| Jeff Duran | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Jeff hosting Duran Show 2009 | |
| Pseudonym | "JJ Star" , "Rock And Roll Junkie", Jeff "JJ Star" Duran, "Jeff", "JD", "Duran" or "Jeph Duran" |
| Birth name | Jeffrey Dandurand |
| Born | February 13, 1974 [1] Arcadia, California, U.S.[2] |
| Medium | Radio, Stand-up, Music, Film and Television |
| Nationality | American |
| Years active | 1986 – Present |
| Genres | Blue comedy, Rock and Roll comedy, Satire |
| Influences | Andrew Dice Clay, Sam Kinison, Jim Ladd, Rodney Dangerfield |
| Notable works and roles | Still Kicking[3], Wonder Years[4] |
| Website | Official MySpace |
Jeff Dandurand (born February 13, 1974)[5], mostly known as Jeff Duran, is an American radio personality, comedian[6], entertainer and former child actor based in Los Angeles, California.
Duran can be heard weekdays 2-7PM on two Southern California rock stations KKZQ-FM Antelope Valley[7] and KOCP-FM Ventura.[8]
Contents |
Biography
Early Life
The only child to parents Joseph Dandurand, a prominent CPA, and June Naples, an accomplished painter. Jeff's mother was the first to nurture his creative aspirations and began taking him on auditions by the time he was 12.[9] In 1986, Jeff was able to obtain management and sign with the Savage Agency, which resulted in bit parts on television and in film.[10]
Child Actor
Jeff Duran began his career as a child actor[11] appearing in one episode of Tough Cookies, a short-lived sitcom that starred Robby Benson.[12] In 1986, Jeff was cast as "Kid auto thief" in No Man's Land[13], a 1987 film starring D.B. Sweeney, Charlie Sheen and featured a then unknown Brad Pitt who played a "waiter". Duran's first role could be considered Hollywood history in the sense it was omitted from the theatrical release.[14] According the IMDB, Jeff has also appeared on Twilight Zone and in the ABC series "The Wonder Years", episodes: "Math Class" (1989) and "Rock and Roll" (1990) as Jeff Dandurand.[11][15] In 1989, Jeff was selected by Penelope Spheeris to star in a music video she was directing for the group Megadeth.[16] A last minute decision resulted in an actor from the Shocker movie playing the lead instead. Jeff appeared in the music video as one of "Lil Dave's" friends. His last appearance as a child actor was in 1996 for the ABC sitcom Step By Step.[17]
Radio
Duran began his radio career in 1994, working part-time at KCLB 93.7 in Palm Springs, California.[18] Duran's goal at the time was also to become a stand up comic so he moved back to Los Angeles and worked briefly as a traffic reporter for Shadow Traffic.[19] Wanting to get back on air, Duran paid out of his pocket to host a radio show called L.A. Rock Scene.[20] The show was broadcast from Hollywood and featured many local and international artists. Duran built a small following that resulted in a sold out comedy show at the now defunct LunaPark, a mecca of the 'alternative comedy' in the mid 90's. This attention lead to an afternoon drive position on KIXA, a small rock station in Victorville, California. In 2000, Clear Channel dropped most of their local jocks which included Duran.[21]
In 2000, Duran began hosting "Metalblitz Radio" on KLSX, an FM talk station in Los Angeles that also carried The Howard Stern Show.[22]"Metalblitz Radio" was funded by MUSICBLITZ Records, a web based label, became the subject of high profile articles and a sold out live shows. In May 2001, Jeff appeared on an episode of the Late Late Show[23] mainly because of his presence on "Metalblitz". Although the show had good ratings for KLSX, "Metalblitz Radio" was dropped when MUSICBLITZ Records folded in 2001.[24]
Duran then went to Riverside working for KCXX an alternative rock station from 2001-2003.[25] At KCXX, Duran literally worked every on air shift; overnights to eventually morning drive. In an interview on XM's National Lampoon Radio, Duran claimed he kept the same salary doing morning drive as he did as a part timer at KCXX, including the remark "It's their way of making you never forget what you're really worth". Later in the interview, Duran expressed his gratitude for KCXX and how it served as a launching pad for his next gig.[26]
In 2003, American General Media hired Duran for morning drive on their Bakersfield active rock station KKXX-FM. The station eventually teamed Duran with a female co-host and renamed the show JD & Rocky. The pairing initially resulted in high ratings but was eventually cancelled.
In January 2005, Duran returned to Los Angeles to resume his comedy career.[27]
On Southern Caifornia radio, Duran is most well-known as the "rock and roll junkie". At KLSX, KCXX and KIXA, Duran would ask callers to stump the junkie on his vast music knowledge, with the listener normally losing to challenge. On August 20, 2009 Duran attempted to retire "Stump The Junkie", but includes the "rock and roll junkie" sound bite on the Duran Show.[28]
Duran Show
| Genre | Active Rock |
|---|---|
| Running time | 5 hours (including commercials, 1st hour rebroadcast in final hour) |
| Country |  United States |
| Home station | KKZQ |
| Creators | Jeff Duran |
| Air dates | since February 19, 2008 |
| Opening theme | "Soul Survives" by Asphalt Ballet |
| Website | KKZQ 100.1 TheEdge |
Duran resurfaced on air November 2007 at modern rock station KKZQ in Palmdale, California. On February 19, 2008, the Duran Show debut in afternoon drive on KKZQ. Shortly after, a feud erupted between Duran and morning show host Fathead. Both traded insults until Duran challenged Fathead to a one mile race. The feud eventually got settled with both DJs running for charity at a local water park. Even though Duran lost, he ran on behalf of the March of Dimes in honor of a friend's baby who was born with a heart defect.[29]
On August 24, 2009 Duran's feud with Fathead was ignited when the morning show host made fun of Duran's rap single "Time To Die". Duran responded back with the diss song "Hook In Head", which contains a sample of Slaughterhouse "Cuckoo".[30]
Duran can also be heard on KOCP-FM in Ventura, CA weekdays 2-7PM.[8] Duran is currently the assistant program director in addition to his daily airshifts on KKZQ and KOCP.[31]
Jeff's presence on radio has helped his edgy stand up act,[32] opening for the likes of Carlos Mencia, Pauly Shore, Dave Attell and Doug Stanhope.
Stand Up
Duran started performing stand up in 1994 at Los Angeles area open mics alongside comedians Jamie Kennedy, Dane Cook and Brian Holtzman with little success. Duran's early stand-up consisted of Andrew Dice Clay style jokes and X-rated song parodies ala Blowfly. Jeff would distribute a cassette only demo of these parodies called "I Wish I Was You So I Could Make Love To Me" at his early shows.[33]
Jeff "JJ Star" Duran
"JJ Star" was created to be the "most outrageous comedian of all time".[34] The JJ Star name was also a way audiences could differentiate from Duran's on air personality. In a 2006 television appearance, Jeff told host Denise Ames that he initially became JJ Star after his ambitions to be a rock star failed.[35][36]
In a 1997 Los Angeles Times article, the writer Darcy Barey compared Duran's stand up to Sam Kinison after an audition at the Ice House in Pasadena, CA.[37] The same year the now defunct Coconut Teazer enforced a "no profanity" policy after a JJ Star performance that lead to a near riot.[38] Duran opened a 1998 performance by throwing a schooner of beer at the club's wall. Horrified audience members began taunting the comedian and a fight broke out. Ironically, the club lifted the ban after several artists demanded Jeff open their shows.
By the early 2000s, Duran attempted to drop the JJ Star persona and start writing material less vulgar under the name "Jeph Duran". Duran also began attending twelve step meetings to stop his substance abuse. In an interview with XM, Duran admitted he quit drinking and using drugs because he felt it would be "embarrassing" to die before anybody knew who he was.[39] Duran has struggled since, both with substance abuse and with his comedic persona Jeff "JJ Star" Duran finding the right audience. On December 7, 2008, the “J.J. Star” character was confronted by angry hecklers at a Riverside California performance. In character, Duran viciously attacked the audience members and eventually was escorted off stage. The show was to be recorded for a DVD project but later scrapped amidst the controversy.[40] The incident did inspire a new CD/DVD project called How Embarrassing,[41] which is slated to be released in 2010.[42]
New Look, Music Projects, And Present Day
On Aug 28, 2009 , Duran as Jeff "JJ Star" Duran returned noticeably thinner and with short hair at the world famous Comedy Store in Hollywood, CA. Duran fired off a brief set of new material before performing his parody of "Game's Pain", made popular by rapper The Game.[43]
On October 17, 2009 three new songs leaked online with a new comedy bit that parodies the rap career of Joaquin Phoenix. The later is likely to be included on How Embarrassing,[44] which will feature an appearance by chart topper Lady GaGa and be released in 2010.[45]
On November 2, 2009 a short teaser for How Embarrassing surfaced on Youtube. [46]
Duran has formed a electronica infused music project with producer Jason Blades.[47]
Other Media
Considered a highly regarded musicologist, Duran writes for the New Zealand based AOR e-zine Glory Daze[48] and has contributed commentary to several DVD biographies including Green Day Under Review: 1995-2000-The Middle Years[49], Guns N' Roses - Two Classic Albums Under Review: Use Your Illusion I and II[50] and Aural Amphetamine - Metallica and The Dawn Of Thrash[51]. Duran can be also be seen in two unauthorized biographies spotlighting Bon Jovi[52] and Tool.[53]
Discography
| Year | Album title |
|---|---|
| 1995 | JJ Star |
| 2003 | On The Lamb |
| 2006 | Still Kicking[54] |
| 2007 | Defects of Character |
| 2010 | How Embarrassing |
Singles
- 2009: Time To Die
Filmography
- Lady Gaga - Under Review (2010)....Himself
- Bon Jovi - In The Third Millennium: The Billion Dollar Quartet (2008)....Himself
- Tool A Complete Review (2008) DVD Blu-Ray....Himself
- Aural Amphetamine: Metallica and the Dawn Of Thrash metal (2008) DVD...Himself
- Guns N' Roses-Two Classic Albums Under Review: Use Your Illusion I and II (2007) DVD...Himself
- Green Day Under Review: 1995-2000-The Middle Years (2006) DVD...Himself
- Minding the Store(2005)(TV)[55]...Voice Only
- Whether You Like It or Not: The Story of Hedwig (2003) (V) (special thanks)
- Banned For Life (2000)...Dice, scenes deleted [56]
- Step By Step (1996) (TV)... DJ coobie
- Drives Me To Drink (1996)...Short stand-up comedy film VHS
- Megadeth's No More Mr. Nice Guy (1990) music video...Little Dave's friend
- Wonder Years (1989) (TV)...Kevin's bully/math class
- No Man's Land (1987)...Kid auto thief w/ Brad Pitt, scenes deleted
- Twilight Zone (1986) (TV)...Kid on beach
- Tough Cookies (1986) (TV)...Kid on basketball court
References
- ^ Jeff Dandurand News, Jeff Dandurand Videos, and Jeff Dandurand Photos
- ^ Jeff Dandurand News, Jeff Dandurand Videos, and Jeff Dandurand Photos
- ^ allmusic ((( Still Kicking > Overview )))
- ^ The Wonder Years Videos, The Wonder Years Clips, and The Wonder Years Quotes
- ^ Radio Broadcasting History
- ^ Los Angeles Radio People
- ^ KKZQ 100.1 TheEdge
- ^ a b KOCP 95.9 The Octopus
- ^ Jeff Dandurand IMDB Bio
- ^ Jeff Dandurand Hollywood Reporter Biography
- ^ a b Jeff Dandurand In Celebrity Elle
- ^ Full cast and crew
- ^ Movie Station - Ultimate Movie Guide
- ^ Jeff Dandurand In No Man's Land
- ^ "The Wonder Years" Math Class (1989) - Full cast and crew
- ^ Jeff Dandurand Hollywood Reporter Bio
- ^ Step by Step Videos, Step by Step Clips, and Step by Step Quotes
- ^ Jeff Duran Edge Radio Bio
- ^ Hollywood Bio
- ^ Jeff Edge 100.1 Radio Bio
- ^ Clear Channel Drops Local Radio Personalities
- ^ Metalblitz Radio on KLSX 97.1
- ^ "The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn" Episode dated 17 May 2001 (2001) - Full cast and crew
- ^ When Heavy Metal Ruled The Net
- ^ Clear Channel's Rash of Regionals Expands | Company Activities & Management > Company Strategy from AllBusiness.com
- ^ National Lampoon Comedy Radio
- ^ Going From Stand Up To On Air
- ^ http://edge100.com/onair_page.php?id=4
- ^ Showdown At Drytown
- ^ Jeff "JJ Star" Duran Hip Hop EP
- ^ Duran upped to APD at KKZQ
- ^ Jeff Duran at Laugh.com
- ^ Tool: A Complete Review
- ^ Jeff Duran On Rustam Report
- ^ Jeff Duran On Rustam Report
- ^ Rustam Report Celebrity Interview With Jeff Duran
- ^ The Serious Side Of Comedy
- ^ Jeff Duran Comedy Bio
- ^ National Lampoon-Comedy-Radio-Tune In To XM 154!
- ^ Jeff JJ Star Duran on stage meltdown! Christian Bale style rant almost causes riot
- ^ Duran Calls New CD Embarrassing!
- ^ Controversial Comic To Release New CD With Lady GAGA And Joe Rogan Diss
- ^ Comic and radio personality Jeff Duran brings updated new show to The Comedy Store
- ^ Duran Calls New CD Embarrassing!
- ^ NEW JJ STAR RELEASE TO FEATURE GAME COVER AND LADY GAGA!!
- ^ HOW EMBARRASSING TEASER (FIRST DRAFT) Documentary On "Most Outrageous Comedian Of All Time" JEFF "JJ STAR" DURAN
- ^ Jeff Duran is back with BZR Producer Jason Blades For New Track And Album
- ^ GLORY-DAZE - AOR and melodic hard rock reviews
- ^ Green Day Under Review: 1995-2000-The Middle Years
- ^ Guns N' Roses-Two Classic Albums Under Review: Use Your Illusion I and II
- ^ Aural Amphetamine: Metallica and The Dawn Of Thrash
- ^ Bon Jovi - In The Third Millennium: The Billion Dollar Quartet
- ^ Tool - The Ultimate Review
- ^ allmusic ((( Jeff "JJ Star" Duran > Discography > Main Albums )))
- ^ Minding The Store
- ^ Andrew Dice Clay Banned For Life
External links
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