We, the Committee to Honor Buddy Deane, feel that Buddy Deane should be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the non-performer category. Buddy was a radio disc jockey and television dance show host who promoted Rock and Roll music from its genesis in 1955 until the time of his death in 2003. He was a radio and record hop DJ for fifty years and was named Billboard's Disc Jockey of the year in 1962.
The Buddy Deane Show aired on WJZ-TV in Baltimore, MD, from 1957 to 1964. Every major Rock and Roll performer (save Elvis and Ricky Nelson) appeared on his show. He helped to launch many careers for singers and bands. The Buddy Deane Show became a part of Americana when it was immortalized by John Waters in his hit movie (1988), then Broadway Show (2002), then musical movie (2007), Hairspray.
About the Committee
As early as 2000, individual efforts were being made by Joyce Conroy, Frank Lidinsky, and Bob Mathers to have Buddy inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Eventually those individual efforts were consolidated and The Committee to Honor Buddy Deane was formed in 2004. At that time a very concerted and organized effort was made to formally nominate Buddy. Members of the committee attended Reunion Dances and other events soliciting the support of those who admire Buddy. Over 1,000 individually signed petitions were obtained. A scrap book was made by member Lee Rzepecki outlining Buddy's career and accomplishments. The petitions and scrap book along with a CD documentary of Buddy's life, a DVD produced by Maryland Public Television entitled "Shake, Rattle & Roll: The Buddy Deane Scrap Book," the book "Buddy's Top 20" by Tony Warner, and the VHS version of the movie Hairspray were placed in a custom designed 50's Rock and Roll package and hand delivered to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation in New York City by member James DeWald. The committe composed an official letter of nomination which was accompanied by a separate nominating letter by John Waters. Unfortunately, Buddy was not selected that year and has been renominated every year since. An elevated effort is being made in 2007 to coincided with the release of the musical movie Hairspray. The Committee will continue its efforts until Buddy is inducted.
The committee periodically meets at the Raven Inn on Loch Raven Boulevard. If interested in attending a future meeting please send us an email.
