The Rocket 88s roll to a stop; Johnny Dee, gone at 60

Keith Landers passed away last week at the age of 60.  He died in an ambulance on the way to an Austin hospital following dialysis treatment.

Keith is better known and remembered as Johnny Dee (front and center in the accompanying photo) of Johnny Dee and the Rocket 88s, a wonderful central and south Texas rock and roll show band known as much for their impeccable musicianship and spot-on versions of rock classics as for their humorous approach to rock and roll. 

Playing mostly at private affairs, charitable fund-raisers and community expositions throughout Texas, the group built a steady and loyal group of fans and followers over the past 35 years.  Far from just a plain oldies band or Sha Na Na clone, the Rocket 88s were a true show band replete with multiple costume changes, choreographed numbers and incredibly accurate versions of popular songs from the 50s and 60s. 

In addition, they were featured in one of the single most popular and effective Public Service Announcement ad campaigns ever with their award-winning audio and video performances of the "Don't Mess With Texas" PSA's hailed as the most effective PSA in the history of advertising, helping reduce highway trash in Texas by 60%.

Johnny Dee was a lovable character who will be greatly missed.