"The Last Hurricane" The brief tale of the Last One Standing

"The Last Hurricane"
(The brief tale of the "last one standing" of Johnny and The Hurricanes)

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.

Peace Out All.....stop by and visit us.

Duane "Hurricane" Thomas
Johnny and the Hurricanes, Inc.
c/o duanethomas@johnnyandthehurricanes.com

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