About William Graham

William Graham has enchanted audiences throughout the country for the past decade with his vocals, pianistic virtuosity and dramatic portrayal of Cole Porter. His unique interpretation of music from Tin Pan Alley, Broadway and motion picture musicals and the swing era stems from his professional experience and academic training. He studied privately in Hollywood with Bernard Katz (piano), Howard Grode (voice) and Eric Barr (drama). At the university level his mentors were Paul Pisk and Ernst Toch.

Graham’s career as a performer spans the decades between the last half of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st century. During the Big Band era he was a singer and arranger with the Alvino Rey Band, touring the country performing in theatres and ballrooms and recording for Capitol Records. He made motion pictures at the Monogram Studios and sang with the MelTones, Mel Torme’s original vocal group. His appearances included the Bob Hope, Ginny Sims and Curt Massey shows.

His performing career was interrupted while he taught music at the university level and served as president of four colleges in three states. Upon retirement his love of the music of Tin Pan Alley and Broadway musicals led to a second performing career in theatres and performing arts centers nationwide. During the past 15 years his one-man musical theatre portrayals of Cole Porter & Lerner and Loewe have been acclaimed in 24 states. During this period he has lectured extensively on the Golden Age of American Popular Music in the California State University CELS program.

About Mamie Rockafellar

Mamie Rockafellar accompanies Dr. Graham on the Axiom keyboard bass. She studied piano with Bessie B. Gunn in Washington, D.C. and has continued her broad interest in music by performing in Seattle with the O.K. Chorale vocal ensemble. Following a rewarding career as an administrator for the city of Seattle, she now enjoys being part of this musical duo.

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“William Graham was on my roster for many years, and I have nothing but good things to say about him. He is an astute academician, but in addition to his knowledge, he is a dynamite entertainer. On my roster, which included The Kingston Trio, The Four Freshmen, The Brothers Four and the Lime-lighters, he performed full-length shows on Cole Porter and Lerner & Loewe, which he researched and wrote. Each of them were accurate portrayals, with spoken word, piano and song. He is easy to work with, sensitive to others, always well-prepared -- and a genuine gentleman.”

Mary Beth Treen, MBT Artists Management, Burbank, CA

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