A Chat With a Unique Performer

(By Gary Bokelmann)

Q: After a successful business career, you decided to make a major change and embarked on a new lifestyle as a singer and entertainer.  So the first question that comes to mind for most people is “Why?”   What drove you to make such a dramatic change?

You’re right about my business background – I spent more than 20 years in the utilities industry and found it to be immensely rewarding and satisfying. But the urge to perform has been in me for as long as I can remember – in fact, I often was asked to perform at company meetings and other functions. So when I reached a point in my life where I could afford to take the plunge, I decided it was now or never. I didn’t want to spend the rest of my days wondering what might have been. 

Q: So how’s it worked for you?

So far, so good!  I’m thoroughly enjoying the experience . I bought a Motorhome, enclosed trailer and hit the road – so now I’m free to move about and travel wherever opportunities take me. I also get to expand my repertoire and hone my performing skills every day. But most of all, I’m pursuing what I love to do. What could be better.

Q: Obviously, you didn’t just start doing this yesterday.  You mentioned having performed during your business career.  When did you first get started as a singer?

I guess I could trace it all the way back to high school. I remember trying out for the lead in “Oklahoma,” and giving it my all in front of an entire auditorium. After that I was hooked. Then later, I spent some years in the food and beverage industry, and was part of a supper club in Michigan that put on a two-hour musical revue five nights a week all summer long. For several years I also had the chance to write, produce and direct the shows, but it was the performing side of it that I really enjoyed.

Q: Is that when you adopted the name “Vinny D”?

No, that actually goes back about 30 years to a karaoke bar in northern Michigan! I was challenged by my best buds Bill and Paul to sign up and perform.  I believe there might have been a 20 dollar bill on the line. When I signed up I wrote down the name Vinny D because I was afraid I might chicken out when they called my name, and that way my buddies would never know! Fortunately, I didn’t chicken out – and the name just stuck!  First song, "Guitars and Cadillac's" by Dwight Yokum, go figure!

Q: Tell us about your music.  Where’s your focus?  How do you choose your songs?

I’d say my focus is best described as traditional pop, big band and jazz and most recently some country – songs made famous by performers like Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Tony Bennett, and their peers. I’ve had many friends and associates tell me that’s the type of music that suits my voice the best, but I certainly don’t want to confine myself to those areas. For instance, I also cover songs by the Eagles and Neil Diamond. I also enjoy country… all types of music. It’s a matter of finding songs I love, but also finding songs that suit my voice and style. Sometimes I choose the songs – and sometimes the songs choose me.

Q: So what’s next for Vinny D?  Where do you go from here?  How do you see your music career developing?

Well, I’ve recently enjoyed more time in the studio recording music – which is a remarkable experience and I am currently exploring more music choices.  I am also releasing more of my favorite cover singles this summer (2024) to various streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, IHeartRadio, YouTube and Amazon to name a few. Looking ahead, I’d say what I look forward to the most is just continuing to get that fantastic feeling that I get when I’m performing or spending time in the studio.  As long as I still get that feeling, I plan on searching for more performing opportunities, recording more music and enjoying every minute of the experience along the way.

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Gary Bokelmann is a freelance writer with more than 30 years’ experience covering business, finance, and related topics.