The podcast episode features actor and singer Rock Monaco. Roc grew up in a blue-collar neighborhood in Chicago during the 60s and 70s in a primarily Italian and Greek neighborhood. He was raised by his father and Italian grandmother. He had a diverse group of friends from different ethnic backgrounds.
Although Chicago had a reputation for violence, Roc felt relatively safe in his neighborhood. He also developed an interest in music at a young age and became a bass player in a band. The band played regularly at school dances, nightclubs, and festivals, and even opened for the Drifters. One of his bandmates went on to play with Metallica.
Roc's musical career expanded beyond rock and he also played saxophone. He attended Lane Tech, a renowned school in Chicago with an exceptional music program, where he focused on classical music but he had a passion for jazz. As a young musician Roc played with some exceptional jazz musicians, including Art Porter, a renowned saxophone player. He also played with Stevie Wonder’s bass player, Billy Dickens, with whom he toured Europe with.
Roc attended the Goodman School of Drama in Chicago. This marked a transition in his career as he delved deeper into acting. He eventually moved to Los Angeles, where he continued his studies and professional work in the entertainment industry. He performed in various plays, television shows, and feature films, including soap operas like "The Bold and the Beautiful" and "The Young and the Restless." Roc received the Los Angeles weekly Theatre Award for Outstanding Comedy Performance.
After a hiatus from the industry, Roc returned and started teaching acting classes. He also recently finished production in two major film projects, "Operation Blood Hunt" and "The Kiss of the Con Queen." Roc talks about his 30 plus year journey in the entertainment industry.
