Kind Words from
Good Friends
Funny, How I Got Here:
Uproarious glimpses into One Man’s Survival Through Life’s Twists & Turns
[Continue scrolling to see endorsements for Peppermint Twist Chronicles and Daddy’s Diary.]
Joey Dee
—Singer/songwriter, founder of iconic rock & roll band Joey Dee & the Starliters, author, civil rights crusader, rock & roll historian, Jersey Boy extraordinaire
I was eager to read this new work from my dear friend J. Kevin Morris. It didn’t disappoint. The stories in Funny, How I Got Here are poignant, pleasant, and humorous. This man is a fabulous writer—but I knew this, from the writing we did together. He is a storyteller, and he takes his audience to unexpected places, using simple, meaningful dialogue. You’ll feel as though you’re sitting across from him at a café table, listening to him tell the stories to you. Enjoy the read. I know I did. And to you, my friend Kevin—all best wishes.
Gary Puckett
—Singer/songwriter, founding member of Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, US military veterans advocate
Funny, charming, and entertaining! Funny, How I Got Here will bring happily to mind your formative years and make you smile . . . out loud. Enjoy!
Robert Hamblin
—Emeritus Professor of English, Southeast Missouri State University (longest tenured professor in SEMO history), literary scholar, poet, novelist, biographer, and memoirist
Take equal measures of Tom Sawyer’s imaginative genius and Alexander Portnoy’s wild zaniness. Stir in a dash of Holden Caulfield’s ear-teasing slang. Serve with large slices of humor and nostalgia. What you’ll have is J. Kevin Morris’s Funny, How I Got Here, a recipe guaranteed to make you laugh and make you think. A delicious, delightful feast!
James P. Bell
—Author and EMMY® award-winning executive producer, BYUtv
If you’ve ever pondered how a guy who’s just been pulverized mercilessly into a high school wrestling mat can boast of being the winner; if you’ve ever wondered who’d win the fight between a 1971 BMW 2002 and a locomotive; if you’ve ever wanted to wander through another man’s adventurous youth in order to remember a bit more of yours—well, then you need to read Funny, How I Got Here. And if you’ve never wondered about any of the above, I’d still say the chances are pret-tee darn good that you’ll enjoy this delightful book.
Peppermint Twist Chronicles
Joey Dee with J. Kevin Morris
Sir Barry Gibb
Singer/songwriter extraordinaire, recording artist with chart hits spanning five decades, member of the highly awarded, Hall of Fame music group The Bee Gees, Knight of the British Realm
“Joey Dee’s time in the mid-sixties is in many ways unforgettable. The Peppermint Lounge and “Peppermint Twist” will always be part of the pop music consciousness. He was a pioneer in an industry that was ever evolving, and I salute you Joey, for your contribution and your talent.”
Frankie Valli
Living legend singer/songwriter, recording artist with chart hits spanning five decades, member of the highly awarded, Hall of Fame music group The 4 Seasons
“Joey Dee has been a good friend for almost 60 years. Of course, we’re both proud to be Jersey Boys! Joey is one of the early innovators of all the music that you hear today, and oh what an entertainer! Peppermint Twist Chronicles looks back at a terrific career with quite a few twists, (no pun intended) Peppermint or otherwise!”
Bobby Rydell
—Singer/songwriter, author, teen idol of the 50s and 60s, star of television and film
RIP Bobby
Apr 26, 1942 – Apr 5, 2022
“I’ve been privileged to know Joey for the better part of some fifty years. He is a very dear friend and one hell of a stand-up guy. To watch Joey on stage is a thrill; a true showman, electric, he gives an audience all he’s got and then some. A professional in every sense of the word. It’s an honor to know him and call him my dear friend. This book is a winner!”
Ronnie Spector
—Singer, Grammy Award-winning recording artist, founding member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame singing group the Ronettes
RIP Ronnie
Aug 10, 1943 – Jan 12, 2022
“It all started for the Ronettes and me while we were waiting in line…to get into the . . . Peppermint Lounge. The manager comes out and mistakes us for . . . dancers . . . and walks us inside, right to the bandstand. And there on the bandstand—dancing, singing, and ripping it up—were Joey Dee and the Starliters. That was our big break. I am honored to do Joey’s induction [to the East Coast Music Hall of Fame] speech tonight. I’ll always be there for Joey, no matter what, ’cause that’s where I started. And for the first time in—well, let’s just say a long time—we were all on stage together [tonight] singing “Peppermint Twist,” and I was so proud to once again be part of the Joey Dee Revue, where it all started for me.”
Shirley Alston Reeves
—Singer, Grammy Award-winning recording artist, founding member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame singing group the Shirelles
“It’s been several decades since the Shirelles sang with Joey Dee and the Starliters way back in Passaic, New Jersey, but I remember those days like yesterday. Making music together was instrumental in launching our careers, and now we both have schools named in our honor! Peppermint Twist Chronicles is a great ride that brings to life the music and memories that will last forever.”
Aaron Neville
—Singer/songwriter, Grammy Award-winning recording artist, member of renowned Neville Brothers
“Thinking back to when my brother Charles “Horn Man” Neville began playing sax with the great Joey Dee, I remember the pleasure of meeting Joey and thought of him as a great talent and a gentleman. Charlie always spoke highly of Joey. From me to Joey Dee: Keep on rocking brother. Peace, love and respect.”
Tony Orlando
—Singer/songwriter, television star, formerly of Grammy Award-winning act Tony Orlando & Dawn
“I first saw Joey Dee perform at the Peppermint Lounge in 1961. I thought I was coming to see one show. I stayed for six sets in a row. There this young energetic super talented lead singer of the Starliters blew the audience away. In those six shows, I learned more about stage performance than any school of the performing arts could ever teach me. Just look at the people he mentored: Jimi Hendrix, the Brigati Brothers (known later to be The Rascals), and a young entertainer named Tony Orlando. To the reader, I leave you with one word: Enjoy!”
Tommy James
—Singer/songwriter, author, radio personality, founding member of Tommy James & the Shondells
“Joey Dee and I were label-mates at Roulette Records during the 60s, where we experienced many of the same problems and issues with Morris Levy. But certainly one very good thing came of that sometimes difficult experience: a close personal friendship between Joey and myself. We came to know each other well and even wrote a couple of great songs together, one of which appeared on my Nashville album. Joey has such a great—even amazing—success story of his own that spans more than sixty years. And he’s one of the nicest people you’d ever want to meet. I’m proud to call Joey Dee my friend.”
Gary Puckett
—Singer/songwriter, founding member of Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, actor, US military veterans advocate
“I didn’t know Joey during the height of his career. Our paths didn’t cross till years later. But we’ve worked together many times, and he’s a great performer even now. It’s my honor and privilege to call him my friend for the last thirty years.”
Bruce “Cousin Brucie” Morrow
—Legendary DJ, radio personality, actor, author, music historian extraordinaire
“How often does someone single-handedly change our world? Is it a politician? NO! Is it a secret weapon? NO! Is it a Superman? NO! It’s Joey Dee! In a twinkling of a musical moment, Joey Dee gave us what we needed, a fun and a happy time. And here’s how he did it. Read it!”
Frankie Avalon
—Singer, star of film and television, teen idol of the 50s and 60s
“Joey Dee has been a friend and a talent for many, many years in this world of show business. I remember seeing Joey perform in the 60s at the Peppermint Lounge when there were crowds and lines waiting to get in to see him. Even to this day, if there’s an opportunity to see Joey Dee in person, don’t walk—run! He’s one of a kind. Great!”
Alan Paul
—Singer/songwriter, Grammy Award-winning recording artist, member of the Manhattan Transfer, record producer
“I first heard “Peppermint Twist” in1961, when I was eleven. Joey and the guys were from Passaic, NJ, and I was from Newark, so I felt a connection with them. There was real excitement in their music that made you want to dance. Joey Dee and the Starliters are part of the musical tapestry that influenced the Manhattan Transfer—and me, as a singer, performer, writer, and record producer.”
DADDY’S DIARY: The Adventures of an Everyday Father
“In his new book, Daddy’s Diary: The Adventures of an Everyday Father, Kevin Morris uses wit, metaphor, and insight to make his personal stories of “daddyhood” absolutely relatable to you and to me and to daddies everywhere. It’s Kevin’s story, true; but as I laughed out loud one minute and welled up the next, I felt in a very visceral way that it’s mine too. As will you, I believe.”
“I devoured Daddy’s Diary in one sitting. Don’t know when I’ve spent a more pleasant afternoon reading. Wonderful stuff. Practical and poignant words of wisdom for all dads—whether once, now, or wannabes. And sprinkled with more good one-liners than a week’s worth of Jay Leno’s monologues.”
“If you’re a dad, or if you have a dad, you need to get this book And you need to read it! Why? Because Kevin Morris’s odyssey as a father (oddball though he may be) will have you laughing (a lot), crying (just a bit), and seeing the mysteries and miracles of fatherhood a little more clearly.”
“In Daddy’s Diary: The Adventures of an Everyday Father, Kevin Morris adds to the notion that truth istranger—and funnier—than fiction. His collection of endearing stories and real-life predicaments will leave you laughing, smiling, and wishing your own dad had written down your family’s adventures!”