Why?
I would have to go with one of my biggest idols Aretha Franklin because I would want to learn as much as I could from the Queen!
What’s a “guilty pleasure” song you love but might not want people to know?
"Old Town Road"
What’s one advice you’d give to anyone thinking about becoming a musician?
I think it’s important to find authenticity in your music but at the same time remember that it is a business. A producer that I worked with early on in my career, Kevin Sharpe, told me, “You have to do what you have to do before you can do what you want to do.” That always stuck with me.
FAST 4 FAVES!
Favorite color? Black
Favorite movie? Step Brothers
Favorite candy bar? Snickers
Favorite place in Detroit? Motown Museum
FOLLOW ROCKY ONLINE!
Facebook: @everythingrocky
Twitter: @everythingrocky
Instagram: @everythingrocky
Website: www.everythingrocky.com
GET TO KNOW JONPAUL
JonPaul became interested in music when he was six-years-old after seeing his older sister, Rocky, singing. He began by studying classic rock music and Motown. However, it wasn’t until high school that he decided to pursue music as a career, studying music and learning to play the piano. Currently, JonPaul is working in live performance while writing his own songs.
What’s your favorite part of being a musician?
The adrenaline rush you get both when you’re creating and when you’re sharing your music with others.
What artists have influenced you?
Stevie Wonder, John Newman, Billie Eilish, Shawn Mendes, Charlie Puth
What has been your favorite performance so far?
I performed at my school, Oakland University, in April and the venue was packed, the crowd was extremely receptive and participative, and the energy was unforgettable.
Who would you like to get a chance to work with?
My dream is to one day collaborate with Stevie Wonder, as well as J. Cole, Eminem, Demi Lovato, Billie Eilish, among others.
What would be your dream venue to perform in?
Ford Field
What’s a song you’d like to perform that you haven’t yet?
I have always wanted to learn and perform “Right Now” by Van Halen, mainly so I can learn the complex piano part.
If you could meet any musician in history, who would it be? Why?
I would meet Elvis Presley, just to pick his brain about performing and captivating audiences.
What’s a “guilty pleasure” song you love but might not want people to know?
Any Jonas Brothers song released before 2008.
What’s one advice you’d give to anyone thinking about becoming a musician?
Try to keep your emotions in check. In other words, don’t get too high on the highs, or too low on the lows.
FAST 4 FAVES
Favorite color? Orange
Favorite movie? Stepbrothers
Favorite candy bar? Kit Kat
Favorite place in Detroit? The Eastern Market
FOLLOW JONPAUL ONLINE!
Facebook: @jonpaulwallaceofficial
Twitter: @jonpaulwallace
Instagram: @jonpaulwallace
Website: https://jonpaulwallace.com/
Don't forget to watch Rocky and JonPaul perform on "The Ford Fireworks" presented by The Parade Company on Monday, June 24 starting at 8 p.m on Local 4.
And meet our other Detroit Duets, LaShell Renee and LG, Alena D'Amico and Kenny Watson, and Beth Griffith-Manley and Theo Spight!