Jon “Bowzer” Bauman is best known from the 70s tv show “Sha Na Na,” where he charmed audiences with his greaser persona, elastic expressions, and basso renditions of 1950s pop music classics — including the band’s cover of “Goodnight, Sweetheart.” Over the years, though, Bowzer has evolved from doo wop revivalist to seniors’ activist — especially when it comes to Social Security. He talked about his evolution from pure entertainment to entertainment and advocacy on a recent episode of the “You Earned This” podcast.
Bowzer’s Shift to Advocacy
Bowzer says that his advocacy work stems from a belief that programs like Social Security and Medicare are lifelines, not just for retirees, but for disabled workers and families too. “Social Security and Medicare represent the values of fairness and mutual support in our country,” he shared. He sees protecting them as a moral responsibility that ensures dignity for millions of Americans.
In the early 2010s, Bowzer teamed up with the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare to bolster public support for Social Security. (He now is Chair of Social Security Works’ political action committee.) “It’s not an entitlement. It’s what people paid into. It’s their money and their benefits,” he said. His mission is to counter misinformation and ensure the public knows what’s at stake, especially in the face of persistent proposals from the political right to cut and privatize the program.
Bauman, 77, also shared that he has officially stepped away from touring. He recently completed a series of cruise ship performances but admitted during the podcast that his touring days are mostly behind him. “I’ve reached the age where touring takes too much of a toll physically.” Though he’ll miss being on stage, he said he’s fully committed to his advocacy work and making a difference offstage.
Carrying Stage Skills Into Advocacy
Even though activism is his focus now, Bauman’s time as “Bowzer” still shapes the way he connects with people. His years in Sha Na Na made him an expert in grabbing and holding attention — from live venues like Carnegie Hall to national television.
“The power of a message is about how it lands,” Bauman said. He noted that his ability to simplify complex topics and relate them to everyday experiences makes his advocacy more accessible. “What always mattered most was the ability to connect and communicate. Whether it’s music or policy, that never changes,” he said.
During the podcast, he reflected on the connection between his past and present work. “It’s all about communication. If I could get an entire crowd to sing along to ‘Goodnight Sweetheart,’ then I know I can convince a room full of people why Social Security matters,” he said.
His memories of performing tend to circle back to the causes he champions now. He compared rock and roll’s enduring power to the collective effort that protects Social Security. “Both are about bringing people together and standing for something that endures.” (Social Security celebrates its 90th anniversary later this year!)
The Need to Protect Social Security
He called out critics who frame it as outdated or a burden. “This is about dignity. Social Security allows people to live independently instead of struggling in despair,” he said. Bauman affirmed that Social Security isn’t a government handout; it’s an earned benefit for more than 70 million workers. He firmly believes cutting or privatizing the program would break trust with generations of Americans.
He also didn’t shy away from addressing related issues, such as medical costs and prescription drug prices, and how they connect to Social Security. He said, “You can’t separate Social Security from things like health care. They work hand in hand.”
A Call to Action
Bauman concluded the podcast with a message about the importance of protecting Social Security and Medicare not just for today’s seniors, but for generations to come. “This is about who we are as a society. How we treat our seniors says everything about us,” he explained.
There’s still a lot of work ahead, and Bauman shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s through advocating with organizations, speaking to policymakers, or educating the public, his commitment to his mission is clear.
“Social Security isn’t just a program,” Bauman said. “It’s a promise. And I’ll keep fighting to make sure that promise is never broken.”
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Listen to Jon “Bowzer” Bauman’s podcast interview here.
Watch a snippet from Bowzer’s “Truth Tour” with NCPSSM in 2012.