One-Hit Wanderer
One Man’s Rock & Roll Journey in Story and Song
ONE-HIT WANDERER is the one-man-show written and performed by veteran singer, songwriter, recording artist, actor, and comedian Henry Gross.
THE SHOW IS SO MUCH MORE THAN AN AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL LOOK AT THE UPS AND DOWNS OF HIS SHOW BUSINESS CAREER.
It recalls, in hysterically funny and heartfelt detail, the journey of a boy with Rock & Roll dreams who, through hope, perseverance and luck mixed with a great sense of humor, reaches the top of the music charts only to discover that the biggest hits he ever had were not on the radio but in an old box buried in a closet containing pictures of loved ones and memorabilia of a life well lived.
Born on April Fools Day, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, Henry soon became infatuated with the big guitar of his hero, Elvis Presley. Encouraged by his mom, a classically trained pianist and singer and Gil Hodges, the all- star first baseman of the Brooklyn Dodgers who lived in the neighborhood, by age thirteen he began playing dances and clubs with his first band, even performing at the 1964 World’s Fair while honing his musical and comedy skills at Catskill Mountain resorts.
In the spring of 1969, while in his first semester at Brooklyn College, he co- founded the 1950’s Rock & Roll revival band “Sha Na Na” and that summer became the youngest performer at the legendary “Woodstock Festival.” Leaving the band less than a year later he went on to tour the world and, in subsequent years, record over twenty albums for many of the most prestigious labels in the world including his 1975 classic LP “Plug Me Into Something” and the multi platinum world wide hit record, “Shannon”, inspired by the death of his dear friend, Beach Boy Carl Wilson’s, Irish Setter.
Over the years he’s shared stages with many of the greatest artists in Rock & Roll, Comedy and Country history including: Aerosmith, The Beach Boys, Ricky Nelson, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, The Byrds, Joe Cocker, Chicago, The Kinks, The Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, B.B. King, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Bill Haley and his Comets, Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals, Poco, Loggins and Messina, Mark Knopfler, Joe Brown, Huey Lewis and the News, Hall and Oats, Leslie Gore, Loretta Lynn, Charlie Daniels and Jay Leno.
Before writing and starring in “One Hit Wanderer” he was a principal actor in the road company of the Broadway hit, “Pump Boys and Dinettes” along with legendary singer Nicolette Larson (It’s Gonna Take A Lot Of Love) and Jonathan Edwards (Sunshine).
His story will become your story as you follow his lifelong struggle to make sense of his relationship with his father, teachers, band-mates, Rock stars, agents, trials, tribulations and situations leading him to philosophize “In a world of give and take- I take what’s given!”
His forty year struggle to continue working tirelessly at his craft in the face of being derided as a “One Hit Wonder” have seen him mature into one of the most insightful and inspirational artists performing today. So come one come all and enjoy a show guaranteed to bring laughter and joy to your entire family.
ONE-HIT WANDERER IS A CELEBRATION OF LIFE
AND RE-INVENTION THAT WILL CHARM AUDIENCES OF ALL AGES.
Henry’s Parents
Henry Is In Trouble
Henry Has A Hit
70’s Promo Photo
70’s Performance
Reminiscing About Garcia
OHW Performance
Performing Over 40 Years
Ukulele Fun
What People Are Saying About One Hit Wanderer!
“Recently Augusta Amusements hosted Henry Gross and his “One Hit Wanderer” show. It was an absolutely amazing evening listening to Henry’s challenges and successes during his lengthy career.
The show was mixed with memorabilia, still pictures, stories and songs from a Rock and Roll era many of us fondly remember.
As a promoter, you look for artists that are easy to work with and bring a powerful performance to your venue.
Henry Gross: ‘One Hit Wanderer’ is your answer when seeking an entertainer and he will leave your audience completely satisfied.”
Mike Deas
Augusta Amusements
“After thirteen years of booking concerts, it is seldom that I am pleasantly surprised. Recently, Henry Gross was that wonderful surprise. What a voice! I tip my hat to Henry Gross. He embodies what the music biz should be.”
Chris Maxwell
Red Dragon Listening Room
Baton Rouge, LA
“Henry’s one man show entertained and enthralled all who had the opportunity to attend his performance in Tucson. He kept us spellbound with his Rock ‘n Roll history as teenager growing up in New York through his adult years as his career took him to new musical heights and transformations. Don’t miss the opportunity to get up close and personal as Henry Gross makes you singalong and laugh through his music and storytelling.”
Barry Weisband
Vice President, Planning and Marketing
Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona
“Artists come and go but entertainers last forever. A phenomenal singer, songwriter and showman.”
Neil Berg,
Producer and star of hit show
“100 Years of Broadway”
” So if he is not the best lyricist out there, I wanna know who is?”
Felix Cavaliere
The Rascals
Live Dates
Considering these times in 2020 and the struggles we are all experiencing, touring of One Hit Wanderer is CURRENTLY SUSPENDED. Please check back soon when the venues and PAC return to normal, we will post our upcoming dates at that time.