*Interviewer: LAZLO FARNSWORTH, London 1-24-08
L.F.
Great to meet you finally. I loved Johnny and The Hurricanes, and I love reading your Gooogle Blogger "Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!". It 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 reciepts 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 Ill never get thru it all. And Ive 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. Johnnny had stuff for his stuff...stuffed everywhere. We didnt have a clue where to begin.
L.F.
So, how did it begin? The idea for "SAX MAN".
D.T.
It was Johns idea from his outline. And a song he wrote by that name. He always intended to write his biography. Johnnys 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 hadnt 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 anniversay 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 youre 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? Ill 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 whats in it?
D.T.
Details? No. You'll have to read the book. But, I can tell you this. It 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 tho, 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 couldnt 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 shouldnt. 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 thats always there no matter what. Like my wife Laura. Dependable and trustworhty to a fault. I couldnt 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 cant wait. Any other projects in the works for you?
D.T.
Im 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" . Theyre already on a par with the best thats been recorded out there. Very good, very talented. If I cant 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..."Ill rest when Im dead". Hopefully, that wont 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 wont Duane. But youre picking up the tab here!
D.T.
Touche my friend. Touche.
www.myspace.com/duanethomas1
www.myspace.com/johnnyandthehurricanes
www.johnnyandthehurricanes.com
