Ever since he released PONY his debut album in 2029 the masked gay cowboy ORVILLE PECK‘s career has been on such a stunning trajectory. And one that never fails to surprise us. Right from the start when he “wrote, produced and played every instrument he could” on Pony while working in a coffee shop and living with his parents. he was destined for big things and bright lights.
Born in South Africa, then studying drama in School in London…… after which he got his first acting role …. before ending up in Canada. In 2020 he released his take of Bronski Beat’s queer classic Smalltown Boy; plus recorded with Trixie Mattel; and also reimagined the song “Born This Way” in a country style on Lady Gaga‘s Born This Way The Tenth Anniversary.
Forward to this year when Peck delighted us all by joining up with legendary country musician Willie Nelson and released a cover of Ned Sublette‘s “Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other“. Its a fab queer song, but the pairing up with Nelson was nothing short of genius. Peck also made this the lead single from Stampede: Vol. 1, his duets album. The 2nd track that he released in May 2024, was the duet “How Far Will We Take It?” with Noah Cyrus. The other good news is the bigger Peck’s success is, then the smaller the masks get
Now this week Off Broadway sees the opening of Ain’t Done Bad a momentous theatrical dance piece set to Peck’s music. Created by So You Think You Can Dance star Jakob Karr, it features ten of the most sought-after professional dancers in the industry. The piece is an engaging story of coming out, growing up, and family leaves audiences breathless, as these characters embody a unique celebration of self love and acceptance, all without speaking a word.
The show had premiered at the Orlando International Fringe Festival (where the show took the festival’s highest honor) before landing at Irene Diamond Stage at the Pershing Square Signature Center.
Labels: 2024, Aint That Bad, Jakob Karr, Off Broadway, Orville Peck, theatrical dance
