Doubly Harmonious: The Synced Melodies of Jill and Jan From Kansas to Hollywood By Jill Jaxx and Jan Bunker
In 1968, Jan Bunker and Jill Jaxx, then students at Kansas State University, triumphed in a national singing contest, launching them into the limelight under the guidance of a renowned talent manager. Their journey took them from Kansas's open fields to the prestigious stages of Hollywood, becoming opening acts for legends like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, and Bob Hope. They also graced the screens on American Bandstand, Happy Days, and The Carol Burnett Show in the 70s, capturing hearts as the Budweiser Twins for half a decade.
Their transition from the heartland to the heart of show business is a captivating tale filled with humor, excitement, and inspiration. Beyond their performance accolades, Jan and Jill have become esteemed voice and piano instructors in the South Bay, imparting their rich experience to aspiring entertainers.
"Back in 1968, in a packed auditorium at Kansas State University, my twin and I were awestruck by the Fifth Dimension concert," Jan recalls. "Even though we weren't sitting together, the energy and charisma of the band struck a chord with both of us. We dreamed of mirroring their success, their style, and their audience rapport."
Already performers with the Burgundy Street Singers, this experience crystallized their aspirations. "It felt like fate was listening to our twin dreams," Jill adds.
Their big break came unexpectedly when they auditioned for Jane Powell and her husband James Fitzgerald, leading to a rapid turn of events, including a contract for the Carol Burnett Summer Replacement Series and a call to CBS for wardrobe fittings.
"But our story starts even earlier," Jan says, "back when we were just a single zygote that split into two. Born prematurely, we shared our early days in an incubator, our first of many shared experiences. Our story is one of harmony, synchronicity, and the unique bond of being identical twins."
Their memoir, "Which One Are You?: Twin Tales from the Heartland to Hollywood," penned by Jan and Jill Bunker (Jaxx), delves into these extraordinary experiences, showcasing a life intertwined with music, performance, and an inseparable twin connection.
Jan and Jill started small, (well, actually tiny, weighing four pounds apiece.) They were born in the equally small town of Junction City, Kansas.
Growing up, they loved piano, voice and dance lessons, but never dreamed of a life in show business.
Fate had other plans
Their funny and charming tales of making it from nowhere to the most popular shows on television, performing with show business legends and playing in celebrated nightclubs are inspiring and hilarious.
Throughout the ups and downs of the music biz, the twins' lives have always been intertwined. Even when their paths diverge, eerie "twin coincidences" continue to happen.
For anyone interested in twins, the inner secrets of show biz or making music your life, this book is for you.
