Dennis Blair is a Renaissance man. He is an accomplished screenwriter, award-winning songwriter and comedic actor. Yet he is probably best known for the caustic observations and musical satires of his live comedy performances. Early in his career, Rodney Dangerfield made him his protégé, and together they toured the United States and Canada for over three years. Dennis conceived and co-wrote Rodney’s hit movie, “Easy Money”, and also played two cameo roles. He co-wrote and was a featured actor in two Dangerfield specials on ABC, and was creative consultant for the album “Rappin’ Rodney”. The title song (which he co-wrote) was nominated for a Grammy Award. 

His post-Rodney career has seen him opening for a multitude of celebrities such as Tom Jones, The Beach Boys, Melissa Manchester, Joan Rivers, Elayne Boosler, George Wallace, Gloria Estefan, Joy Behar, Jackie Mason and Norm MacDonald. Dennis toured exclusively with the late, great George Carlin for over eighteen years. 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 and on cruise ships, perform at corporate events, and open for celebrities on tour.  Barry Manilow caught his act in Las Vegas and hired him to open his 2023 summer arena tour of 8 cities performing for 5,000 to 10,000 people a night. He was invited to join Barry again for a 17-city tour in 2024.   

Dennis 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” as well as his pop/country collections entitled “Songs From Captivity”, "Hold On for Dear Life", and “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. 

The albums are on CD and streaming on all platforms, including his latest, “Reset”, which spans musical styles from pop to rock to R&B to rockabilly. And he just filmed his first ever half-hour comedy special at McCurdy‘s Comedy Theatre in Sarasota  titled "Jokes You Can Hum To",  on the new Open Bar Comedy website, openbarcomedy.com. 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 and enormous bills to be paid, ” says Dennis, "I’ll be around.” 

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