He’s been active throughout his career in other areas, too:

* TV appearances including “The Tonight Show” and HBO
* Winner of the Emmy Award for the animated film, “Confessions of a Standup”
* Two comedy CD’s: “Live Performance Anxiety” and “Words, Music and Drunks”
* Winner of the “Charlie Award” for “Best Comedian in New York”
* Starred in the Los Angeles production of “. . . Also Appearing,” his one-man show about his experiences as an opening act.

Meanwhile, he continues to headline in comedy clubs, on cruise ships and at corporate events and to open for celebrities on tour.

He also has revived his songwriting career, both solo and with his former songwriting partner, John Durkin, recording and releasing an album of jazz originals entitled “Hapless Romantic”, a pop/country collection called “Songs From Captivity” and an album of country-tinged songs entitled “Music from Big Brick”. A song from that album, “I Miss George Jones”, reached the #2 spot on the International Independent Country Music Charts.

Four of their country songs won first place in The Indie Music Channel Radio Music Awards:
* “She Stayed” – Best Country Song 2016
* “If You Ever Change Your Mind” – Best Classic Country Song 2017
* “Making Movies” – Best Contemporary Country Song 2017
* “A Long Time” – Best Classic Country Song 2018

All of the albums are on CD and streaming on all platforms. His latest album, “Hold On for Dear Life”, spans musical styles, is available now on CD, and will be on the streaming services in the near future.

And he just finished filming his first ever half hour comedy special at McCurdy‘s Comedy Theatre in Sarasota. It is untitled as of now, but YouTube clips will be appearing in the late summer, with the full special scheduled for release on the open bar comedy website by the end of the 2022. Check back here for details.

Last but not least, he has published his book, “Touring with Legends”, a chronicle of his backstage and behind-the-scenes stories and experiences touring with some of the world’s biggest comedy and music stars, available on Amazon.com and BearManorMedia.com.

Movies, television, radio, theaters, comedy clubs, comedy albums, music albums and award-winning songs, a book, a play…has he had his fill?  “As long as there are jokes and songs to be written,” says Dennis, “and as long as my family demands to be fed, I’ll be around.”

Dennis has been “That First Guy” for plenty of showbiz folks.  For the record, here’s a list of people he’s opened for:

Comedians:

• Rodney Dangerfield
• Joan Rivers
• George Carlin
• Norm MacDonald
• Alan King
• Jackie Mason
• Garry Shandling
• Henny Youngman
• Elayne Boosler
• Gilbert Gottfried
• Rita Rudner

Bands, groups and singers:

• Tom Jones
• The Righteous Brothers
• The Beach Boys
• The Spinners
• The Four Tops
• Natalie Cole
• Gladys Knight and the Pips
• Shirley Bassey
• Sarah Vaughn
• Melissa Manchester
• Marvin Hamlisch
• Peter Allen
• Al Jarreau
• Paul Anka
• Kenny Rogers
• Dolly Parton
• Eddie Rabbit
• Toto
• Three Dog Night
• The Pointer Sisters
• Mickey Gilley
• Bobby Vinton
• The Gatlin Brothers
• Ben Vereen
• Roger Whittaker
• Dionne Warwick
• Marie Osmond
• Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine
• Livingston Taylor
• Julie Budd
• Billy Davis and Marilyn McCoo