Considering just how long ago the Mickey Mouse Club made it’s debut on ABC television, it’s always interesting to me when one of those original Mouseketeer’s makes the papers. Especially if the story tells how one of them is still hard at work in the entertainment industry!

Sunday’s San Francisco Chronicle (and SF Gate) shared one such tale by Dave Wiegand. Here’s a brief clip:

You wouldn't think a former rodeo cowboy would end up leading a dance band that specializes in music from the '20s and '30s, but readers may recognize the name Johnny Crawford for another reason: For five years, Crawford played Mark McCain, Chuck Connors' son on one of the most memorable Westerns from the early years of network TV, "The Rifleman."

Crawford, now 63, has amassed a lengthy resume over the years. In addition to his current job leading the Johnny Crawford Dance Orchestra, he's an Army veteran, stage and film actor, former teenage heartthrob and one of the Mouseketeers from the first season of "The Mickey Mouse Club" in 1955.

Those who remember Crawford on that show (Disney dropped his option when they pared the kiddie crop from 24 to 12 after 1955) or his Emmy-nominated role in "The Rifleman" may wonder how Crawford managed to survive the pressures of being a child star and, in his teenage years, a pop star ("Daydreams," "Patti Ann," "Cindy's Birthday"). But talk to him now and you'll quickly understand why: It has to do with the combination of a centered upbringing and having so many other interests he probably never had time to crash and burn.

"I always say that life is not easy for anybody," he says by phone from his Los Angeles office. "People hear about the young actors who have a rough life, but there are plenty of other kids who aren't actors who have a rough time, too, and I don't know if the ratio is any different."

Read the rest of the story here.

Still at it today! Johnny Crawford has a great band and is reissuing the album (on June 30th) above of vintage music - some with arrangements not often heard today. And it’s from the 20’s and 30’s too! Just my kind of tunes. Now, one has to wonder what it will take to get him and the band booked for some dates at Disneyland’s Plaza Garden for a Saturday night soon...

For more information on Johnny, check out these websites:

The Original Mickey Mouse Club Show

Crawford Music

Sweepin’ The Clouds Away at CD Baby