My Journey through the Psychedelic 60's, 70's & Beyond
The '60's
Music, Incense, Love, Revolution, Candles, Peace, Pigs and Flower Power.
The '70's
Living the dream. Tripping at Disney World, Country Rock, Artist Colonies, Disco and 3's Company.
The 80's, 90's & Beyond
Beginning of the end, end of the beginning
"'Hippie' is an establishment label for a profound, invisible, underground, evolutionary process. For every visible hippy, barefoot, beflowered, beaded, there are a thousand invisible members of the turned-on underground. Persons whose lives are tuned in to their inner vision, who are dropping out of the TV comedy of American Life." Timothy Leary
Prologue:
This true-life real biography and short story is about my own experiences as a flower-child of the 60's. It relates with specifics on how I made it into the '70's, '80's and into the New Millenium in one piece. While researching, I realized there was just too much going on back then to leave anything important out. Much more information exists on the Internet, Bookstores and in your local libraries. I will address the changes in the music and social society as experienced and embraced by myself and the generation of the times: the Hippies. I will only proceed with commentary on later years as necessary to the story.
My 'magic-carpet-ride' advances from the 60's and on into the 1970's and even a bit further in order to show the impressionistic lasting (and sometimes disillusionary) after effects of the "tune in-turn on-drop out" generation of contradictions I grew up in. War and free love, revolution and Rock n Roll. For practical purposes, I'll stop in the early 1980's when the full effects and after-effects of the 6o-'s and 70's were in full swing and began determining both our future as a society, a people and tribes, and as a planet.
Quickly I realized that there would have to be a lot more details reflecting what the 60's hippies-stop-the-war-tune-in-and-drop-out-love-the-one-youre-with era was all about for you…and for me. The 1970's, still part of that era of hippies, subculture and lifestyle changes, were at times more important as the final destination of the dream, only it wasnt the end. It was only the beginning....
The 60's
Music, Incense, Love, Revolution, Candles, Peace, Pigs and Flower Power
* "Looking back through the Looking Glass"
* "Dawning of the Age of Aquarius. When the moon is in the 7th house."
* "1967: The Summer of Love/The Motor City's Burnin' Revisited"
* "Album firsts: Can you guess which album…?"
* "Somethin's happenin' here"
* Hippie, New Age and Free-Thinking Books and Monthly Periodicals
* Underground Comix
* Musical Stage Plays
* Movies
* "Kaleidescope Eyes"
* "Getting back to the garden."
The 70's
* "1970. Remember what the door-mouse said. Feed your head"
* "I was so much older then. Im younger than that now."
*"W.M.C.A. Turn the beat around. Celebrate good times. C'mon!"
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The '60's
Music, Incense, Love, Revolution, Candles, Peace, Pigs and Flower Power.
"Looking back through the Looking Glass"
They say if you can remember the 60's, you weren’t there. Anything was possible. I was a child of the 60's when music changed the world, and where recreational drugs were a sign of the times. Pot wasn’t illegal, and neither was LSD. Good or bad, for better or worse, I came out of it healthier, hipper and a lot smarter. The world was at our feet, and in our heads. Hippies and revolution, rock 'n roll, Free Love. Incense, candles, White Panthers and paisley flower-power, Pigs and Peace signs. .
In Fall every year, I would go to Eastern Michigan University for the High School Choral Competitions, and my father would take me to the Ann Arbor University of Michigan Campus to a music store once and awhile. It was there that I got a taste of hippie posters, incense and hash-pipes. After that, the drive through the countryside to Ann Arbor got me hooked in another kind of way. I came to love the area, its woods, rivers and history. Years into the future, I would live there for nearly 20 years and work for the University. And in the beginning, a lot of it was just cool. Being 14 or 15, I had no real idea yet of why things were the way they were, but I knew in my heart, I was part of something greater. Or I should say, it was part of me. Like a cool and crisp fall morning, a change for me was in the air.
I came to love the turn of the century homes where the Fraternity houses mostly were, and all those hippie boutiques that always seemed to be up on the 4th floor, through the pipe shops, up the stairs and into the attic of some 150 year old Victorian in college towns across America. Whether they were on either Haight Ashbury in San Francisco, Plum Street in Detroit or State Street in Ann Arbor, they looked and had the same feel about them.
As a young kid from a repressed Catholic School upbringing, it was the Beatles and the folk-rock groups of 1964-65 that had a lasting impression on me. I just knew the stoic and prim and proper Nuns who taught me through 8th grade really didn’t have a clue about the rest of the world. They were the Dominican ones who wore the black and white habits with the tall headdresses. They looked like penguins. To this day, I still cant go to the zoo. You would just go to church on Sunday, confession on Saturday, and didn’t eat meat of Fridays. But, soon reality set in for me and things were about to change.
"Dawning of the Age of Aquarius. When the moon is in the 7th house".
Within a few years, I was to become a low key member of the White Panthers out of Ann Arbor Michigan, a twin-society-sisterhood-and-brotherhood to the radical Black Panthers. In fact, I got called into the school principal's office for passing out White Panther buttons and literature in my public High School. They didn’t want me to subvert the high school into radical thinking. Like anyone could stop that from eventually happening. For some, the turbulent times meant violence and protesting for peace. Now, theres an oxymoron for you. And, I was no different. I had been a 'greaser', playing soul music in a band and wearing leather and all black clothing with hair slicked back, but then I switched to being a "frat'-boy with jeans and long-ish hair and fringe vests listening to the 'LUV", Jimi Hendrix and Quicksilver Messenger Service along with Bob Dylan.
In the coming years, there was the Attica Prison riot, the riots in Chicago, L.A. and Detroit, the Rouge Park Love-ins and the Be-in's, Berkley, Haight-Ashbury, Greenwich Village, the Vietnam War, the Beatles and the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, California and communal living. John Sinclair went to prison for selling 2 joints, and the Weatherman were blowing up buildings. For a time I was participating in protests with the SDS, the Students for a Democratic Society. They too liked to blow things up, but I wasn’t into the violence thing, so I stuck with music as my form of support for the Youth Generation.
We all just wanted an equal voice to our parents shouting. We were going off to a war we didn’t understand and dying for it, so, why shouldn’t we be heard? The draft was at 18 and drinking and voting was legal at that age as well. We wanted things to be equal everywhere when they were not. Everything was possible, the world at our feet. And our feet were barefoot or in sandals or tennis shoes. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band was playing, the Moody Blues had released "Days of Future Passed' the 1st rock and roll with orchestra album, and I was hooked.
"1967 Summer of Love/Motor City's Burning Revisited"
It's a contradiction in terms my brothers and sisters. This week brings the 40 anniversary of the both the Summer of Love and the '67 Detroit Riots, started when a few White Police officers raided and after hours 'blind pig' owned and operated in the black community. While in San Francisco, Laural Canyon and Ann Arbor, the hippies where preaching harmony, in Detroit we were putting out fires. Some have never gone out.
There I was, driving into the black neighborhood to pick up my black lead singer(s) with giant afros for band practice and they would have to lay down in the back seat till we got to my all white and then racially segregated suburb of Detroit. Talk was "if them riot boys (blacks)cross over Southfield road...we'll (white boys)be waiting for 'em to drive 'em back (by shooting them)". How crazy was that! Here was Peace and Love and Monterey Pop, counterculture and drug experimentation, Viet Nam protests, and ongoing civil rights demonstrations... and Ravi Shankar.
I myself joined along with the MC5 and John Sinclair as a member of the White Panther Party, and sat to listen to Reverend John J. Crawford ask..."You have 2 things to decide Brothers and Sisters! Are you gonna be the PROBLEM...or are you gonna be the SOLUTION? The choice is yours!" I chose the later, and still consider myself a child of the sixties and peace and love. Whereas Detroit has never really recovered with still many burned out homes and delapidated houses and neighborhoods, the "Flower Children" are still here. Older, wiser, but more committed than ever. Both instances changed the world, and the music reflected that.
I've listed some music and groups that either were born of the generation, or formed it. Either out of changing times and revolution, or by experimentation and freedom of expression. They changed our world forever for the better.
From the Top Ten of '67:
The Beatles, "Penny Lane" b/w "Strawberry Fields Forever",
Aretha Franklin, "Respect",
The Rolling Stones, "Let's Spend the Night Together" b/w "Ruby Tuesday",
The Who, "I Can See For Miles",
Jackie Wilson, "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher",
Sam and Dave, "Soul Man",
The Doors, "Light My Fire",
The Buffalo Springfield, "For What It's Worth",
Procol Harum, "A Whiter Shade Of Pale",
Otis Redding, "Try A Little Tenderness",
Sgt Pepper-Beatles,
Days of Future Passed-Moody Blues,
Are you Experienced?-Jimi Hendrix
We were introduced to the music of the Ravi Shankar, Beatles, Byrds, the Four Tops, the Doors, Donovan, James Brown, the Who, Monterey Pop, Mothers of Invention, McCoy Tyner, the Yardbirds, Beach Boys, Moby Grape, Love, Aretha Franklin, Richie Havens, Jefferson Airplane, Easy Beats, Monkees, Hollies, Left Bank, Velvet Underground, Tangerine Dream, Sam & Dave, Supremes, Otis Redding, Pink Floyd, Scott Walker, Wilson Pickett, Rolling Stones, Cream, Buffalo Springfield, Captain Beefheart, Traffic, Janis Joplin, Country Joe & the Fish, Joan Baez, Tim Hardin, Moody Blues, Procol Harum, Tim Buckly, Bob Dylan, Incredible String Band, Arlo Guthrie, Small Face, Jeff Beck, Soft Machine, Dan Hicks, Roland Kirk, Archie Shepp, Phil Ochs, The Electric Prunes, Charlie Musselwhite, Commander Cody.
It was an amazing time on both fronts. The fires in Detroit smoldered into history, as the fire on Hendrix's Stratocastor at Monterey Pop burned bright. Both events left people in attendance in awe. No one had seen anything like that before, and probably not since. It was changing times, and for the most part, dawn of a new day and a newer generation. The kids today have no concept of what we went through in the "Summer of Love" while the Detroit Riots had the "Motor City Burnin'". As we banded together into new groups of Hippies and White and Black Panthers, we all learned to recycle by reading Mother Earth News. Sure, we segregated into our little groups of war protesters and draft dodgers, soldiers and revolutionaries, but we all were getting the same message. The more we pulled apart, we began to see a common need to unite. And, it's still happening now. Even though it's taken some 40 years, it may still take awhile longer to get it together in harmony and peace.
"Album 1sts. Can you guess which album....?
What album was...? (*Answers at the end)
1. First obviously LSD inspired record? First with L.S.D. initials?
2. First album cover commisioned by a fine artist?
3. First to construct an elaborate set for a cover?
4. First album with 'goodies' or surprises inside?
5. First album with Cannabis(Marijuana) on the cover?
6. First Pop album with lyrics on cover?
7. First with the artist's back turned?
8. First album where the group holds instruments they can't play?
9. First to mention 'turning on'?
10. First 'Soul-Pop' song with a fake fade out?
11. First album with 'phasing' effects used the 1st time, and on more than one cut?
12. First 'Soul-Pop' song with and orchestral 'freakout'?
13. First song with 'I get High' in the lyrics?
14. First record to combine circus music with outer space?
15. First established group pretending to be another group?
16. First to explore dead celebrities?
17. First to come with Marijuana rolling papers?
The Beatles Sgt. Pepper album was...
1. First to end/w a 43-second...?
2. First cover to risk being sued by the estate of what Bowery boy?
3. First where John let Paul...?
4. First to use a comb and tissue instead of...?
*Answers 1.)1966 Blues Magoos-Love Seems Doomed 2.)1955 Jackie Gleason-The Great One/w Salvador Dali 3.)1958 Satan is real-The Louvin Brothers 4.)1962 Chubby Checkers Greatest Hits, pullouts and stickers 5.)Country Joe & The Fish & Dave Peel (Tie) 6.)1955 Sing along with Mitch(Miller) 7.)1967 Inside-Out Bobby Darrin 8.)1967 Surrealistic Pillow -Jefferson Airplane 9.)1964 The Beatles-She's a Woman 10.)1962 The Contours- Do you love me? 11.)1958 Miss Toni Fisher-The Big Hurt 12.)1960 This Magic Moment-The Drifters 13.)The Beatles-I wanna hold your hand 14.)1947 Bozo and his Rocketship 15.)1965 Franki Valli & The Four Seasons-3 singles as The Wonder Who? 16.)1957 Concert in the Sky teddy Phillips and his Orchestra/w the Jack Halloran Choir, Narrator-Ken Nordine 17.) Cheech and Chong-Big Bamboo (Thanks Tommy!)
*Answers-Sgt. Pepper1.)Piano chord 2.)Leo Gorcey 3.)...have his way for once 4.)kazoo
"Somethin's happenin' here."
By about 1968, after my years as a Detroit-based 'soul-music' and rock n roll guitar player in local bands, I began really exposing myself to all kinds of music from the 'hip' scenes around the world. West Coast, East Coast, England, India and Southern Rock. Jug Band, Folk, Country, Rythmn and Blues, Bob Dylan, Country Joe & The Fish, Richie Havens, Janis Joplin, the Electric Flag, Ravi Shankar and Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks. I started wearing hippie clothes like green and black paisley shirts with black and red polka dotted ties and leather cowboy fringe n things. I even took to wearing a cowboy hat. Everything was cool. John Lennon sang "Nothing is real. And nothing to get hung about." And he was right. It was all relevant, and nothing was relevant. A new world of contradictions was before us.
Soon to come would be the Woodstock, Newport and Monterey Pop festivals, and all organized religions and political agendas would be considered passé and "old world". But in some cases, old world wasn’t so bad. It was a longing of the youth for things to change not back to the way things were, but to become something new. Still, at the same time, we knew things just couldn’t stay the same forever. Something had to give. It did for me, and it was all at once. In Ypsilanti Michigan and Ann Arbor, serial killer John Norman Collins had begun killing college girls. For a bit, I lived down the street from his house.
After all the years of war and Vietnam, and then with Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King being assassinated, and Charles Manson sending his tripped-out hit-squad to Sharon Tate's house, all of it was beginning to turn ugly. By 1969's end and the Rolling Stones Altamont Festival where a black man died at the hands of the Hells Angels, the days of flower-power were beginning to signal yet another change. The flowers were starting to wilt. Before we knew it, we as the 'new-society' were becoming blasé ourselves. We were slowly but inevitably becoming our parents. As the song title said: "Child is father to the Man".
The 1st really self-liberating thing for me was getting married at 18 in 1971. Theres another oxymoron. Tied down and liberated at the same time. Looking back, it was the stupidest thing I could have done. The tied-down part, not the self-liberating. I just shouldn’t have mixed the 2. My wife suffered and gave up the most. I was always a musician, and always in a band. And, after all. It was the free-love generation anyway. I had deferred the draft and as a student for a year of so. Soon after, President Nixon abolished the draft, and I was free from worrying about dying for a war I thought we had no business in.
Many books, plays and movies we all hold sacred from the Hippie days accurately reflect the ideals and lifestyles and dreams of the Beatniks of the 50's and early 60's and the Hippies of the early 60's and 70's. Below, Ive listed quite a few examples with comments following them. These impressed us 'hippies' with life-changing ideas and ideals.
"Hippie, New Age, Free-Thinking Books and Monthly Periodicals'
Various Authors
*On the Road-Jack Kerouwac (Sent millions searching the " road' in America FOR America..and themselves)
*The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test- Ken Kesey (The story of the Merry Pranksters, their bus and travels across the country on Acid)
*Guitar Army-John Sinclair (A bit after-the-fact explaining the rock and roll revolutionary music-political movements, the SDS, White Panthers and Free-Love theories of the pre and post hippie days in Ann Arbor and the world)
*Brave New World-Aldous Huxley
*The Psychedelic Experience-Timothy Leary (Based on the Tibetan Book of the Dead and the psychedelic experience by)
*The Doors of Perception-Aldous Huxley (The psychedelic experience inspiring the name of the rock band The Doors)
*LSD, my Problem Child-Albert Hofmann
*Stranger in a Strange Land-Robert Heinlein (Popular among subculture participants)
*The Strawberry Statement-James Simon Kunen (60's College-political-lifestyles)
*Desiderata-Max Ehrmann
("Desired-Things"-prose poem)
*Whole Earth Catalog-(Mother Natures bible of Earth, Water, foods and lifestyles)
*Mother Earth News-(Mother Natures other bible of Earth, Water, foods, lifestyles and how-t-do-and-grow periodicals)
*Teachings of Don Juan-Don Juan (His journeys of the soul and spirit while experiencing psychedelic peyote, mescaline and mushrooms in the Midwest and Mexico)
*The Marijuana Cookbook (How to make brownies, Hashish and LSD from blue mold on Oranges)
*Steal this book-Abbie Hoffman. (Guide to living while avoiding the rules of the establishment)
*The Hobbit-H.R.Tolkien (Life in Middle Earth and a mirror of society(ies) in general)
*Alice in Wonderland/Alice through the Looking Glass-Lewis Carroll (Down the rabbit hole)
*Chariot of The Gods-Eric Von Daniken-(We came from space with the proof left in ancient times)
*Yi Ching-Wade/Giles (Cosmology and Philosophy)
*Quotations from Chairman Mao-(The wisdom and philosophical thinking of the Chairman)
*Nietzsche- Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (Philosophy)
*Freud-Sigmond Freud (Philosophy)
*The Bible
*The Quran (Koran)
*The Talmud/Torah
"Underground Comix"
Ive collected these and still have a generally wide assortment of the best. They are my pride and joy and an eternal connection to my past. They tell the stories of the times, drugs, politics, people and their dreams and disappointments.
*Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers
*Mr. Natural
*Harold Hedd
*Dopin' Dan
*Zap Comix
"Musical Stage Plays"
*Hair (The Dawning of the Age of Aquaius)
*Godspell (Day by Day. God is Love)
*Jesus Christ Superstar (Hippies and God, Peace. Love and
Brotherhood)
"Movies"
*The Graduate (Life and Love after College-60's)
*Love Story (Love in College-60's)
*Woodstock (The Festival that started all the rest)
*Alices Resturant (Hippies makin' a living-60's)
*Felix the Cat (Animated and X-rated)
*The Wild ones (Bikers)
*Born Losers (More Bikers)
*Easy Rider (Bikers looking for America)
* Reefer Madness (Anti-pot smoking propaganda from the 1950's)
*The Trip (Film attempt at an Acid Trip at a party)
*Alice B.Tokeless (Humor and Hippies)
*Beach Party Movies (California Dreamin' before the Hippie
Generation hit the road)
*Hard Days Night, Help!, Magical Mystery Tour and Yellow Submarine
(Beatles and Babes, Beatles and a mystery, A magical journey by bus to the
center of their minds, and an animated romp to the bottom of the sea)
*Romeo & Juliet (Love and forbidden love in classical times)
*2001: A Space Odyssey (The answer to where we came from)
*Planet of The Apes (Where we are going perhaps: answered)
Though there are many, many more great seminal movies and books not listed, these wonderful memories above of the literature, movies and musicals is an accurate mirror of the way things were, and how, when and why they changed. Some, from the 60's and to a lesser degree, the '70's, shook the world for me and you and everyone else. A wide berth was cut during those years when the world as we knew it began to change.
"Kaleidescope Eyes"
I began packing my Sherlock Holmes pipe, and off into the cosmos I went. It's kinda like that old saying. "Its like I took acid in 1967 and never came down". Fantastic music set my mind racing, and it was all fantastic. One would have to experience what I did, when and how I did them, and under what circumstances. LSD, Peyote, Mescalito Cactus, mushrooms and "acid-trips" are something that everyone had to experience in their own way to understand. Writing about it hardly gives it justice. If fact, it’s the one thing that cannot be adequately explained by definition only. Just like Alice, you have to go down the rabbit hole so-to-speak. Times were different then, and surely, some kids were harmed by less-than pure manufacturing of mind-altering and expanding drugs. Some died. I was one of the lucky ones.
The journeys expanded my mind and consciousness, and showed me how to find and recognize what was within me. It helped me better understand what was going on out-SIDE of me as well, and the world we all lived in. Or thought we lived in. There were many surprises. In the hippie 60's, burning your bra or draft card were just a couple of the things you could do to protest society. And protest we did. We objected to most things our parents accepted as normal. I had a few radical high school teachers with long hair who could be called hippies, and they embraced the ideals and thoughts for a spiritually brave new world, and a better and greener way of living
Pot, psychedelics, Jasmine Tea, incense and music were our escapes from worrying about school, the war, the government, equal rights, and saving the planet from ourselves. Back then as I said, most recreational drugs were still legal. I had begun an inward search of my outside-self involving marathon music headphone listening sessions with incense, wine and candles, along with the usual stimuli of the times. I needed to find something. And usually when referring to those searches we hippies had undertaken, we were really only searching for ourselves by artificially taking journeys or 'tripping' to the 'land inside our minds'.
We had no real maps, and didn’t know then what we know now. Those drugs were our GPS of the day. The answers and the directions of how to get somewhere could be found within us. We only needed to look. We didn’t realize we really didn’t need any special ways to get there. I took up Transcendental Meditation, interspersed with Ravi Shankar's sitar, black lights and incense. It was a very eye opening set of revelations to say the least. I changed forever, and yet in many ways…I didnt change at all
"Getting back to the Garden"
As the 1970's approached, winds of change blew hard and came from all directions. We all tried in our own ways to maintain the dream by music, pacifism, holistic medicine, natural foods, college, even military (though against all we really stood for. Returning Vietnam vets were spit on and called 'baby-killers), and by working the machine. None of it was like tending in the garden we were so trying to hang onto in hopes we could spur growth. We did, but it was not as fast as we expected or hoped for. Some of us to this day, are still waiting to get back to the garden.
As a later member of the 1950's Rock and Roll group Johnny and The Hurricanes, in his biography "SAX MAN" that I co-wrote (Bankhouse Books), at the end of the Beatnik era around 1959 and the death of Buddy Holly, it was the "very birth of rock and roll and the day the music died". It could arguably be the beginning of the hippie era as well, culminating some 10-15 years later in the mid-70's with the start of the Disco era. Personally, I had experienced everything between the end of the Beatniks in 1961-62, the rise of the Hippies and the Beatles from 1962, through the riots and Summer of Love in 1967, Woodstock in '69, and the end of the era after Charles Manson and the Tate-la Bianca Murders, the Rolling Stones and death at the Altamont Festival.
What was once "Cool Daddy-o!" in the 50's, turned into "Death to the Pigs!' and melted psychedelically into "Peace and Love!" in that 10 years or so short space of time. And speaking of Space? I think a fitting ending to it all was when I watched on astronaut Neil Armstrong on television walking on the moon. The Bee Gees and Saturday Night Fever style music for what it was and what it was to represent, was our future. And just like the 50's and '60's, we would roll right into it, through it and right over it.
A young suburban lead guitar player in a high school garage band, I had gone from band to band, would soon start recording and touring, and shortly would reached some fame, traveling to places I only read about. I had gone from 50's rock n roll, to the Beatles, Acid Rock and the Allman Brothers, and would wind-up for awhile on the Hee Haw television show playing country-rock. I also played with Waylon (Dukes of Hazard) Jennings. I touched on folk, learned styles and tunings used by Middle Eastern musicians, and played Gospel and Jug Band tunes. All the while, I was still searching and meditating.
In the near future, I would find myself living in Florida, South Carolina and Kentucky. True to my roots, I never lost my affinity and love for the college towns of Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor. It always reminded me of those 1st days of black light posters, incense, bongs, pipes and beads, tie dyes and choker necklaces. It was to represent fresh ideas and new ways of thinking. To this day I still wear tye-died shirts and chokers. Where once we were the flower-children of the 60's, we now had become our children's fathers and mothers. We were the society that we rebelled against. We were the old ones claiming to know it all. After all of our searching, self inspection and reflections, I seriously doubt we will ever really know anything.
For the most part, in general, now-a-days we attempt to exercise and work out and eat healthy, try to "think-green" and save the planet. We've learned a bit about ESP, meditation and psychic energy, the YI-Ching, and Tai Chi. We learned we're all in this together, yet we still had disease, wars, conspiracies, hatred, murders and false prophets. We came to find we cant save the world from itself. Or, from ours-elves. It all must be done with small steps. And with such tiny movements, we cant change things very much overnight or maybe even in our lifetimes. It will take many of them, and even more of us to make things change.
When we marched in the streets in the 60's, and 'grooved to the music of our heros, we just rolled more 'doobies' with extra-wide banana papers, and never realized how long change itself would take. We wanted it right then, and didn’t want to wait. So. Did things change after all? They did. Did all the smoking and tripping in the "hippie-days" open up our minds any farther or deeper? Of course it did. We all really learned a lot during those sessions. I know I did. No regrets.
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The '70's
Living the dream. Tripping at Disney World, Country Rock, Artist Colonies, Disco and 3's Company.
"1970. Remember what the door-mouse said. Feed your head!"
I personally have come a long way from that 1st 4-way Purple Micro-dot Acid Paul gave me 40 some years ago. And he didn’t tell me that it was for 4 people to split-up and take…so I took all of it.
It was 1972 and I spent the next 2 days pressing my nose against the window staring at the street below as it appeared to shimmer in the sun, and then glitter in the moonlight. I'd call Paul and he's say to go paint. I'd call him again in 30 minutes and he'd suggest listening to music. I kept calling him all day and into the night asking "How long does this stuff last?!" He'd just laugh and tell me to go watch cartoons or something for awhile. I would, and then I'd call him back over and over. "How long did you say this stuff will last?". I put on headphones to the Moody Blues, the Beatles and Acid-Rock bands of the day. And Ravi Shankar and Santana. My ears opened my mind and I was off on a journey to the center of it.
Paul had told me the best time he ever took LSD was in the Army when…at night no less, they were all "tripping" and jumping outta planes over Weisbaden Germany with parachutes in the dark. I guess I can relate. I had the distinct pleasurable mind-altering experience of 2 Orange Sunshine acid tabs dropped in orange juice at Florida's Disney World around 1973-74. Not to approve of or condone taking the drugs we have now-a-days, if anyone was ever to experience psychedelia under any circumstance, I always said it should be at Disney World or Disneyland. I will never forget being on the ride Space Mountain, a roller coaster in the dark while I was tripping-out, or Hall of the Presidents who seemed to come alive, and it was the same at the Haunted Mansion. It was hysterical when Mickey Mouse and Minnie both ran up to me with those giant ears. So, I have always stated that would be the one place if you ever wanted to experience a one time only acid 'trip'. After that, you would never need to take another one. It would explain everything.
Over the next 30 years or so, under different circumstances and in odd times, I was to take more "journeys to the center of the mind". I heard, saw and felt things that only existed in that world of crystal prism rainbows. And like many of my peers, we were just searching for something, somewhere, somehow, someway, someplaces both odd, historical and unusual, while trying to find ourselves, and where we were and where we were going to. The real life-changing secret revelation to it all was evident. We create our own reality. The psychedelics only opened the door. Reflecting now, we had searched under many conditions and in many ways and places in dark corners, loud concerts, bright rooms, on mountain tops, on College Campus's, in the Ocean, at the Circus, on islands, rivers, underground in caves, and cemeteries. We found ourselves everywhere, and sometimes nowhere.
After the death of the psychedelic 60's, our sojourns were still an eternal searching for the meaning of life itself. We saw wavy colors, demons and dragons, giant butterflies, talking dogs and musical notes turning into people and crayons. Words jumped off pages, dancing and swelling back and forth and up and down, and chanting voices reverberated inside our heads. Though it was mostly visual and auditory imagery, we all came to understand that everyone of us must search in our own ways for the truth we seek, for it was always, and is still…inside of each of us. The meaning of life is to live it.
Sadly there would be no real going back to those times. At least, not in the same ways. And there shouldn’t have been anyway. But, thats not to say some of us didnt continue the search for Shambala and Nirvana the rest of our lives. We did. For some, one trip was enough. For others, 200 acid trips was nowhere near enough. Still, our journeys always brought the same results. What lies within, is with-out. The answers are all the same for all of us. That we really are "Stardust". And, "we are golden". It was only how we perceived that realization that was the real difference. And how long it takes each of us in our own ways and methods to figure it out.
Sometime down the road and a bit later in life, I would learn one infallible massively simple truth. We don’t need the artificial stimuli to search for oneself. There are other ways to get to and go inside and find that world we hippies found in the 60's. But, it wasn’t exactly around the corner. Dues needed to be paid 1st, and life lived. The 1970's were beginning, and the war wasnt dwindling down. There were still boys coming home in boxes. It was still along way off to ending for real. A lot of suitcases were packed and ready to cross the border into Canada. Mine too.
"I was so much older then. Im younger than that now"
We were all trying to go forward with our lives, by somehow looking into our past to see where we had been. Once found, once learned. That which is revealed…you know? Then again, maybe you don't. In reality, it was a journey we never completed and many of us are still on, and will be taking forever in that quest for Utopia. Its the road less traveled, perhaps an impossible dream. But, for the bohemians, beatniks, and hippies of 1960's, it was our Holy Grail. And at the start of the 70's, I was still well into the midst of my own personal search. And that search led me to people, and cicumstances that need to be accurately represented here.
I had recently gotten married, began teaching guitar lessons, joined a famous rock n roll band, and recorded by own solo record at Motown Records. Shortly thereafter, I traveled to Florida and had my Disneyworld experience, and eventually settled in the Miami suburb of Coral Gables. The Bohemian Hippie enclave of Coconut Grove was within walking distance of my home. Being an artist-hippie community which it still is to this day, it was like being back home in Ann Arbor with all the head-shops, paraphernalia, freaks and hairys. Only with palm trees. Key West, another 'land of the hippies community' was a 4 hour drive south across the dotted line of islands and freeway called the Florida Keys. One long, lone strip of concrete with nothing but the blue-green waters of The Gulf of Mexico on your right, and the Atlantic Ocean on your left. There I continued my search-for-self.
I would visit the Coconut Grove, Key West and Ft. Lauderdale head shops and bookstores frequently. I got into Oriental Philosophies, Transcendental Meditation, different Religions and Ideologies, meta-physical and paranormal pursuits. And music itself was about to change. From the folk-rock groups to the Arena rock bands, to the Southern Rockers like Marshall Tucker, The Allman Brothers, Charlie Daniels and other country rock and pop sounds, on the immediate musical horizon, stood something both new and different.
It had been a literal explosion of contrasting styles for every taste. That was another great influence the 60's had on us. Music. And, lots and lots of every color and kind. But, the dominant music at the onset of the 70's, would change everyones perceptions, including mine, about everything in our world we had been trying so hard to understand. It was called: DISCO.
"W.M.C.A. Turn the beat around. Celebrate good times. C'mon!"
Looking back, it was a gradual thing. I can say that because as a musician in a bar band, we rolled through the changes in music as they happened. We could be doing a Crosby, Still and Nash song, then would go into a Bee Gees tune. One rock, than 1 dance song. One guy in the band might have afro hair leftover from the 60's, and the other guy might dress in platform shoes (that was me). Everything we did, we learned and played from growing up the 60's, mish-mashed together. The bar and club scene wanted both kinds of music, and we played both. What tipped the scales was the desire to dance.
Dancing became a predominant pleasure at the clubs. Especially after "Saturday Night Fever". The 50's had their line-dancing, to be revived in future 80's as 'country-line' dancing, and the hippies and rockers had their 'freak-out' and trippy kind of dancing. You would see it all in the clubs and Soul Train. Somewhere between Dobie Gray's "The In-Crowd" and the Temptations "Psychedelic Shack" and "Cloud Nine" and perhaps Marvin Gaye's "Whats goin' on?", black and white, soul brothers and hippies blended together into the 'common man'. All was acceptable, whether it was rock or soul, greaser or frat, freak, Hindu or hillbilly. And it made everyone want to dance. And all that dancing brought out more of it BECAUSE of it.
The music scene began to change to reflect the times. Even I myself had gone on to 1st my solo Motown recording, then to a 50's Show Band, and on to relocating in Florida where the #1 Group was Henry Casey's band. A studio producer of dance tunes, he is best known by his other name: K.C. & The Sunshine Band. While he was recording disco music, across town the Allmans and Eric Clapton were recording their thing. It was all possible. But, lines in the sand were being drawn in music. Stupid me tried using an eraser, and I learned a valuable lesson. Stay true to your roots. Humph! Easy to say when you’ve come out of the musical soup potpourri that was 60's music.
I continued headlining my own group playing mostly my own original tunes. Sometimes it was as a solo folk type singer, and sometimes as a piano man, working the hotels in Miami Beach and up and down the coast for Holiday Inns of America. All that led me to little money. But, being a 'star-child' of the hippie-movement, I was convinced that I would make it in music. Funny how dreams have a way of waking you up when you'd rather keep dreaming.
"Three's company too"
It was after all the 'Swingin' 70's'. I swear Jack Tripper had nothing on me. In fact, he stole my life completely. Except on the show, Jack, Janet and Chrissey never had sex together. Well, I got that one on him. My wife worked for a major insurance firm in Coral Gables while I worked fairly steadily performing at the Miami Beach Hotels. "Miss Sunshine" was a hot little blonde beach-chick. She picked me up in the bar at the Holiday Inn. She sat in that Holiday Inn every night for 2 weeks while I performed. I guess you can perhaps tell where this is going?
Whenever this part of my past has come up, Ive stated that given the chance, I would not do it over again. But, I wasn’t sorry either that I did it. The short ending to a long story is that 'free-love' still existed, right or wrong, well into the 70's and 80's. We ended up in a performing Sonny and Cher type duo, and she, my wife and myself, shared a one bedroom apartment. We all lived together (descriptions and details un-mentioned to protect the guilty), and as a trio, we lived the life expressed in the 60's. "Love one another right now" and "Love the one youre with" were mantras all three of us practiced and believed in. That’s not to say it worked out in the end.
Ive often remarked that I learned from that experience was "what does sex have to do with marriage?" Nothing and everything, and I experienced it both ways. This is important to mention because that lifestyle is the end result of all we learned about being brothers and sisters and sharing our homes and our beds. Looking for something? Sure. Find it? More than I wanted. Was it good? That depends on what you mean, and about what part of it. But was it worth it? I'd have to say both yes and no. For the experience of it, it was invaluable as a lesson in giving and sharing and supporting. On the downside, it produced jealousy and betrayal. The sexual part of trying to live the life us hippies promoted in the 60's, was obviously what it was. I will not delve into any particulars for the sake of us all involved.
So, how did it end? It started with a business agent partner taking all of our performing money, stranding us up in North Carolina, and (unbeknownst to us) with him ripping off Florida cocaine dealers. I found that out when I opened the blinds to my 3rd floor office and there were bullet holes in the 3rd floor glass parallel to the freeway ramp. Pretty good aim I suspect. Within 3 days, the wife, myself and the blonde packed it up and headed North to Michigan were we moved for good. At least, for the foreseeable future. I went back to teaching guitar lessons and playing in bands, my wife transferred back to her old company, and my father gave "Miss Sunshine" a job in his Drugstore where she ripped him off on hundreds of dollars of make-up. I last saw her when she ran off with a Karate Instructor. My wife and I divorced, and it is there that our "3's Company" story ended.
Regarding communal living and sharing love and life, of course there is still much more to tell about the adventures the 3 of us had. Some were sad, and some were really amazing. Some of them were really funny, and some of course were sexual in nature. More were bitter and resentful. There were a few more joint acid trips in that part of the 70's we took together as well before the end. How it all ended would make another kind of story. Suffice to say, it did end, and not very well. By that time, it was 1979 and 10 years had passed since Woodstock. In my future I would repeat some of my mistakes, some more than once. Sometimes, we just never learn. But all in all, I have learned a lot about life, love and happiness. Karma is real. I am living proof of that.
The 80's, 90's & Beyond. Beginning of the end, end of the beginning
I would continue searching for meanings in life, and trying to find why I am still even here. And to this day, I still am on that quest. Free love and drug journeys were still practiced by those hippies turning 30, and their little brothers and sisters trying to follow them by example. I had a few more psychedelic experiences in the 80's and again in the 90's. But it was never the same. The 90's found me experimenting with life and death on the night shift in Ann Arbor at University Hospital. That was a trip itself. And by then, the acid wasn’t that great, and psilocybin mushrooms were taking its place.
I found that I had come full circle back to Ann Arbor and the my days in the 60's and 70's on the Diag and State Street. Once, I thought we could change the world on the outside, by changing ourselves on the inside. In the end, I did begin to see things in a different light. Just not with so many colors.
And for all my "trips", demonstrations, protests and searching, and with all of the chanting "Ohm, Ohm!" and "Hare Krisna, Hare Krishna!" the world really didn’t change all that much. I guess in the end, it was me that changed. And it was for the better. Looking back after nearly 60 years of living, I suppose what they say still holds true. Old hippies never die. They just fade away. Either that, or open a candle booth or 'smoothie'-shop at the local Art Fair.
Peace, Love n Light to you all my Brothers and Sisters. It is not the destination...but the Journey....
12-15-10
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
"Tied to the Whipping Post" ie: "Forums"
I guess that Allman Brothers song is true after all. As a multi-forum contributor, I seem to get attacked regularly for my opinions. On one music forum, I commented on drinking and posting sarcasm and hatred, and that it may not be such a great idea. Well, that one caught me in mid-stroke by a little ole church lady in Detroit who told me to take my former musical group, and my opinions and get the hell out and to go back where I came from. I was astonished. I was careful to not be judgmental, reminding everyone you cant take back things you may say in error or haste. Then, about a year or so later, it happened again.
Over the holidays and months in and out of New Years, we had discussed many issues. All was well in the beginning. And then, I seemed to be locked in the sites of everyone about everything including my group, my opinions, my religion and even my health issues. I was even chided for asking for prayers for goodness sake. By asking for prayers, I heard whining and actual criticism about my health and more personal issues that should have never even been brought up. Again, I was stunned. It was the same forum, different time, but same people. So, I made myself scarce and stayed away. And it was hard. We all were like family, and in fact, some of us were family. Sadly, I have stayed away a whole year. And then this week, it all happened again. Different forum, different topics, different members. Sigh…maybe its me?
Im finding a lot of hatred, animosity, doubt, sarcasm, self-righteousness, and pride lately, and began realizing there is a pattern here. I started questioning my ability to contribute to this open forum. Did I have anything negative to say to any forum member? Was I speaking out of turn or out of knowledge? Was I offensive or demeaning to anyone and their opinions? My questions were just as good, well worded and topical like theirs. So, why was I being perpetually attacked for expressing diverse opinions and topics such as the other members did? Why were they accepted as valid, and mine were picked apart, ridiculed and criticized? Did my posts threaten them and their beliefs and ideals? Of course not.
It seems more and more, it becomes a "youre wrong-we're right" issue. We all use screen names so it cant be personal based on nationalities, creeds or residential geographical locations. I just cant seem to figure out what it is that makes my posts, threads, comments and opinions any less important or valid than theirs. It seems people on the forums these days are just plain meaner, and I don’t know why. And, I just absolutely HATE to have to defend myself about anything-ever, and feel like I shouldn’t have to anyway. Yet, I have had to.
So friends, I figured since this is happened to me again, I would address it here, and get it off of my chest. At least since this my site and my blog, I can. I know you have all respected and enjoyed "Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!" because of all the nice mails I get telling me so. For that, I am grateful. But, I really don’t know what to think of these posters who don’t accept anything or opinions that arent theirs. I get the idea that they are sitting home in their underwear in front of their screens thinking of ways to tearing down others and their threads or their replies to them. It’s a changing world I suppose. And, I don’t like it.
We should all try to listen and learn from others. To be taken seriously, one has to listen 1st seriously. One may in fact be wrong about something, and that should be fine. But to deny them the ability to voice it, does not bode well for the world of learning and brotherly-love. I may surely stand corrected and be proven wrong. But then again, I may just fall or get pushed down when in fact, it's proven I was right. We all should have the chance to do that by not starting out lying in the puddle of dirty water pushed there by those who would dominate our thinking with theirs, and that theirs is the only true opinion or thread-post, or the only ones that count. And the puddles are growing deeper these days…as these insensitive posters throw more and more handfuls of mud and dirt.
I for one think Ill start carrying a hose to wash off the indignation, intolerance and prejudice. It'd just be nice if it wasn’t there. But, it is.
Peace, Love 'n Light Always friends…………..
Hurricane Duane hurricane.duane@yahoo.com
Over the holidays and months in and out of New Years, we had discussed many issues. All was well in the beginning. And then, I seemed to be locked in the sites of everyone about everything including my group, my opinions, my religion and even my health issues. I was even chided for asking for prayers for goodness sake. By asking for prayers, I heard whining and actual criticism about my health and more personal issues that should have never even been brought up. Again, I was stunned. It was the same forum, different time, but same people. So, I made myself scarce and stayed away. And it was hard. We all were like family, and in fact, some of us were family. Sadly, I have stayed away a whole year. And then this week, it all happened again. Different forum, different topics, different members. Sigh…maybe its me?
Im finding a lot of hatred, animosity, doubt, sarcasm, self-righteousness, and pride lately, and began realizing there is a pattern here. I started questioning my ability to contribute to this open forum. Did I have anything negative to say to any forum member? Was I speaking out of turn or out of knowledge? Was I offensive or demeaning to anyone and their opinions? My questions were just as good, well worded and topical like theirs. So, why was I being perpetually attacked for expressing diverse opinions and topics such as the other members did? Why were they accepted as valid, and mine were picked apart, ridiculed and criticized? Did my posts threaten them and their beliefs and ideals? Of course not.
It seems more and more, it becomes a "youre wrong-we're right" issue. We all use screen names so it cant be personal based on nationalities, creeds or residential geographical locations. I just cant seem to figure out what it is that makes my posts, threads, comments and opinions any less important or valid than theirs. It seems people on the forums these days are just plain meaner, and I don’t know why. And, I just absolutely HATE to have to defend myself about anything-ever, and feel like I shouldn’t have to anyway. Yet, I have had to.
So friends, I figured since this is happened to me again, I would address it here, and get it off of my chest. At least since this my site and my blog, I can. I know you have all respected and enjoyed "Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!" because of all the nice mails I get telling me so. For that, I am grateful. But, I really don’t know what to think of these posters who don’t accept anything or opinions that arent theirs. I get the idea that they are sitting home in their underwear in front of their screens thinking of ways to tearing down others and their threads or their replies to them. It’s a changing world I suppose. And, I don’t like it.
We should all try to listen and learn from others. To be taken seriously, one has to listen 1st seriously. One may in fact be wrong about something, and that should be fine. But to deny them the ability to voice it, does not bode well for the world of learning and brotherly-love. I may surely stand corrected and be proven wrong. But then again, I may just fall or get pushed down when in fact, it's proven I was right. We all should have the chance to do that by not starting out lying in the puddle of dirty water pushed there by those who would dominate our thinking with theirs, and that theirs is the only true opinion or thread-post, or the only ones that count. And the puddles are growing deeper these days…as these insensitive posters throw more and more handfuls of mud and dirt.
I for one think Ill start carrying a hose to wash off the indignation, intolerance and prejudice. It'd just be nice if it wasn’t there. But, it is.
Peace, Love 'n Light Always friends…………..
Hurricane Duane hurricane.duane@yahoo.com
Monday, November 15, 2010
Duane "Hurricane" Thomas returns. The end of 2010.
Hello once again my friends. It has been an interesting year for me to say the least. Ive not gone away as some have speculated, and its good to be here again. Soon Ill make good on my promise to webcast "Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!" with Hurricane Duane. I certainly have not run out of topics, that’s for sure….
Ive been training with FEMA and Homeland Security as a Disaster Response Team member, and am still at work as a Security Supervising Officer at Ford Motor Company in Dearborn Michigan. Somewhere along with all that, Ive become Chairman of my Union Local's By-laws Committee.
The long awaited Johnny & The Hurricanes Anthology has come out from the Netherlands a couple weeks ago, and my book "SAX MAN" Johns life story and that of the Hurricanes, awaits a release date in England. Ive also finished 2 additional short books (maybe put into 1), but have no idea where they stand now as to releasing them.
This year without my brother Paul has been really hard on me. I see him everywhere, but find him nowhere. Musically, I always did move around more than him and in more musical styles than him, but after 35 years of playing, performing and writing together, to now have him not here, Im lost. I haven’t in 16 months even been able to work on his and our music. Ive watched a few tapes, listened to a few C.D.'s, but seeing and hearing him sing is haunting. Ive said it before. It was…and is…harder losing him them my parents. He was my left arm…and it hard to play with only 1 arm.
So, at best, Im ok. And my heart health is fair, except the meds I take play their part in wearin' me down. After my 2 heart procedures last year, no one told me things would slow down. I expected to get it all back and run around like my grandma used to call me "coo-coo-rid-za"…which means literally "chicken with its head cut off". But, it wasn't true. I have slowed down. It seems everything I try to do is twice as hard and takes me twice as long. And it takes even longer to get going.
You can see Im still busy with a multitude of things, my healths ok for now, the future in music hold some promise, the Disaster Training too should help me and my community, and the Union Committee stuff should bring some welcome changes benefiting all of us Officers.
I'd like to thank you for sticking around, and hope you'll stop by here and on YouTube for "Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!". Ive got some very interesting topics coming ahead. Some you'll like, some you wont. Some will make you smile, others will probably make you angry or mad.
Why should it be any different now!? God Bless my friends. Peace, Love and Light…always.
Hurricane Duane Thomas
Ive been training with FEMA and Homeland Security as a Disaster Response Team member, and am still at work as a Security Supervising Officer at Ford Motor Company in Dearborn Michigan. Somewhere along with all that, Ive become Chairman of my Union Local's By-laws Committee.
The long awaited Johnny & The Hurricanes Anthology has come out from the Netherlands a couple weeks ago, and my book "SAX MAN" Johns life story and that of the Hurricanes, awaits a release date in England. Ive also finished 2 additional short books (maybe put into 1), but have no idea where they stand now as to releasing them.
This year without my brother Paul has been really hard on me. I see him everywhere, but find him nowhere. Musically, I always did move around more than him and in more musical styles than him, but after 35 years of playing, performing and writing together, to now have him not here, Im lost. I haven’t in 16 months even been able to work on his and our music. Ive watched a few tapes, listened to a few C.D.'s, but seeing and hearing him sing is haunting. Ive said it before. It was…and is…harder losing him them my parents. He was my left arm…and it hard to play with only 1 arm.
So, at best, Im ok. And my heart health is fair, except the meds I take play their part in wearin' me down. After my 2 heart procedures last year, no one told me things would slow down. I expected to get it all back and run around like my grandma used to call me "coo-coo-rid-za"…which means literally "chicken with its head cut off". But, it wasn't true. I have slowed down. It seems everything I try to do is twice as hard and takes me twice as long. And it takes even longer to get going.
You can see Im still busy with a multitude of things, my healths ok for now, the future in music hold some promise, the Disaster Training too should help me and my community, and the Union Committee stuff should bring some welcome changes benefiting all of us Officers.
I'd like to thank you for sticking around, and hope you'll stop by here and on YouTube for "Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!". Ive got some very interesting topics coming ahead. Some you'll like, some you wont. Some will make you smile, others will probably make you angry or mad.
Why should it be any different now!? God Bless my friends. Peace, Love and Light…always.
Hurricane Duane Thomas
Monday, October 25, 2010
COMING SOON! YOUTUBE "DRIVIN' SIDEWAYS IN DETROIT!"
To all my faithful readers, friends and fans of "Johnny & The Hurricanes". Its been a long time comin' my friends. In the coming weeks, Ill be updating things and Im gonna give a video edition of "Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!" a shot on YouTube.
Ill be posting a link and I promise Ill keep the videos short...within reason. Of course...you know me! Sometimes, I just got a lot to say. Also coming in serial form will be "Upon a Magic Swirling Ship" my recollection of the Psychedelic '60's, '70's and '80's, and all its movies, music, books and why it all mattered to us...and how I became part of the 'flower-power-generation".
Stick with me here and on MySpace. Till then....God Bless and keep the peddle to the metal...'cause Im STILL..."Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!"
"Hurricane" Duane Thomas
Ill be posting a link and I promise Ill keep the videos short...within reason. Of course...you know me! Sometimes, I just got a lot to say. Also coming in serial form will be "Upon a Magic Swirling Ship" my recollection of the Psychedelic '60's, '70's and '80's, and all its movies, music, books and why it all mattered to us...and how I became part of the 'flower-power-generation".
Stick with me here and on MySpace. Till then....God Bless and keep the peddle to the metal...'cause Im STILL..."Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!"
"Hurricane" Duane Thomas
Monday, August 2, 2010
"Faith-Fest? Or Faith-TEST?"
I know that things were well-intended, but they fell short. At least, the one I attended did. Its apparent that the participants did not have a clue as to how to pull these things off successfully.
For one thing, "Family-Fun" should not represent 1 inflatable "Moonwalk"-bouncy thing. There should be more than one thing for families to do, not one cheap ride. Also, "food available" should really be more than a pop, hot dog, chips and an apple. And if you're going to have entertainment, have it in one central location, not in dark church basement with the air conditioning turned off. And speaking of groups, with the money spent to put up a booth called "Band Check-in", it could’ve instead been spent getting the kids another ride, or at least offering a hamburger at the food stand. The bands will know where to go by themselves. And put all the entertainment on the main stage where the most people are and the good P.A. sound system and lights are. And can you PLEASE not put the musical groups blocked by people, poles, wires and things?
You couldn’t take a video of any of the performers and put it up for publicity because theres a pole in the way. 3 days of music, and not 1 single usable photo or video of any of the performers. And it could have been put on cable, or DVD's made to sell for the church, but nope. Nobody cared enough to think of this. And if one more person stands up in front of the stage during the performances shouting "Hallejeuia!" and waving their arms in front of everyone who might want to actually enjoy the groups, Ill never go to one of these things again. And they are ruining every-single performance by being in the way.
They just don't get it. I know of one Christian "Pastor" who's loud, interruptive, disruptive, vindictive, two-faced and more. And he calls himself a 'pastor' because someone once called him one…without a flock, church, following or any degree of common sense. Even to the point of hurting his 'best-friends' family in the name of 'the LORD'. Ive said it before. If he gets into MY face just ONCE…Im knocking him right off that Stairway to Heaven he thinks he's on.
Sure I'm sitting in judgment I know. But at least I'll admit Im a less than perfect Christian. I don’t go around blowing a 'shofar'(Jewish) and shouting 'shalom" (Hebrew). Im a CHRISTIAN. And to most Christians worldwide, Jesus is JESUS. Not YESUA. If you want to be Hebrew, go join a synagogue and renounce your Christianity.
These are just some of many, many things I find off about these small, backyard, basement, garage-type practictioners and studiers of the Faith. God Bless them and their efforts, but they always miss the mark. Oh for sure not the big, big events like at the Ball Stadiums and Arenas that attract thousands, but the small neighborhood ones do for sure. They attract no one except the regulars, they appeal to no one, are not successful either financially or potentially with pictures and videos of the event for reaching an even greater audience on cable by selling the DVD recordings. Maybe they should go to one of these big, big Faith Fests for a reality-check.
Its appears always-everytime to be Jimmy, Johnny, Joann and Jerry. The same 30 people each and every time. The money gets spent, nothing gets done, reaches no one new, nothing is recordable for publicity, and achieves no real purpose. Its like a very bad party, with nothing to do, nothing to eat, and maybe a few musical performers that are even worth listening to. And all the while, they are shouting "Praise JESUS!', and "We are doing this for the LORD!', and "JESUS is the reason we do this!"
Well, my friends of all faiths...for all we know...JESUS is pretty embarrassed right now…
For one thing, "Family-Fun" should not represent 1 inflatable "Moonwalk"-bouncy thing. There should be more than one thing for families to do, not one cheap ride. Also, "food available" should really be more than a pop, hot dog, chips and an apple. And if you're going to have entertainment, have it in one central location, not in dark church basement with the air conditioning turned off. And speaking of groups, with the money spent to put up a booth called "Band Check-in", it could’ve instead been spent getting the kids another ride, or at least offering a hamburger at the food stand. The bands will know where to go by themselves. And put all the entertainment on the main stage where the most people are and the good P.A. sound system and lights are. And can you PLEASE not put the musical groups blocked by people, poles, wires and things?
You couldn’t take a video of any of the performers and put it up for publicity because theres a pole in the way. 3 days of music, and not 1 single usable photo or video of any of the performers. And it could have been put on cable, or DVD's made to sell for the church, but nope. Nobody cared enough to think of this. And if one more person stands up in front of the stage during the performances shouting "Hallejeuia!" and waving their arms in front of everyone who might want to actually enjoy the groups, Ill never go to one of these things again. And they are ruining every-single performance by being in the way.
They just don't get it. I know of one Christian "Pastor" who's loud, interruptive, disruptive, vindictive, two-faced and more. And he calls himself a 'pastor' because someone once called him one…without a flock, church, following or any degree of common sense. Even to the point of hurting his 'best-friends' family in the name of 'the LORD'. Ive said it before. If he gets into MY face just ONCE…Im knocking him right off that Stairway to Heaven he thinks he's on.
Sure I'm sitting in judgment I know. But at least I'll admit Im a less than perfect Christian. I don’t go around blowing a 'shofar'(Jewish) and shouting 'shalom" (Hebrew). Im a CHRISTIAN. And to most Christians worldwide, Jesus is JESUS. Not YESUA. If you want to be Hebrew, go join a synagogue and renounce your Christianity.
These are just some of many, many things I find off about these small, backyard, basement, garage-type practictioners and studiers of the Faith. God Bless them and their efforts, but they always miss the mark. Oh for sure not the big, big events like at the Ball Stadiums and Arenas that attract thousands, but the small neighborhood ones do for sure. They attract no one except the regulars, they appeal to no one, are not successful either financially or potentially with pictures and videos of the event for reaching an even greater audience on cable by selling the DVD recordings. Maybe they should go to one of these big, big Faith Fests for a reality-check.
Its appears always-everytime to be Jimmy, Johnny, Joann and Jerry. The same 30 people each and every time. The money gets spent, nothing gets done, reaches no one new, nothing is recordable for publicity, and achieves no real purpose. Its like a very bad party, with nothing to do, nothing to eat, and maybe a few musical performers that are even worth listening to. And all the while, they are shouting "Praise JESUS!', and "We are doing this for the LORD!', and "JESUS is the reason we do this!"
Well, my friends of all faiths...for all we know...JESUS is pretty embarrassed right now…
Friday, June 18, 2010
10 questions: A follow-up with "Hurricane" Duane Thomas, "SAX MAN" and Johnny & The Hurricanes
Interviewer: Lazlo Farnsworth, London Independent 6-14-2010
L.F. Good to see you again Hurricane!
H.D.T. You as well Lazlo. Its been awhile.
L.F. It has. How has things been going for you and the Hurricanes since the last interview?
H.D.T. Very well, thanks. A few hiccups in my life in general, but I'm still here and so is Sonja.
L.F. Hows the book? Did you publish yet?
H.D.T. As we speak Lazlo, it's being prepped, edited and tuned up in England for a release this year. So is the Johnny & The Hurricanes Anthology C.D. That is coming from the Netherlands. Converted to digital from the masters, Im told it sounds very good. I haven’t heard it yet personally though. Both "SAX MAN" and the Anthology C.D. ought to come out around the same time.
L.F. By all accounts and the other interviews Ive read with you lately, its going to set the "record" straight. Sorry, but I HAD to say that!
H.D.T. You Englishmen do have an odd sense of humor, don’t you? Oh well, I guess ever since you lost the Revolutionary War here, you cant take a joke, so you make them!
L.F. Hey now! Salt into old wounds is not good!
H.D.T. You know Im just kidding with you. We love the English. And your "muffins"! I know, I know. But, it was my turn!
L.F. That brings up a question I had. Rock and Roll went from Instrumental songs, to Rock-billy songs, to Instrumentals back and forth all throughout the beginnings. How did that position Johnny & The Hurricanes for their records and the follow-ups? I mean to say, you never had a singer right?
H.D.T. Nope. Unless you count those 2 girl backup singers Johnny put into the group in the 80's. That didn’t work. And you cant count John as a singer. He tried, but failed miserably at it. Sorry John, truth hurts. So, he did try to just play what he was known for: Instrumentals. The only time anyone sang in the group was during a many-set multi-night engagement while covering tunes to just get thru the nights.
L.F. Was there any you can remember when there were vocals?
H.D.T. Actually, yes. Funny thing though. I have a distinct memory of John singing 2 songs. "Sea Cruise" and "You're Sixteen". The only song he would let me sing was "Locomotion" by Little Eva.
L.F. So! There was some vocals after all!
H.D.T. There were some. "SAX MAN" was with vocals. And "Saga of the Beatles too". And of course, some cover songs like I mentioned. And, Ive said it before. We all tried for years and years to get him to release different tunes and different styles of music, but he wouldn’t. Fear of success I guess. It would’ve worked. John was a hell of a jazz saxophonist too. I always felt if you can play, and play well, you should stretch out and spread your wings on stage. Those times when John played something like that, he soared. I learned a bunch from John. A lot. Just not about singing.
L.F. Why do you think musicians get pigeon-holed into a certain vibe or style of music?
H.D.T. Its as I said earlier. I think a small degree is fear of failure. After all. The Hurricanes recorded 2-3 minutes at the most tunes for A.M. radio. I don’t think there was any place what-so-ever for them when F.M. came along. F.M. brought about album-rock and much longer cuts and tracks than the public was used to at the time. Look at "In da gadda da vida". It was I think 17 minutes long or so. You could put 6 or 7 of the Hurricanes hits in that time frame! Imagine! We could play 7 of our hit records before that song was even finished playing! The transition of vinyl to 8-track to Cassette to C.D. to MP3 killed off a lot of 'one-hit-wonders". Thats another point too. There weren't any 'hit' records anymore that you heard all day every-day over and over.
The closest Johnny ever got to having a long song was when he would make a medley of some of the hits for the performances or a track on C.D.
L.F. Can you think of one of those?
H.D.T. Off the top of my head, one that comes to mind is "Go Johnny go" It has 5 or 6 in that medley and is the title song off the album by the same name.
L.F. Each time we speak, I start thinking of a million more questions I'd like answers to. I guess Ill just wait for "SAX MAN" to hit the stores.
H.D.T. There is a new quite lengthy cover article…I think some 21 pages, in this summers edition of "Pipeline Magazine" from the U.K. Quite good, very informative about who did or didnt play on what and when, and how certain earlier songs came about. Johnny's life story will be found in "SAX MAN'. I hope you and your readers will enjoy it. It was both a labor of love and a thorn in Sonja's and my sides. But now it is what it is, and tells it like it was. From Johnny's viewpoint, it was something that had to be written to clear the air. And he had a lot of explaining to do to a lot of people. I hope we were able to do that for him, through him and his dairies and current interviews such as yours here Lazlo. Thank you for listening.
L.F. It always our pleasure, Hurricane Duane. To speak with those who started it all, and were there in the beginning, is always fascinating, and a history lesson itself.
H.D.T. Well sir, its as I said in the liner notes of "SAX MAN". About the start of hit records for Johnny & The Hurricanes. Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Richie Valens died in that plane crash in 1959 and the world was never the same. The Hurricanes were on the same tour circuit that year right behind them and that crash! So it really was the "Birth of Rock and Roll" and the "Day the Music Died". And "Beatlemania" was still 3-4 years away yet. So many changes back then it was hard to keep up. We just kept learnin' and playin' as they came on the radio. Its what kept us good and tight as musicians both on stage and in the studio.
L.F. Again, many thanks Duane for your insight into the early days. We anxiously await "SAX MAN" and the Anthology C.D.
H.D.T. Your welcome. Anytime Lazlo. Its always a pleasure.
L.F. Good to see you again Hurricane!
H.D.T. You as well Lazlo. Its been awhile.
L.F. It has. How has things been going for you and the Hurricanes since the last interview?
H.D.T. Very well, thanks. A few hiccups in my life in general, but I'm still here and so is Sonja.
L.F. Hows the book? Did you publish yet?
H.D.T. As we speak Lazlo, it's being prepped, edited and tuned up in England for a release this year. So is the Johnny & The Hurricanes Anthology C.D. That is coming from the Netherlands. Converted to digital from the masters, Im told it sounds very good. I haven’t heard it yet personally though. Both "SAX MAN" and the Anthology C.D. ought to come out around the same time.
L.F. By all accounts and the other interviews Ive read with you lately, its going to set the "record" straight. Sorry, but I HAD to say that!
H.D.T. You Englishmen do have an odd sense of humor, don’t you? Oh well, I guess ever since you lost the Revolutionary War here, you cant take a joke, so you make them!
L.F. Hey now! Salt into old wounds is not good!
H.D.T. You know Im just kidding with you. We love the English. And your "muffins"! I know, I know. But, it was my turn!
L.F. That brings up a question I had. Rock and Roll went from Instrumental songs, to Rock-billy songs, to Instrumentals back and forth all throughout the beginnings. How did that position Johnny & The Hurricanes for their records and the follow-ups? I mean to say, you never had a singer right?
H.D.T. Nope. Unless you count those 2 girl backup singers Johnny put into the group in the 80's. That didn’t work. And you cant count John as a singer. He tried, but failed miserably at it. Sorry John, truth hurts. So, he did try to just play what he was known for: Instrumentals. The only time anyone sang in the group was during a many-set multi-night engagement while covering tunes to just get thru the nights.
L.F. Was there any you can remember when there were vocals?
H.D.T. Actually, yes. Funny thing though. I have a distinct memory of John singing 2 songs. "Sea Cruise" and "You're Sixteen". The only song he would let me sing was "Locomotion" by Little Eva.
L.F. So! There was some vocals after all!
H.D.T. There were some. "SAX MAN" was with vocals. And "Saga of the Beatles too". And of course, some cover songs like I mentioned. And, Ive said it before. We all tried for years and years to get him to release different tunes and different styles of music, but he wouldn’t. Fear of success I guess. It would’ve worked. John was a hell of a jazz saxophonist too. I always felt if you can play, and play well, you should stretch out and spread your wings on stage. Those times when John played something like that, he soared. I learned a bunch from John. A lot. Just not about singing.
L.F. Why do you think musicians get pigeon-holed into a certain vibe or style of music?
H.D.T. Its as I said earlier. I think a small degree is fear of failure. After all. The Hurricanes recorded 2-3 minutes at the most tunes for A.M. radio. I don’t think there was any place what-so-ever for them when F.M. came along. F.M. brought about album-rock and much longer cuts and tracks than the public was used to at the time. Look at "In da gadda da vida". It was I think 17 minutes long or so. You could put 6 or 7 of the Hurricanes hits in that time frame! Imagine! We could play 7 of our hit records before that song was even finished playing! The transition of vinyl to 8-track to Cassette to C.D. to MP3 killed off a lot of 'one-hit-wonders". Thats another point too. There weren't any 'hit' records anymore that you heard all day every-day over and over.
The closest Johnny ever got to having a long song was when he would make a medley of some of the hits for the performances or a track on C.D.
L.F. Can you think of one of those?
H.D.T. Off the top of my head, one that comes to mind is "Go Johnny go" It has 5 or 6 in that medley and is the title song off the album by the same name.
L.F. Each time we speak, I start thinking of a million more questions I'd like answers to. I guess Ill just wait for "SAX MAN" to hit the stores.
H.D.T. There is a new quite lengthy cover article…I think some 21 pages, in this summers edition of "Pipeline Magazine" from the U.K. Quite good, very informative about who did or didnt play on what and when, and how certain earlier songs came about. Johnny's life story will be found in "SAX MAN'. I hope you and your readers will enjoy it. It was both a labor of love and a thorn in Sonja's and my sides. But now it is what it is, and tells it like it was. From Johnny's viewpoint, it was something that had to be written to clear the air. And he had a lot of explaining to do to a lot of people. I hope we were able to do that for him, through him and his dairies and current interviews such as yours here Lazlo. Thank you for listening.
L.F. It always our pleasure, Hurricane Duane. To speak with those who started it all, and were there in the beginning, is always fascinating, and a history lesson itself.
H.D.T. Well sir, its as I said in the liner notes of "SAX MAN". About the start of hit records for Johnny & The Hurricanes. Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Richie Valens died in that plane crash in 1959 and the world was never the same. The Hurricanes were on the same tour circuit that year right behind them and that crash! So it really was the "Birth of Rock and Roll" and the "Day the Music Died". And "Beatlemania" was still 3-4 years away yet. So many changes back then it was hard to keep up. We just kept learnin' and playin' as they came on the radio. Its what kept us good and tight as musicians both on stage and in the studio.
L.F. Again, many thanks Duane for your insight into the early days. We anxiously await "SAX MAN" and the Anthology C.D.
H.D.T. Your welcome. Anytime Lazlo. Its always a pleasure.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
"Message to the Peoples on the 3rd Stone from the Sun"
(A Plea from the Galaxies of Heaven and the Mysterious Stranger. Duane)
*Friends: A strange man approached me on a sunny day and told me to deliver this...What he said...follows here.
"Brethren…all that you see of your world is lost. The Earth as you know it is shriveling into a useless ball of confusion. Your children are fighting, and your Oceans are dying. You have polluted the air you breathe, and the water you drink. Instead of reaching for solutions to the problems of your world, you are throwing insults to the Heavens above.
You seek more and more electronic "conveniences" to make your short lives easy, while you instead lengthen the distance between families, your friends, your countries, its peoples and your God. You have learned to fight for what you believe is yours when in fact it belongs to all on this blue orb revolving in third place around your sun. The time has come for those of us who walk in the light, to come to this place and try to save you from yourselves. We implore you to put down your weapons of war and your electronics, and instead take up the hands of your kinds in love and friendship, for time is of the essence. And time is the one thing you cannot replace.
Many years ago in your time, you smashed the atom and ripped a hole in the very fabric of time itself. We heard the sound, we felt the shaking, and saw the flash …and it did not stop. For what you had created started a chain reaction in the Cosmos, and that is what brought us here. We find misery and hopelessness, yet little love and compassion. We see violence and hatred mixed with wanton neglect of your animals, your foods, your planet and all your peoples. But, all is not lost. There is still time to change. But, it is short as the days are long.
We who walk in the light see and feel your pain, and this is why we come now to you. We come to implore you to change, for there is a better way. One that will feed and cloth the multitudes, cleans your seas, and plant abundance across the lands. You can reach for the mountain-tops, and dive the deepest seas. You can soar into the clouds and touch the face of God. This you must do quickly to make things right. There is no time to think, only to act. And you must do so now, for it is almost already too late.
Give up your weapons of war. Clean up your oceans, and tend to your fields. Rebuild your churches for faith itself in whatever you hold Holy is worthwhile. You are a sphere of colors and creeds, not calamity and chaos. One of love and support, not destruction and ruin. You still have a chance, and can make that choice.Your childrens children can inherit the world you call EARTH…and more. For it all is within.
The choice is yours, and the time is now. And time is something you are running out of. The sun grows hotter every day, and your oceans are turning blacker than the oil that destroys all the sea life in its waters. You must begin in the beginning. You must start to make amends. You must come to terms with the finality of destruction. You must put down your gadgets and gizmos and learn again how to speak face to face to each other, for this will begin building a bridge of understanding between your brothers and sisters of many colors and nations. In love and truth you will find the way to save yourselves from yourselves. For it is in your future and is your destiny.
One day we hope you will join us among the stars, and sail with us through the heavens in peace, love and light. For there is a God, and God is good. And there are many, many, many of us everywhere, and we have learned the truth through countless millennia of time. Today we bring that truth to you in hope that before you turn this bright blue ball into one that is black, burned and scorched, that you will realize that you are not now, nor ever were, alone. You do not own this place. You are only keeping it safe for your childrens children. And it is something they need you to show them how to preserve for their childrens children and so on and so on throughout time. Where you are going is more important than where you’ve been. And what you do now, will matter much more than what you did then.
We came with love, and leave in peace. May you see the light…and walk in it as well…for we hold out our hand…while God holds the other."
From the Galaxies, your Mysterious Stranger
*Friends: A strange man approached me on a sunny day and told me to deliver this...What he said...follows here.
"Brethren…all that you see of your world is lost. The Earth as you know it is shriveling into a useless ball of confusion. Your children are fighting, and your Oceans are dying. You have polluted the air you breathe, and the water you drink. Instead of reaching for solutions to the problems of your world, you are throwing insults to the Heavens above.
You seek more and more electronic "conveniences" to make your short lives easy, while you instead lengthen the distance between families, your friends, your countries, its peoples and your God. You have learned to fight for what you believe is yours when in fact it belongs to all on this blue orb revolving in third place around your sun. The time has come for those of us who walk in the light, to come to this place and try to save you from yourselves. We implore you to put down your weapons of war and your electronics, and instead take up the hands of your kinds in love and friendship, for time is of the essence. And time is the one thing you cannot replace.
Many years ago in your time, you smashed the atom and ripped a hole in the very fabric of time itself. We heard the sound, we felt the shaking, and saw the flash …and it did not stop. For what you had created started a chain reaction in the Cosmos, and that is what brought us here. We find misery and hopelessness, yet little love and compassion. We see violence and hatred mixed with wanton neglect of your animals, your foods, your planet and all your peoples. But, all is not lost. There is still time to change. But, it is short as the days are long.
We who walk in the light see and feel your pain, and this is why we come now to you. We come to implore you to change, for there is a better way. One that will feed and cloth the multitudes, cleans your seas, and plant abundance across the lands. You can reach for the mountain-tops, and dive the deepest seas. You can soar into the clouds and touch the face of God. This you must do quickly to make things right. There is no time to think, only to act. And you must do so now, for it is almost already too late.
Give up your weapons of war. Clean up your oceans, and tend to your fields. Rebuild your churches for faith itself in whatever you hold Holy is worthwhile. You are a sphere of colors and creeds, not calamity and chaos. One of love and support, not destruction and ruin. You still have a chance, and can make that choice.Your childrens children can inherit the world you call EARTH…and more. For it all is within.
The choice is yours, and the time is now. And time is something you are running out of. The sun grows hotter every day, and your oceans are turning blacker than the oil that destroys all the sea life in its waters. You must begin in the beginning. You must start to make amends. You must come to terms with the finality of destruction. You must put down your gadgets and gizmos and learn again how to speak face to face to each other, for this will begin building a bridge of understanding between your brothers and sisters of many colors and nations. In love and truth you will find the way to save yourselves from yourselves. For it is in your future and is your destiny.
One day we hope you will join us among the stars, and sail with us through the heavens in peace, love and light. For there is a God, and God is good. And there are many, many, many of us everywhere, and we have learned the truth through countless millennia of time. Today we bring that truth to you in hope that before you turn this bright blue ball into one that is black, burned and scorched, that you will realize that you are not now, nor ever were, alone. You do not own this place. You are only keeping it safe for your childrens children. And it is something they need you to show them how to preserve for their childrens children and so on and so on throughout time. Where you are going is more important than where you’ve been. And what you do now, will matter much more than what you did then.
We came with love, and leave in peace. May you see the light…and walk in it as well…for we hold out our hand…while God holds the other."
From the Galaxies, your Mysterious Stranger
Friday, June 4, 2010
"The Last Hurricane" A Brief Tale of the Last One Standing. Intro & Pts 1 & 2
*(REPRINTED FROM EARLIER BY REQUEST)
You know friends, they say we really don't pick our lot in life...its pre-determined. Interesting. Now part of the business, for the business, of Johnny Paris and his Hurricanes...how I got here, even I would've never believed in the last 30 years since I left the group. After best estimates of over 300 members in the 50 years of John's carreer, somehow, after pairing up with John's widow Sonja, it was only the two of us left standing after he passed. Sonja was the one really standing tall...I just followed around at their house dumfounded and waded through Johns lifetime of mementos. After his home was sold and the estate closed, we concentrated on writing the book from John' own outline and diaries. People took to calling me "Hurricane" Duane.
I was once just the lead guitar player, did my time, left John on good terms and went my way. I never, ever, EVER would have believed I'd be back in the group....representing the group....and essentially I guess, I am the group now. Just me and Sonja. Many former Hurricanes have been interviewed and contributed to Johns book. Many have gone on to bigger stages in the sky. Some refused. And so, I did the best I could, with what I could, and all of the information, master tapes, copyrights, posters, flyers and such that Johnny left. Again, month in and month out... was only me representing the musical interests, career, future book and rights and music of John's to the world AS THE ONLY MEMBER LEFT STILL WITH THE GROUP to this day.
I was overwhelmed, kind of shocked, but surprised as well. I know as Johns guitar player, we had our slight differences on stage. But now, those differences seem small...and Im glad we did remain friends. Often thru all this, Ive felt the weight of the responsiblilites of being the last one on stage. Just like Johnny. He was the last one standing after 50 years. According to his own statement, "There were over 300 Hurricanes!" But there was always only one Johnny. Bandleader, inventor of the talking sax, purveyor of stereo recordings and music videos, he was one for the record books. And now he's in them.
From a young long haired Detroit guitar player, to Atila Records Rep, and Associate Johnny and The Hurricanes, Inc, and Sirius 1 Music Publishing, to his biographer with Sonja...I'm the last Hurricane. So there for the Grace of God and Sonja's wishes, its just me. I wonder if John would have been happy it was me? I used to make him mad on stage during performances. Nothing too bad. But, he'd often frown. I know he never backed down, and stood his ground. "Nothing for free...everybody pays" he would say. That may be a little cold...but it was his way.
So, to all the cut-throat, down and dirty stealers of Johnny and the Hurricanes music and videos around the world...HEADS UP. Johnny's stepped out for now....but WATCH OUT! Theres another band member who stood side by side with Johnny on stage, who is now standing firm in Johnny's place. It came from John. I'll DEFEND that place. If it comes to it..."Katie bar the door...we's gonna fight!" Because....I'm the Last Hurricane!!!"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"THE LAST HURRICANE"
A Brief Biography of Hurricane Duane Thomas
by Lazlo Farnsworth, London UK
©2008
Introduction
(followed by Interview Parts 1 & 2)
As a young teen in the early 1960's, Duane played in many garage bands, and then in large Motown-style horn show bands, often with two drummers. He played sock hops, dances, Quintecerias, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, Teen clubs and Fraternity and Sorority parties at the Universities of Michigan State, Eastern, Ohio, Bowling Green, Central, Western Michigan and University of Michigan and University of Detroit, including some teen TV shows.
*Duane: "We learned out in those garages and basements every new style as it happened. That’s how I grew. I went from 50's Rock and Roll to Soul music. During the Detroit riots, everything changed. All types of music and styles were on radios everywhere. We had to keep up. Now, they just buy a compilation of tunes, knock out a couple, and go from there. I think something important was lost in that method of learning."
Duane has recorded, performed, toured and produced many International and National Recording stars. Some regional groups include "The Radicals", "System", "The Royalists", "Soul Penetrators", "New Reign”, "Sound and Fury", "Southern Comfort", “The Flying Squirrels”, “The Limit”, “Blue Acid”, “Dreamcatcher” and "Hunter-Thomas". By 1973, Duane was a 20-year-old guitar teacher in Dearborn, Michigan.
*Duane: "While teaching in a music store, I was approached to play guitar in Johnny and The Hurricanes. I thought it was a joke. At 1st I was kind of shocked, then overwhelmed AND surprised! I stayed for about a year."
Duane has played and toured with too many groups to mention them all, but include Waylon Jennings (Dukes of Hazzard), Bob Lumen (Rainy Day Women) Sammi Smith (Help me make it through the night). Duane also fronted the groups "Duane Thomas & Melanie Marie Show" in Miami, Florida, "Earthstar” a 9-piece R & B horn group in Florence, South Carolina; and “The Duane Thomas Group” from Coral Gables, Florida, working the hotel and Show-Club circuit.
*Duane: "After about 1981-2, things just exploded for me. I didnt know where I was from minute to minute. Country, town, plane or train...I just didnt stop. And with Johnny and The Hurricanes business and "SAX MAN"s release...I don't expect to slow down any time soon either. The interviews and touring are beginning again in earnest. Really and truely, I am blessed."
Being a songwriter, guitarist, keyboardist and Lead Vocalist as well, Duane became the Associate Television Producer of the "RON DENER SHOW" Channel 51 Ft. Lauderdale Florida, and a Video Producer and Booking Agent for RAINBOW PRODUCTIONS in Wisconsin.
*Duane: "Those early music videos were some of the 1st in the world for VHI and others, long before they were popular. In all, I've done well over 35 music videos and many more commercials for radio and television."
By mid-2001, and after retiring with a family leave from the University of Michigan Hospital, he produced and co-wrote the album "DREAMCATCHER" with Leah Winslett, also filling both spots as Lead Guitarist and Musical Director of her touring group. Around that time, Duane also filmed and produced 5 shows at Detroit's Auto-Rama, and a Pepsi Commercial for the Detroit market.
*Duane: "How I ended up in 2006 with Sonja Paris and back with Johnny and The Hurricanes some 30 years after I left the group, even I'm not sure! John passed away, and a simple call of condolence went out, and then…pop! There I was. After pairing up to author "SAX MAN", it was only Sonja and I left standing representing the group after some 50 years of Johnny & The Hurricanes. Ever since, I've been referred to by friends, fans and in print as "Hurricane"-Duane Thomas or "The Last Hurricane." (Note: To this day he's still called by some the nickname Johnny gave him back in '73 "The Kid".) L.F.
Currently, Hurricane Duane is doing radio and television interviews in addition to web-casts around the world in support of the release of "SAX MAN", and finishing his next book "SPIRITS IVE KNOWN...AND A FEW I DIDNT!" As well, he's preparing for the release of some old, new and original music, from both the Hurricanes and himself.
As the Security Supervising Officer in charge of the REGENT COURT BUILDING-FORD WORLD HEADQUARTERS in Dearborn, Michigan, he resides there with his wife Laura and the Wonder Dog "LUCKY".
Part 1
*Interviewer: LAZLO FARNSWORTH, London 1-24-08
Duane Thomas in his Detroit office.
L.F.
Great to meet you finally. I loved Johnny and The Hurricanes®, and I love reading your Google Blogger "Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!". It's really great. It's been a busy 18 months now since Johnny Paris® passed away, right?
D.T.
Thanks for the compliment. Well...you could say. Sonja and I have been thrashing around like a couple alligators in a bathtub. Going through all of his things was a nightmare.
L.F.
Did he have a lot of stuff from the Hurricane days?
D.T.
He had saved stuff for 60 years. Loaf of bread receipts for $.24 cents in 1962...and picture of him and the Beatles..with a grocery list on the back. Bus fares and taxi totals and old train tickets. Contracts, photos, writeups, files, cards, tapes, Masters...you name it...the guy saved it.
L.F.
He probably planned to write his memoirs.
D.T.
He did. He kept a diary and had a general outline, that we followed along with a huge amount of research. And by interviews with former bandmates, school friends, managers such as HORST FASCHER from Hamburg's STAR-CLUB who contracted both the Beatles and Johnny and The Hurricanes®. Of course, and a lot of important and famous people from the days of the Birth of Rock and Roll. And also outta those darn storage facilities we keep all his things in. I just KNOW I'll never get thru it all. And I've tried for almost 2 years.
L.F.
I suppose that much available information would be great stuff for a book.
D.T.
Stuff is a good word. Johnny had stuff for his stuff...stuffed everywhere. We didn't have a clue where to begin.
L.F.
So, how did it begin? The idea for "SAX MAN".
D.T.
It was John's idea from his outline. And a song he wrote by that name. He always intended to write his biography. Johnny's widow Sonja and I met after his passing, and paired up together. We were an unlikely pair at 1st. A former Hurricane and a grieving widow who hadn't any clue as to how the entertainment business works. I just dove into his stuff, and house, office, file cabinets and locker. There was so much stuff...honestly? I wanted to go out to the cemetery and dig him up and kill him again for leaving all this stuff from his 50+ years with the group! It was a monumental task.
L.F.
This is the 50th anniversary of Johnny and the Hurricanes®, correct?
D.T.
It is 50 years since 1958, mere months before "CROSSFIRE" was released, followed by "RED RIVER ROCK", and consequently all the others from early 1959 on. We were named the #1 Instrumental Group in the World in 1959, and Johnny was one of the very 1st to do music videos in 1960..and record in Stereo at Bell Sound in New York...in 1960 no less, years before it was accepted.
L.F.
And you were the lead guitarist and lead vocalist in the mid-seventies?
D.T.
I was. There have been over 300 members in 50 years. I was teaching guitar in Detroit when I was approached to join the group. I was un-impressed and really had no idea it was 'THAT' Johnny and The Hurricanes®. One night on stage John announces "And now...our BIGGEST hit...!" I and go "We're the 'REAL' Johnny and The Hurricanes®?" Life can sure be simple when you're young and think you know everything...but really know nothing.
L.F.
What was it like in those days playing in front of big audiences? I'll bet it was a blast.
D.T.
I'd tell you...but then I'd have to kill you. You'll have to read the book!
L.F.
I cant wait. I know he lived an amazing life.
D.T.
Johnny was the 1st real American Idol. Girls were fainting at him up there playing sax behind his back. And this was in 1959 yet!
L.F.
Can you give us some hints as to what's in it?
D.T.
Details? No. You'll have to read the book. But, I can tell you this. It's the story about a boy who wanted to be an astronaut...but became a superstar instead. Lost masters and song rights, bad deals, The Beatles, American Bandstand, broken relationships and marriage, affairs, Red Light Districts, booze and drugs, and the Birth of Rock and Roll.
L.F.
Amazing, truely amazing. It should be a movie too!
D.T.
We are negotiating that as well as we speak. Book 1st, motion picture to follow. Cross your fingers. Really though, it all looks very, very good.
L.F.
And you have the website up, and the new MYSPACE pages as well, right?
D.T.
Yep. But we couldn't have done it without the help of the folks here at the Hurricane Shelter. Sonja, Larry Patterson, LA Grizzy, Dale Martin and Lucky the Wonder Dog.
L.F.
I was going to ask you about him!
D.T.
(sigh) Well, you shouldn't. It will all go to his head! He's a tiny black schnoodle who thinks he owns me. Actually..I guess he does in a way. He's the faithful companion that's always there no matter what. Like my wife Laura. Dependable and trustworhty to a fault. I couldn't ever ask for a better family.
L.F.
Thats really great. So, what time-table are you working with for releasing the book? Soon , we hope.
D.T.
It will be. Many issues were left unresolved, but they are now, and the path is clear.
L.F.
We can't wait. Any other projects in the works for you?
D.T.
I'm trying to get my brother's stuff out there. He's recovering now from cancer. And there's a great, great group up in New Foundland with a couple of brothers called "FITZ" . They're already on a par with the best that's been recorded out there. Very good, very talented. If I can't give them a break, I sure wish someone would. And another friend Roger Banks has a new book out "The BLACK DON JUAN". I'd like to see him succeed. An excellent writer and phenomenal vocalist as well.
L.F.
Wow. And "Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!? Will it continue?
D.T.
Oh yes, but in video this year. In addition to posting, you'll also be able to watch it on YouTube each Sunday. It's exciting.
L.F.
You ARE busy!
D.T.
Yeah, well as my daddy used to say..."I'll rest when I'm dead". Hopefully, that won't be anytime soon.
L.F.
We hope not! Johnny Paris® and yourself have brought a lot of great music to the world. Hopefully, more will follow.
D.T.
Thanks. I did an interview once with the Detroit Free Press. And what I said then, hold true now.
L.F.
And what was that?
D.T.
I said that music is reward in itself. Music is universal, music is heart and soul. Music is love. Its a language we all speak, hear and feel.
L.F.
Thank you Mr. Thomas for your time. The world awaits.
D.T.
My pleasure. But, please! No MISTER Thomas. Call me Duane or "Hurricane". Just never call call me late for dinner!
L.F.
Ha, ha! I won't Duane. But you're picking up the tab here!
D.T.
Touche my friend. Touche.
Part 2
L.F: So, how exactly did you join Johnny and the Hurricanes®?
D.T: I was teaching guitar lessons in Dearborn Michigan after High School, and Jerry David, the Hurricanes Bass player came in and asked if I was free.
L.F. That must have been a dream for a young guitarist to be asked to play with such a world famous group, eh?
D.T: Well, all this is in our book, but...it would have been great...if I had any idea WHO Johnny and the Hurricanes® were!
L.F: You didnt know who they were?!
D.T: Of course I knew who Johnny Paris® was... and his Hurricanes. But, there were so many bands back then. I played in a bunch. Big 12 piece horn Motown type groups to bar band rockers. Right after the '60's, you know? It just never dawned on me I joined THAT Johnny and The Hurricanes®. I mean...I just didnt connect the dots. I had played with so many different people and kinds of music. It just went over my head.
L.F: That in itself is amazing! That you didnt know!
D.F: Yeah well...life is sure cut-and-dried simple when you think you know EVERYTHING! And, I thought I did at 20-21 years of age.
L.F: I find this really interesting. So...when...I mean...when did you finally..
D.T: Realize what group I had gotten into? Actually? Probably just the last 2 years since John passed away. No, seriously, on stage one night, and after a song was introduced. It's all in the book.
L.F: And so, you stayed how long? Furthermore...why had you left?
D.T: PLEASE buy our book! Its all in there!...I was lead guitarist and vocalist between 1973-late 74. And why I left? John just announced one day, he was spitting up this group (and his hundredth or so version...this is what he did for 45+ years...dump and replace). And I went on to Motown Studios to record a solo album with some Motown alumni and others.
L.F: Really! How did that solo recording come about? Who played on it? Anyone we'd might know?
D.T: Well, I was just tired of the Hurricanes, and wanted to do my own thing. Also...in our book. Ralph Terrana from Rare Earth, the Hurricanes and Motown Exec on piano, Perry Palmer from Bob Seger at the time on drums, Al Zenick from Seger and Bowie on bass, Daniel Gaines on acoustic. Bob Ohlson Motown legend, was my engineer.
L.F: Wow! And what happened?
D.T: Nothing happened. Like a million other groups out there. My originals were Allman Brothers style, and recorded because Capricorn Records down in Macon Georgia, who were handling the Allmans, Marshall Tucker and Charlie Daniels, were interested. And then they weren't. Ce la vie.
L.F: As is true for so many out there. I understand you went and relocated to Miami?
D.T: I did. Guitar, amp, wife and dog. Moved to Coral Gables. Beautiful city. Gorgeous. I love that place.
L.F: And you kept playing?
D.T: Yep. Had the Duane Thomas Group with a couple female vocalists. We worked the Holiday Inn circuit and the Miami Beach Hotels, til I got a job coaching models for Charm Modeling Schools of Miami. Mostly women..young..and yes. I got into trouble..but that led me to Assistant Producer of a weekly variety television show in Ft. Lauderdale. So, it was all good. The 70's in Miami were wild times.
L.F: Oh oh! Compared to the '60's?
D.T: Threesomes and swapping were common and accepted back then. Along with the 'recreational" dabbling in mind altering substances. It was a sign of the times.
L.F: And how long did you stay in South Florida?
D.T: Till the end of 1978, and I packed up wife, dog and girlfriend...yeah I know...but remember...threesomes were a thing then..and came back to Detroit.
L.F: Let me see if I understand you. You brought your girlfriend AND your wife back?
D.T: Please! I did it....don't regret it, but wouldn't repeat it. It was just a rock musician and a couple women thing. May we move along?
L.F: Yes, of course. You've had a very interesting career up until that point! I would love to discuss what the rock scene was like in Detroit in the 1960's. Motown. Bob Seger.
D.T: I'd love to, but that will have to be another time.
L.F: Thank you, why yes. Yes, of course. But maybe you should say not "another time" Duane...perhaps another "BOOK!"
D.T: HA! Oh, God love ya! From your mouth to God's ear...as the saying goes. We have contemplated other books after "SAX MAN", and I as well, have some ideas of my own. But, for now with "SAX MAN" coming, for the forseeable future...I'm just tryin' to put one foot in front of the other everyday, you know? And maybe I can do somebody, somewhere, some good along the way. Tomorrow may not come for all of us.
L.F: Thank you so much Duane! The public can't wait for Johnny's biography to come out. To see the real hidden sides of the history of Rock and Roll, and the story of Johnny Paris®.
D.T: You're most welcome Lazlo. My best to yours.
L.F: Perhaps we could speak again soon?
D.T. Absolutely. But next time in London, at your place..."across the pond". And YOUR'E buying this time!
L.F: Ha ha! Touche' yourself Hurricane Duane! Touche'.
Lazlo Farnsworth Uk
You know friends, they say we really don't pick our lot in life...its pre-determined. Interesting. Now part of the business, for the business, of Johnny Paris and his Hurricanes...how I got here, even I would've never believed in the last 30 years since I left the group. After best estimates of over 300 members in the 50 years of John's carreer, somehow, after pairing up with John's widow Sonja, it was only the two of us left standing after he passed. Sonja was the one really standing tall...I just followed around at their house dumfounded and waded through Johns lifetime of mementos. After his home was sold and the estate closed, we concentrated on writing the book from John' own outline and diaries. People took to calling me "Hurricane" Duane.
I was once just the lead guitar player, did my time, left John on good terms and went my way. I never, ever, EVER would have believed I'd be back in the group....representing the group....and essentially I guess, I am the group now. Just me and Sonja. Many former Hurricanes have been interviewed and contributed to Johns book. Many have gone on to bigger stages in the sky. Some refused. And so, I did the best I could, with what I could, and all of the information, master tapes, copyrights, posters, flyers and such that Johnny left. Again, month in and month out... was only me representing the musical interests, career, future book and rights and music of John's to the world AS THE ONLY MEMBER LEFT STILL WITH THE GROUP to this day.
I was overwhelmed, kind of shocked, but surprised as well. I know as Johns guitar player, we had our slight differences on stage. But now, those differences seem small...and Im glad we did remain friends. Often thru all this, Ive felt the weight of the responsiblilites of being the last one on stage. Just like Johnny. He was the last one standing after 50 years. According to his own statement, "There were over 300 Hurricanes!" But there was always only one Johnny. Bandleader, inventor of the talking sax, purveyor of stereo recordings and music videos, he was one for the record books. And now he's in them.
From a young long haired Detroit guitar player, to Atila Records Rep, and Associate Johnny and The Hurricanes, Inc, and Sirius 1 Music Publishing, to his biographer with Sonja...I'm the last Hurricane. So there for the Grace of God and Sonja's wishes, its just me. I wonder if John would have been happy it was me? I used to make him mad on stage during performances. Nothing too bad. But, he'd often frown. I know he never backed down, and stood his ground. "Nothing for free...everybody pays" he would say. That may be a little cold...but it was his way.
So, to all the cut-throat, down and dirty stealers of Johnny and the Hurricanes music and videos around the world...HEADS UP. Johnny's stepped out for now....but WATCH OUT! Theres another band member who stood side by side with Johnny on stage, who is now standing firm in Johnny's place. It came from John. I'll DEFEND that place. If it comes to it..."Katie bar the door...we's gonna fight!" Because....I'm the Last Hurricane!!!"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"THE LAST HURRICANE"
A Brief Biography of Hurricane Duane Thomas
by Lazlo Farnsworth, London UK
©2008
Introduction
(followed by Interview Parts 1 & 2)
As a young teen in the early 1960's, Duane played in many garage bands, and then in large Motown-style horn show bands, often with two drummers. He played sock hops, dances, Quintecerias, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, Teen clubs and Fraternity and Sorority parties at the Universities of Michigan State, Eastern, Ohio, Bowling Green, Central, Western Michigan and University of Michigan and University of Detroit, including some teen TV shows.
*Duane: "We learned out in those garages and basements every new style as it happened. That’s how I grew. I went from 50's Rock and Roll to Soul music. During the Detroit riots, everything changed. All types of music and styles were on radios everywhere. We had to keep up. Now, they just buy a compilation of tunes, knock out a couple, and go from there. I think something important was lost in that method of learning."
Duane has recorded, performed, toured and produced many International and National Recording stars. Some regional groups include "The Radicals", "System", "The Royalists", "Soul Penetrators", "New Reign”, "Sound and Fury", "Southern Comfort", “The Flying Squirrels”, “The Limit”, “Blue Acid”, “Dreamcatcher” and "Hunter-Thomas". By 1973, Duane was a 20-year-old guitar teacher in Dearborn, Michigan.
*Duane: "While teaching in a music store, I was approached to play guitar in Johnny and The Hurricanes. I thought it was a joke. At 1st I was kind of shocked, then overwhelmed AND surprised! I stayed for about a year."
Duane has played and toured with too many groups to mention them all, but include Waylon Jennings (Dukes of Hazzard), Bob Lumen (Rainy Day Women) Sammi Smith (Help me make it through the night). Duane also fronted the groups "Duane Thomas & Melanie Marie Show" in Miami, Florida, "Earthstar” a 9-piece R & B horn group in Florence, South Carolina; and “The Duane Thomas Group” from Coral Gables, Florida, working the hotel and Show-Club circuit.
*Duane: "After about 1981-2, things just exploded for me. I didnt know where I was from minute to minute. Country, town, plane or train...I just didnt stop. And with Johnny and The Hurricanes business and "SAX MAN"s release...I don't expect to slow down any time soon either. The interviews and touring are beginning again in earnest. Really and truely, I am blessed."
Being a songwriter, guitarist, keyboardist and Lead Vocalist as well, Duane became the Associate Television Producer of the "RON DENER SHOW" Channel 51 Ft. Lauderdale Florida, and a Video Producer and Booking Agent for RAINBOW PRODUCTIONS in Wisconsin.
*Duane: "Those early music videos were some of the 1st in the world for VHI and others, long before they were popular. In all, I've done well over 35 music videos and many more commercials for radio and television."
By mid-2001, and after retiring with a family leave from the University of Michigan Hospital, he produced and co-wrote the album "DREAMCATCHER" with Leah Winslett, also filling both spots as Lead Guitarist and Musical Director of her touring group. Around that time, Duane also filmed and produced 5 shows at Detroit's Auto-Rama, and a Pepsi Commercial for the Detroit market.
*Duane: "How I ended up in 2006 with Sonja Paris and back with Johnny and The Hurricanes some 30 years after I left the group, even I'm not sure! John passed away, and a simple call of condolence went out, and then…pop! There I was. After pairing up to author "SAX MAN", it was only Sonja and I left standing representing the group after some 50 years of Johnny & The Hurricanes. Ever since, I've been referred to by friends, fans and in print as "Hurricane"-Duane Thomas or "The Last Hurricane." (Note: To this day he's still called by some the nickname Johnny gave him back in '73 "The Kid".) L.F.
Currently, Hurricane Duane is doing radio and television interviews in addition to web-casts around the world in support of the release of "SAX MAN", and finishing his next book "SPIRITS IVE KNOWN...AND A FEW I DIDNT!" As well, he's preparing for the release of some old, new and original music, from both the Hurricanes and himself.
As the Security Supervising Officer in charge of the REGENT COURT BUILDING-FORD WORLD HEADQUARTERS in Dearborn, Michigan, he resides there with his wife Laura and the Wonder Dog "LUCKY".
Part 1
*Interviewer: LAZLO FARNSWORTH, London 1-24-08
Duane Thomas in his Detroit office.
L.F.
Great to meet you finally. I loved Johnny and The Hurricanes®, and I love reading your Google Blogger "Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!". It's really great. It's been a busy 18 months now since Johnny Paris® passed away, right?
D.T.
Thanks for the compliment. Well...you could say. Sonja and I have been thrashing around like a couple alligators in a bathtub. Going through all of his things was a nightmare.
L.F.
Did he have a lot of stuff from the Hurricane days?
D.T.
He had saved stuff for 60 years. Loaf of bread receipts for $.24 cents in 1962...and picture of him and the Beatles..with a grocery list on the back. Bus fares and taxi totals and old train tickets. Contracts, photos, writeups, files, cards, tapes, Masters...you name it...the guy saved it.
L.F.
He probably planned to write his memoirs.
D.T.
He did. He kept a diary and had a general outline, that we followed along with a huge amount of research. And by interviews with former bandmates, school friends, managers such as HORST FASCHER from Hamburg's STAR-CLUB who contracted both the Beatles and Johnny and The Hurricanes®. Of course, and a lot of important and famous people from the days of the Birth of Rock and Roll. And also outta those darn storage facilities we keep all his things in. I just KNOW I'll never get thru it all. And I've tried for almost 2 years.
L.F.
I suppose that much available information would be great stuff for a book.
D.T.
Stuff is a good word. Johnny had stuff for his stuff...stuffed everywhere. We didn't have a clue where to begin.
L.F.
So, how did it begin? The idea for "SAX MAN".
D.T.
It was John's idea from his outline. And a song he wrote by that name. He always intended to write his biography. Johnny's widow Sonja and I met after his passing, and paired up together. We were an unlikely pair at 1st. A former Hurricane and a grieving widow who hadn't any clue as to how the entertainment business works. I just dove into his stuff, and house, office, file cabinets and locker. There was so much stuff...honestly? I wanted to go out to the cemetery and dig him up and kill him again for leaving all this stuff from his 50+ years with the group! It was a monumental task.
L.F.
This is the 50th anniversary of Johnny and the Hurricanes®, correct?
D.T.
It is 50 years since 1958, mere months before "CROSSFIRE" was released, followed by "RED RIVER ROCK", and consequently all the others from early 1959 on. We were named the #1 Instrumental Group in the World in 1959, and Johnny was one of the very 1st to do music videos in 1960..and record in Stereo at Bell Sound in New York...in 1960 no less, years before it was accepted.
L.F.
And you were the lead guitarist and lead vocalist in the mid-seventies?
D.T.
I was. There have been over 300 members in 50 years. I was teaching guitar in Detroit when I was approached to join the group. I was un-impressed and really had no idea it was 'THAT' Johnny and The Hurricanes®. One night on stage John announces "And now...our BIGGEST hit...!" I and go "We're the 'REAL' Johnny and The Hurricanes®?" Life can sure be simple when you're young and think you know everything...but really know nothing.
L.F.
What was it like in those days playing in front of big audiences? I'll bet it was a blast.
D.T.
I'd tell you...but then I'd have to kill you. You'll have to read the book!
L.F.
I cant wait. I know he lived an amazing life.
D.T.
Johnny was the 1st real American Idol. Girls were fainting at him up there playing sax behind his back. And this was in 1959 yet!
L.F.
Can you give us some hints as to what's in it?
D.T.
Details? No. You'll have to read the book. But, I can tell you this. It's the story about a boy who wanted to be an astronaut...but became a superstar instead. Lost masters and song rights, bad deals, The Beatles, American Bandstand, broken relationships and marriage, affairs, Red Light Districts, booze and drugs, and the Birth of Rock and Roll.
L.F.
Amazing, truely amazing. It should be a movie too!
D.T.
We are negotiating that as well as we speak. Book 1st, motion picture to follow. Cross your fingers. Really though, it all looks very, very good.
L.F.
And you have the website up, and the new MYSPACE pages as well, right?
D.T.
Yep. But we couldn't have done it without the help of the folks here at the Hurricane Shelter. Sonja, Larry Patterson, LA Grizzy, Dale Martin and Lucky the Wonder Dog.
L.F.
I was going to ask you about him!
D.T.
(sigh) Well, you shouldn't. It will all go to his head! He's a tiny black schnoodle who thinks he owns me. Actually..I guess he does in a way. He's the faithful companion that's always there no matter what. Like my wife Laura. Dependable and trustworhty to a fault. I couldn't ever ask for a better family.
L.F.
Thats really great. So, what time-table are you working with for releasing the book? Soon , we hope.
D.T.
It will be. Many issues were left unresolved, but they are now, and the path is clear.
L.F.
We can't wait. Any other projects in the works for you?
D.T.
I'm trying to get my brother's stuff out there. He's recovering now from cancer. And there's a great, great group up in New Foundland with a couple of brothers called "FITZ" . They're already on a par with the best that's been recorded out there. Very good, very talented. If I can't give them a break, I sure wish someone would. And another friend Roger Banks has a new book out "The BLACK DON JUAN". I'd like to see him succeed. An excellent writer and phenomenal vocalist as well.
L.F.
Wow. And "Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!? Will it continue?
D.T.
Oh yes, but in video this year. In addition to posting, you'll also be able to watch it on YouTube each Sunday. It's exciting.
L.F.
You ARE busy!
D.T.
Yeah, well as my daddy used to say..."I'll rest when I'm dead". Hopefully, that won't be anytime soon.
L.F.
We hope not! Johnny Paris® and yourself have brought a lot of great music to the world. Hopefully, more will follow.
D.T.
Thanks. I did an interview once with the Detroit Free Press. And what I said then, hold true now.
L.F.
And what was that?
D.T.
I said that music is reward in itself. Music is universal, music is heart and soul. Music is love. Its a language we all speak, hear and feel.
L.F.
Thank you Mr. Thomas for your time. The world awaits.
D.T.
My pleasure. But, please! No MISTER Thomas. Call me Duane or "Hurricane". Just never call call me late for dinner!
L.F.
Ha, ha! I won't Duane. But you're picking up the tab here!
D.T.
Touche my friend. Touche.
Part 2
L.F: So, how exactly did you join Johnny and the Hurricanes®?
D.T: I was teaching guitar lessons in Dearborn Michigan after High School, and Jerry David, the Hurricanes Bass player came in and asked if I was free.
L.F. That must have been a dream for a young guitarist to be asked to play with such a world famous group, eh?
D.T: Well, all this is in our book, but...it would have been great...if I had any idea WHO Johnny and the Hurricanes® were!
L.F: You didnt know who they were?!
D.T: Of course I knew who Johnny Paris® was... and his Hurricanes. But, there were so many bands back then. I played in a bunch. Big 12 piece horn Motown type groups to bar band rockers. Right after the '60's, you know? It just never dawned on me I joined THAT Johnny and The Hurricanes®. I mean...I just didnt connect the dots. I had played with so many different people and kinds of music. It just went over my head.
L.F: That in itself is amazing! That you didnt know!
D.F: Yeah well...life is sure cut-and-dried simple when you think you know EVERYTHING! And, I thought I did at 20-21 years of age.
L.F: I find this really interesting. So...when...I mean...when did you finally..
D.T: Realize what group I had gotten into? Actually? Probably just the last 2 years since John passed away. No, seriously, on stage one night, and after a song was introduced. It's all in the book.
L.F: And so, you stayed how long? Furthermore...why had you left?
D.T: PLEASE buy our book! Its all in there!...I was lead guitarist and vocalist between 1973-late 74. And why I left? John just announced one day, he was spitting up this group (and his hundredth or so version...this is what he did for 45+ years...dump and replace). And I went on to Motown Studios to record a solo album with some Motown alumni and others.
L.F: Really! How did that solo recording come about? Who played on it? Anyone we'd might know?
D.T: Well, I was just tired of the Hurricanes, and wanted to do my own thing. Also...in our book. Ralph Terrana from Rare Earth, the Hurricanes and Motown Exec on piano, Perry Palmer from Bob Seger at the time on drums, Al Zenick from Seger and Bowie on bass, Daniel Gaines on acoustic. Bob Ohlson Motown legend, was my engineer.
L.F: Wow! And what happened?
D.T: Nothing happened. Like a million other groups out there. My originals were Allman Brothers style, and recorded because Capricorn Records down in Macon Georgia, who were handling the Allmans, Marshall Tucker and Charlie Daniels, were interested. And then they weren't. Ce la vie.
L.F: As is true for so many out there. I understand you went and relocated to Miami?
D.T: I did. Guitar, amp, wife and dog. Moved to Coral Gables. Beautiful city. Gorgeous. I love that place.
L.F: And you kept playing?
D.T: Yep. Had the Duane Thomas Group with a couple female vocalists. We worked the Holiday Inn circuit and the Miami Beach Hotels, til I got a job coaching models for Charm Modeling Schools of Miami. Mostly women..young..and yes. I got into trouble..but that led me to Assistant Producer of a weekly variety television show in Ft. Lauderdale. So, it was all good. The 70's in Miami were wild times.
L.F: Oh oh! Compared to the '60's?
D.T: Threesomes and swapping were common and accepted back then. Along with the 'recreational" dabbling in mind altering substances. It was a sign of the times.
L.F: And how long did you stay in South Florida?
D.T: Till the end of 1978, and I packed up wife, dog and girlfriend...yeah I know...but remember...threesomes were a thing then..and came back to Detroit.
L.F: Let me see if I understand you. You brought your girlfriend AND your wife back?
D.T: Please! I did it....don't regret it, but wouldn't repeat it. It was just a rock musician and a couple women thing. May we move along?
L.F: Yes, of course. You've had a very interesting career up until that point! I would love to discuss what the rock scene was like in Detroit in the 1960's. Motown. Bob Seger.
D.T: I'd love to, but that will have to be another time.
L.F: Thank you, why yes. Yes, of course. But maybe you should say not "another time" Duane...perhaps another "BOOK!"
D.T: HA! Oh, God love ya! From your mouth to God's ear...as the saying goes. We have contemplated other books after "SAX MAN", and I as well, have some ideas of my own. But, for now with "SAX MAN" coming, for the forseeable future...I'm just tryin' to put one foot in front of the other everyday, you know? And maybe I can do somebody, somewhere, some good along the way. Tomorrow may not come for all of us.
L.F: Thank you so much Duane! The public can't wait for Johnny's biography to come out. To see the real hidden sides of the history of Rock and Roll, and the story of Johnny Paris®.
D.T: You're most welcome Lazlo. My best to yours.
L.F: Perhaps we could speak again soon?
D.T. Absolutely. But next time in London, at your place..."across the pond". And YOUR'E buying this time!
L.F: Ha ha! Touche' yourself Hurricane Duane! Touche'.
Lazlo Farnsworth Uk
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Interview in Rio De Janiero, Brazil 2009
(Friends: This one got missed from the blog archives went it 1st came out. While relaxing into the New Year, I was tracked down somehow, someway by a pretty young University Journalism Major. Her name was Angelique. Here is most of it, and it's kinda funny along the lines of the interview I did in Japan. Hope you read it and enjoy! HDT)
"Interview on a beach somewhere in Rio de Janiero" 2009
A: I am happy you will speak with me! I did a History of Music thesis last year and learned about your Johnny & The Hurricanes and your hit records!
D.T. Thanks so much, but how did you find me?
A: A good reporter should have good sources! And I was excited to meet you!
D.T. Well, I appreciate the interest. Even though you caught me by surprise. Usually, when an attractive young lady as yourself approaches me, I ask 2 questions. One: Do I owe you any money? And two: Did I father any of your children? (I've spent many years as a musician in many parts of the globe.) But, I see youre too young to answer either question. I'm afraid what you might ask, but since you found me, go ahead. I'm feeling brave. Probably not as brave as you though. Just a couple of things first. Johnny & The Hurricanes is not mine per se. The group belongs to the World. I played a small part, and now it's just myself and Sonja Paris left to look after things.
A. You co-wrote "SAX MAN" together, yes?
D.T. I guess you DID do some research! Together? Yes. And, apart. It was the only way we could do justice to what John wanted when he left all his diaries, notes and files. I handled the musician and music business side of things, and Sonja handled all the personal details and interviews. Sonja Paris is also a Journalist as yourself. Well…some personal things such as groupies and life on the road came from me and my own time with the Hurricanes.
A. Did you have lots of these "groupies"? I bet so!
D.T. You won that one Angel! Can I call you that instead of Angelique?
A. Si, you may as you wish.
D.T. Don't go there please m' lady! I wish for many things in this world! I'm hoping if I dont get them in this one, God will grant them to me on the Other Side.
A. I looked into all the times of your band and those early years. They did not compare to the later years, no?
D.T. No, not at all. The early years were the hit records and fame. The later years were paying the bills and really…living off of a dream. Johnny spent the last 30 years of his life chasing himself and his music. Now-a-days, me too for that matter. Without my time as a Hurricane, you probably wouldn’t be speaking to me right now, you know? But, I am grateful to have you interested in me at all. They say if you can "google" yourself and find yourself, you must be somebody 'cause it'll be on the web forever. I am, so I guess I will be. And for that, I'll always be owing to John Paris and Johnny & The Hurricanes. And my "Driving Sideways in Detroit" articles.
A: Drivin' Sideways in…where? Detroit, you said? What is that?
D.T. A few years back when we cleared Johns house and storage lockers out, we began to write "SAX MAN", and it was a blog at GOOGLE BLOGGER I started. I've written nearly 50 (*over 60 in 2010-HDT)articles on all kinds of topics and subjects. Some topics that bothered me, others just to vent, or just because I was pissed off at something.
A: Do you still?
D.T. Do I still WHAT? Darlin', I "STILL' as much as I can these days!
A: Do you still post to this "Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!"?
D.T. Not as much weekly as before, but Im working on it. I guess I'm just waiting for the right time or subject.
A. So with "SAX MAN" will there be anymore new records coming?
D.T. Not any 'new' records. There is an Anthology planned from the Netherlands from about 60-70 of our songs. As far as new material, there will be one or two un-released songs by John and Johnny & The Hurricanes. As far as any "new" recordings...or any performances for that matter…as long as Johnny stays dead, there never will be.
A: No reunions? No?
D.T. As long as Johnny Paris stays dead, absolutely not! It was attempted once, but was stopped from happening. John was one of a kind. The #1 Instrumentalist of 1959, and one of Billboard Magazine Top-100 groups of all time. And in Rolling Stone's Encyclopedia of Rock and Roll greatest groups of all time. And…across on the next page from...the ROLLING STONES!
A: Wow!
D.T. So, no. No reunions, no recordings, no performances. Just "SAX MAN" and the Anthology. It was what John wanted at the end of his life. His story and maybe a complete Anthology. Both ought to be enough for the world. His life was an amazing one filled with everything that could happen to a Rock Star and more. And some things you cant even imagine, unless you were there. I was there for some of it, and that’s in there as well. My part was a very small part. Except the time I fell off the stage. That was big! And embarrassing!
A: How did you fall off the stage?
D.T. Please! Just read the book when it comes out! I get tired of repeating how dumb I was at times back then. But, the show had to go on, you know? I just kept playin"…from the floor!
A: HA! HA! You are very funny! A happy man.
D.T. Happy? A little maybe. But, I could be more handsome! I'm not too optimistic on that though.
A: I think you are!
D.T. Happy? Funny? Or Handsome?
A: All three! You are easy to talk to.
(*Footnote: At this time it should at least be mentioned this interview was on the beach, and you've all heard of how tiny bikinis are in Rio! DT)
D.T. Thanks for the compliment. You made my day!
A: I would like to know your thoughts on the music of today and the artists?
D.T. Wow! Where to start? Briefly and in a nutshell, all the music today is just a re-hash of the music of yesterday, you know? And the artists are just as wild and crazy as they were "back-in-the-day". Just in a "different-way". That goes with the times. Adam Lambert from American Idol, Lady Ga-Ga, and even Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift. All been done before. Problem with that is if youre young, the new artists are new to you and you haven’t anything to look back on to compare.
A: Like Julio Iglesias?
D.T. Yep. Frank Sinatra, Julio, Wayne Newton or Michael Buble. All pretty much the same. Same thing with Rock and Roll too.
A: With Johnny & his Hurricanes, the music is all dance-able and party tune style, no?
D.T. Yes, it is. I think because we were an instrumental group without vocals that it was just naturally danceable music.
Certainly "BEATNIK FLY" and "LAZY" were. "LAZY" you could do the "STROLL" to.
A: Stroll? Like down the beach?
D.T. Oh boy! Here I am again, sittin' with a pretty girl and feelin' old. It was a dance. Back in ancient times.
A: Oh, in Rome?
D.T: No. The FIFTIES! It was a dance you did at sock-hops.
A: You danced with hopping socks?
D.T. Oh man! Can ya make me feel any older Angel?
A: I am sorry I do not know these things! You have all the experience!
D.T. Boy! Its HOT on this beach! I think you're makin' me sweat.
A: And you are making me blush red, yes?
D.T. If that’s what you call it. My eyes are on fire! Exactly what color IS that thong...er...biki...oh...bathing suit youre almost not wearing?
A: It is called Hot Fuscia. It is ok?
D.T. Its ok alright, but Im not. Im getting hot flashes.
A: But with the Hurricanes, you had lots and lot of girls, no?
D.T. Women, girls, females. But it was always about the music anyway. To be with a rock star. It happened and still does. Not to me. Ive settled down. But it seems the women have gotten more forward about what they want and how they want it. And everyone wants to be with a rock star or musician. It'll never change.
A: If nothing you say changes much, then why is there still so much interest in the Hurricanes and the records?
D.T. Because nothing ever really changes. It just becomes something else. Same, but different, you know?
A: I do see. You are easy to know Duane! I am happy to see you today and ask you questions on the beach!
D.T. (With eyes trying hard to divert) Not as happy as I am today. Really, I enjoy being asked about Johnny and the Hurricanes and "SAX MAN". Johns career spanned 50 years not stop. And he had his trials and tribulations, heartaches and heartbreaks. That goes with the territory. I'v come to see that Johnny & The Hurricanes was his pride and joy, and his heartbreak too. Much was stolen from him and the group in the beginning. The only money made was from live performances. The managers were smart like foxes. They collected tons of money from the copyrights and publishing. The band didn’t. They toured the world over and over again to make a living. And they had to roll with the musical changes as they came along. Short hair and suit ties to long hair and jeans. They had to roll with the changes where they were once the trend setters. It's all in "SAX MAN". 50 years of changes. John did die a happy man though not rich. I don’t think he was happy with the way things went down, or the way he was treated, but he was satisfied with his place in music history.
A: It will be out soon, no? "SAX MAN"?
D.T. Yes. Probably it'll be published in the Uk. England, maybe. Germany. Thank you for asking and even caring about Johnny & The Hurricanes. It means a lot for people and fans to notice once and awhile. And because of how young an interviewer you are, its really special. Thanks a lot Angelique.
A: I really would like to interview you again sometime. And, as you said Duane. You have a place in musical history.
D.T. Sure Angel. Anytime. And these days, Im grateful to be any-place!
A: Gracias, senior Duane!
D.T. Back at cha, Seniora!
"Hurricane" Duane Thomas 2009 All Rights Reserved ©
"Interview on a beach somewhere in Rio de Janiero" 2009
A: I am happy you will speak with me! I did a History of Music thesis last year and learned about your Johnny & The Hurricanes and your hit records!
D.T. Thanks so much, but how did you find me?
A: A good reporter should have good sources! And I was excited to meet you!
D.T. Well, I appreciate the interest. Even though you caught me by surprise. Usually, when an attractive young lady as yourself approaches me, I ask 2 questions. One: Do I owe you any money? And two: Did I father any of your children? (I've spent many years as a musician in many parts of the globe.) But, I see youre too young to answer either question. I'm afraid what you might ask, but since you found me, go ahead. I'm feeling brave. Probably not as brave as you though. Just a couple of things first. Johnny & The Hurricanes is not mine per se. The group belongs to the World. I played a small part, and now it's just myself and Sonja Paris left to look after things.
A. You co-wrote "SAX MAN" together, yes?
D.T. I guess you DID do some research! Together? Yes. And, apart. It was the only way we could do justice to what John wanted when he left all his diaries, notes and files. I handled the musician and music business side of things, and Sonja handled all the personal details and interviews. Sonja Paris is also a Journalist as yourself. Well…some personal things such as groupies and life on the road came from me and my own time with the Hurricanes.
A. Did you have lots of these "groupies"? I bet so!
D.T. You won that one Angel! Can I call you that instead of Angelique?
A. Si, you may as you wish.
D.T. Don't go there please m' lady! I wish for many things in this world! I'm hoping if I dont get them in this one, God will grant them to me on the Other Side.
A. I looked into all the times of your band and those early years. They did not compare to the later years, no?
D.T. No, not at all. The early years were the hit records and fame. The later years were paying the bills and really…living off of a dream. Johnny spent the last 30 years of his life chasing himself and his music. Now-a-days, me too for that matter. Without my time as a Hurricane, you probably wouldn’t be speaking to me right now, you know? But, I am grateful to have you interested in me at all. They say if you can "google" yourself and find yourself, you must be somebody 'cause it'll be on the web forever. I am, so I guess I will be. And for that, I'll always be owing to John Paris and Johnny & The Hurricanes. And my "Driving Sideways in Detroit" articles.
A: Drivin' Sideways in…where? Detroit, you said? What is that?
D.T. A few years back when we cleared Johns house and storage lockers out, we began to write "SAX MAN", and it was a blog at GOOGLE BLOGGER I started. I've written nearly 50 (*over 60 in 2010-HDT)articles on all kinds of topics and subjects. Some topics that bothered me, others just to vent, or just because I was pissed off at something.
A: Do you still?
D.T. Do I still WHAT? Darlin', I "STILL' as much as I can these days!
A: Do you still post to this "Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!"?
D.T. Not as much weekly as before, but Im working on it. I guess I'm just waiting for the right time or subject.
A. So with "SAX MAN" will there be anymore new records coming?
D.T. Not any 'new' records. There is an Anthology planned from the Netherlands from about 60-70 of our songs. As far as new material, there will be one or two un-released songs by John and Johnny & The Hurricanes. As far as any "new" recordings...or any performances for that matter…as long as Johnny stays dead, there never will be.
A: No reunions? No?
D.T. As long as Johnny Paris stays dead, absolutely not! It was attempted once, but was stopped from happening. John was one of a kind. The #1 Instrumentalist of 1959, and one of Billboard Magazine Top-100 groups of all time. And in Rolling Stone's Encyclopedia of Rock and Roll greatest groups of all time. And…across on the next page from...the ROLLING STONES!
A: Wow!
D.T. So, no. No reunions, no recordings, no performances. Just "SAX MAN" and the Anthology. It was what John wanted at the end of his life. His story and maybe a complete Anthology. Both ought to be enough for the world. His life was an amazing one filled with everything that could happen to a Rock Star and more. And some things you cant even imagine, unless you were there. I was there for some of it, and that’s in there as well. My part was a very small part. Except the time I fell off the stage. That was big! And embarrassing!
A: How did you fall off the stage?
D.T. Please! Just read the book when it comes out! I get tired of repeating how dumb I was at times back then. But, the show had to go on, you know? I just kept playin"…from the floor!
A: HA! HA! You are very funny! A happy man.
D.T. Happy? A little maybe. But, I could be more handsome! I'm not too optimistic on that though.
A: I think you are!
D.T. Happy? Funny? Or Handsome?
A: All three! You are easy to talk to.
(*Footnote: At this time it should at least be mentioned this interview was on the beach, and you've all heard of how tiny bikinis are in Rio! DT)
D.T. Thanks for the compliment. You made my day!
A: I would like to know your thoughts on the music of today and the artists?
D.T. Wow! Where to start? Briefly and in a nutshell, all the music today is just a re-hash of the music of yesterday, you know? And the artists are just as wild and crazy as they were "back-in-the-day". Just in a "different-way". That goes with the times. Adam Lambert from American Idol, Lady Ga-Ga, and even Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift. All been done before. Problem with that is if youre young, the new artists are new to you and you haven’t anything to look back on to compare.
A: Like Julio Iglesias?
D.T. Yep. Frank Sinatra, Julio, Wayne Newton or Michael Buble. All pretty much the same. Same thing with Rock and Roll too.
A: With Johnny & his Hurricanes, the music is all dance-able and party tune style, no?
D.T. Yes, it is. I think because we were an instrumental group without vocals that it was just naturally danceable music.
Certainly "BEATNIK FLY" and "LAZY" were. "LAZY" you could do the "STROLL" to.
A: Stroll? Like down the beach?
D.T. Oh boy! Here I am again, sittin' with a pretty girl and feelin' old. It was a dance. Back in ancient times.
A: Oh, in Rome?
D.T: No. The FIFTIES! It was a dance you did at sock-hops.
A: You danced with hopping socks?
D.T. Oh man! Can ya make me feel any older Angel?
A: I am sorry I do not know these things! You have all the experience!
D.T. Boy! Its HOT on this beach! I think you're makin' me sweat.
A: And you are making me blush red, yes?
D.T. If that’s what you call it. My eyes are on fire! Exactly what color IS that thong...er...biki...oh...bathing suit youre almost not wearing?
A: It is called Hot Fuscia. It is ok?
D.T. Its ok alright, but Im not. Im getting hot flashes.
A: But with the Hurricanes, you had lots and lot of girls, no?
D.T. Women, girls, females. But it was always about the music anyway. To be with a rock star. It happened and still does. Not to me. Ive settled down. But it seems the women have gotten more forward about what they want and how they want it. And everyone wants to be with a rock star or musician. It'll never change.
A: If nothing you say changes much, then why is there still so much interest in the Hurricanes and the records?
D.T. Because nothing ever really changes. It just becomes something else. Same, but different, you know?
A: I do see. You are easy to know Duane! I am happy to see you today and ask you questions on the beach!
D.T. (With eyes trying hard to divert) Not as happy as I am today. Really, I enjoy being asked about Johnny and the Hurricanes and "SAX MAN". Johns career spanned 50 years not stop. And he had his trials and tribulations, heartaches and heartbreaks. That goes with the territory. I'v come to see that Johnny & The Hurricanes was his pride and joy, and his heartbreak too. Much was stolen from him and the group in the beginning. The only money made was from live performances. The managers were smart like foxes. They collected tons of money from the copyrights and publishing. The band didn’t. They toured the world over and over again to make a living. And they had to roll with the musical changes as they came along. Short hair and suit ties to long hair and jeans. They had to roll with the changes where they were once the trend setters. It's all in "SAX MAN". 50 years of changes. John did die a happy man though not rich. I don’t think he was happy with the way things went down, or the way he was treated, but he was satisfied with his place in music history.
A: It will be out soon, no? "SAX MAN"?
D.T. Yes. Probably it'll be published in the Uk. England, maybe. Germany. Thank you for asking and even caring about Johnny & The Hurricanes. It means a lot for people and fans to notice once and awhile. And because of how young an interviewer you are, its really special. Thanks a lot Angelique.
A: I really would like to interview you again sometime. And, as you said Duane. You have a place in musical history.
D.T. Sure Angel. Anytime. And these days, Im grateful to be any-place!
A: Gracias, senior Duane!
D.T. Back at cha, Seniora!
"Hurricane" Duane Thomas 2009 All Rights Reserved ©
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Robbed at gunpoint in our driveway
After calling me and telling me she was 'held-up' I thought she meant by a train or traffic. I never thought of robbery. And at our lighted porch in our driveway yet. Well, we do live on a very, very quiet street. They just stepped out of the darkness. My wife had 2 guns pointed at her as she exited the car in our own driveway the other night. The dog jumped out and as she exited the car, two low-lifes were upon her. I was at work and she had just dropped me off. They told her to give up her purse and she wouldn’t get hurt. That’s really something to say when you’ve got guns pointed at you. And we live in a nice neighborhood in the suburbs.
For the 1st few minutes I wanted to get home but from work, I couldn’t, and besides. The Police had just left and said it happened a few blocks up right before her. Some consolation! I was glad all they got was the purse, credit cards, a few bucks and I.D. Those can be replaced. But anything could have happened to her and the dog. Luckily, she had her keys, contact lens and phone. At least that was something positive. For that, I was relieved and am glad God was with her. But, now what? You think you live safe, and something like this happens. So much for security. All the motion detector lights and locked doors means nothing when you stare down the barrel of a couple guns. It could have turned real bad, real fast. Thank God it didn’t.
All these years Ive armed myself with a 357 Magnum with 150-grain Hollow points. If that had happened when I was there, I would have dropped them both where they stood. End of story. Thats WHY I feel safer armed than not. But, things in this world have to change. The sad thing is…they aren't going to anytime soon. And, its getting worse. Im just so relieved nothing worse happened to her, and I swear to you all. Someday, we are getting outta this "murder city" for good. Theres nothing left to strive for or hope for here. Detroit is the Cleveland or Buffalo of the future. It will be the next 'mistake on the lake'. It already is with no jobs, boarded and burned out houses, closed factories, and crack heads and ho's walking the street. There really are more of those than nice places and things in Detroit. Its a dying city on its last legs run by 'swami-Kwami's'. In my gym, Im now the only English speaking person there just about. And sorry friends. But Im sick to death of working out to Rap music in a place where the manager is a 23 year ghetto-head, and everyone else is talking foreign. So, it finally happened.
Im in the minority here, and ready to walk away. Burn the damn place to the ground. Shoot and kill each other, rob and rape and pillage. I don’t give a flying-f-of-a-flamingo if everyone burns in hell. And I am a God fearing Christian yet. This is no way to feel. But you put a gun or two in my face or my family…than "Katie-bar-the-door! Somebody's going to die. And it aint gonna be me. And rest assured. I will leave for good before I let that happen.
So lock your doors, keep your lights on, be aware of your surroundings, and carry only your ID and a few bills with you. As if that will really help you! It wont…but I have nothing else to give you hope for in this damn city. All is lost. The end times are upon us. And Ill be getting out soon. Maybe you all should pack a bag too? Before you get out of your car, in your own driveway with your porch lights on and have a gun shoved in your face.
God Bless my friends…and look over your shoulder. HDT
For the 1st few minutes I wanted to get home but from work, I couldn’t, and besides. The Police had just left and said it happened a few blocks up right before her. Some consolation! I was glad all they got was the purse, credit cards, a few bucks and I.D. Those can be replaced. But anything could have happened to her and the dog. Luckily, she had her keys, contact lens and phone. At least that was something positive. For that, I was relieved and am glad God was with her. But, now what? You think you live safe, and something like this happens. So much for security. All the motion detector lights and locked doors means nothing when you stare down the barrel of a couple guns. It could have turned real bad, real fast. Thank God it didn’t.
All these years Ive armed myself with a 357 Magnum with 150-grain Hollow points. If that had happened when I was there, I would have dropped them both where they stood. End of story. Thats WHY I feel safer armed than not. But, things in this world have to change. The sad thing is…they aren't going to anytime soon. And, its getting worse. Im just so relieved nothing worse happened to her, and I swear to you all. Someday, we are getting outta this "murder city" for good. Theres nothing left to strive for or hope for here. Detroit is the Cleveland or Buffalo of the future. It will be the next 'mistake on the lake'. It already is with no jobs, boarded and burned out houses, closed factories, and crack heads and ho's walking the street. There really are more of those than nice places and things in Detroit. Its a dying city on its last legs run by 'swami-Kwami's'. In my gym, Im now the only English speaking person there just about. And sorry friends. But Im sick to death of working out to Rap music in a place where the manager is a 23 year ghetto-head, and everyone else is talking foreign. So, it finally happened.
Im in the minority here, and ready to walk away. Burn the damn place to the ground. Shoot and kill each other, rob and rape and pillage. I don’t give a flying-f-of-a-flamingo if everyone burns in hell. And I am a God fearing Christian yet. This is no way to feel. But you put a gun or two in my face or my family…than "Katie-bar-the-door! Somebody's going to die. And it aint gonna be me. And rest assured. I will leave for good before I let that happen.
So lock your doors, keep your lights on, be aware of your surroundings, and carry only your ID and a few bills with you. As if that will really help you! It wont…but I have nothing else to give you hope for in this damn city. All is lost. The end times are upon us. And Ill be getting out soon. Maybe you all should pack a bag too? Before you get out of your car, in your own driveway with your porch lights on and have a gun shoved in your face.
God Bless my friends…and look over your shoulder. HDT
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