
Rock & Roll Reinvention, World Music & Genre-Fluidity with Jonny Massey
What connects a 1940s comedian father, an 8-year-old listening to the Beatles on 45s, and a modern music career that includes headlining The Cutting Room in New York City? In this episode of Bridging Generations, host Howard Snooks sits down with musician, songwriter, and financial coach Jonny Massey. Jonny shares his journey from growing up in New Jersey surrounded by a rich family entertainment legacy, working in international business across Europe, and eventually stepping into his true calling as a genre-fluid rock-and-roll artist. Main Topics Covered The 1940s Vaudeville Legacy: How Jonny’s father, a 1940s entertainer and comedian, passed down a passion for performance and a strong work ethic. The British Invasion Influence: Running home as a child to play his older brother's 1960s record collection, from the Beatles and the Stones to classic AM radio top 40. Selling American Culture in Europe: Traveling through Europe and the Middle East at age 28 to sell educational media programs co-sponsored by Macmillan and the USIA. Connecting with Music Legends: Partnering with Joe "Baby" Michaels (former front-of-house sound engineer for The Rolling Stones from '73 to '81) to produce his singles and album. Genre-Fluidity & Award Wins: Winning Best Rock Song at the World Entertainment Awards for Tattoo My Heart and collaborating with a Grammy-nominated Afrobeat star on a jazz tribute to his father. Key Takeaways Unlocking Your True Calling: It is never too late to unbury your creative passions and pursue a second act in life. Embracing Genre-Fluidity: Authenticity in music comes from drawing on diverse influences—from proto-rock and 60s British invasion to Afrobeat and jazz. The Power of Intentional Connections: Building genuine, trusting relationships with industry veterans opens doors to world-class collaborations. Generational DNA: Combining a hard-working entrepreneurial mindset with artistic passion creates a sustainable foundation for creative success. Connect with the Host YouTube: @howardsnooks-modelactor8449 Spotify: Bridging Generations Instagram: @howardsnooks Website: howardsnooks.com I f you enjoyed this episode, please follow Bridging Generations on Spotify, leave a rating, and share it with a friend!