"DRIVIN' SIDEWAYS IN DETROIT!!"

"Upon a Magic Swirling Ship"

2010-12-15T09:25:00.000-08:00

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!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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

"Tied to the Whipping Post" ie: "Forums"

2010-11-25T00:02:00.000-08:00

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

Duane "Hurricane" Thomas returns. The end of 2010.

2010-11-15T07:49:00.000-08:00

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

COMING SOON! YOUTUBE "DRIVIN' SIDEWAYS IN DETROIT!"

2010-10-25T10:41:00.000-07:00

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

"Faith-Fest? Or Faith-TEST?"

2010-08-02T07:34:00.000-07:00

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…

10 questions: A follow-up with "Hurricane" Duane Thomas, "SAX MAN" and Johnny & The Hurricanes

2010-06-18T06:53:00.000-07:00

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.

"Message to the Peoples on the 3rd Stone from the Sun"

2010-06-10T00:08:00.000-07:00

(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

"The Last Hurricane" A Brief Tale of the Last One Standing. Intro & Pts 1 & 2

2010-06-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

*(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

Interview in Rio De Janiero, Brazil 2009

2010-06-02T07:38:00.000-07:00

(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 ©

Robbed at gunpoint in our driveway

2010-05-15T21:43:00.000-07:00

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

"The Catholic, the Muslim and the Budda."

2010-05-07T08:36:00.000-07:00

I was waiting for an Arabic friend to pick me up so we could go out to eat at a
Vietnamese restaurant. (The restaurant has a large BUDDA in the entry-way) when there was a knock at my door. Out there stood 3 female 7th Day Adventists church members wanting to talk with me. I told them to wait a minute and went to get my jacket. I got my coat and heard some male voices on my porch. Thinking it was my Arabic friend, I opened the door to 2 Male Mormon Missionaries on bikes arguing with the 3 ladies from the 7th Day Adventists. About then my Moslem friend arrived.

I excused myself from the 5 people now yelling back and forth on my porch about their respective religions and philosophies, and got into the car. He asked me what in the heck was that all about. I told him they were arguing back and forth over who was right and who was wrong. "Ya' all are crazy, you know? You Christians argue over which of the Bible "Good Books" is the right one and which isn't!" he said. "We have the Koran. One book, one philosophy. Go to the book store and ask for the Koran, and you get the Koran. Go and ask for the Bible and the cashier says "Which One? Which version and for which church?"

I thought about it and he was right. If literally the very 'word of God', how come King James tossed a lot out? How can any man decide what does and doesn’t belong? And didn’t the Council of Nicea many, many years ago, argue and fight and eventually toss a lot out? And before the birth of Christ, there were 3 versions of the Bible. It was decided by a group of around 70 learned representatives that out of the 3 versions, the world would go by the Babylonian version. The Philistine version was close to that, but the Egyptian version was very long and kept a lot in that the others had not. So today, basically we follow the Babylonian version.

I just laughed and said to him, "Youre right I guess. We have a lot of different editions, versions and interpretations to choose from." "And just HOW can that be?" he asked with a smile. "I don't know" I replied. "I guess we all have to read a bunch of different ones." "I told ya' all Christians are crazy didn’t I? You mean well and do a lot good things…but you need to get your act together!" And he was right on the money…and coming from a Muslim no less. Im never too old to learn, and belief in God is good, you know?

Only in America can a Catholic go out to eat with a Muslim in a Nissan, in a restaurant with a Budda in the doorway while 2 Mormons are arguing with 3 Adventists on the porch. The only thing missing was a Rabbi, a Shaman and a Monk. Geez! I'd a had a really good joke there….

Until next time my friends, Love, Peace and Light always. For thine is the Kingdom…….HDT

Life in the "Hurricane" Shelter

2010-05-01T10:50:00.000-07:00

Life in the "Hurricane" Shelter, Hurricane Duane & Johnny & The Hurricanes.

Our office. My refuge. The "Hurricane" Shelter. There are 3 locations. One I try to get to whenever possible in the Dertoit area, #2 I cant seem to get out of outside Detroit, and the 3rd Shelter Office is out-of-state and I cant seem to ever get into it no matter how hard I try and get there. Almost everyday, Im in some storm-by design, circumstance or necessity. What goes on in one, doesn’t happen in the other. And what happens in the other has no bearing on whats goin' on in the other two. There-in lies my problem. Not enough of the one "me" to go around and cover the other 2…plus my family, my job, my Emergency Response teaming, and still trying to get sleep everyday. (I was just about convinced there is no such thing as sleep.) And this is why I cant return half the calls, voicemails, messages, emails and regular postal mails I get non-stop. People think its intentional, and maybe it is, but only by nature of the volume of things I have going.

The Shelter 'staff' and gaggle of friends is what helps me-help myself to keep me going in a somewhat straight line. We have 2 computers-in one office, 1 in the other out-of-state, and 2 more in the 3rd. I have my job, I have the business of my group Johnny & The Hurricanes, I have a book coming out from England, another book nearing the ½ way point, I write "Drivin' Sidways in Detroit!", and we have an dbl album Anthology coming out from Belgium in the Netherlands.I rehearse and perform professionally as well, and I have my own music, my family, and the City Emergency Response Team. Hence the need for the "Hurricane Shelter" and everybody in it. We have lawyers and trademark attorneys and entertainment agents and managers in New York, Los Angeles, London, the Netherlands, Ohio, and even some dealings in Mexico. Im out of my own house so much, when I do get there, even "LUCKY the WONDER DOG" bites me on the leg. And sometimes, he pees on it too! He really doesn’t like me gone so much. But I am, and that just how it is.

In the near future if all goes as planned, we'll be leaving Detroit and Michigan for good, leaving my job and Emergency Response Team behind. It will all be about my books, my group and sipping Mai Tais on a beach somewhere watching the rest of the world trying to figure the meaning of life. Ive been working towards that for so long and in so many directions that sometimes I need a compass to put my pants on. So, I just cant make everyone out there in the real world happy.

Someone came to visit the other day and I understand they left in a huff because I was in the BATHROOM. They said apparently "I can see the situation has changed!" and then left. Oh GOSH! I was in THE REST-ROOM for God's sake. I just cant please all for sure. And, Im sorry about that. But, I don’t have the time they do, the cell phone minutes they do, the computer time they utilize, the availability to get together when they do(for sure no ones busier than me every night and day and weekend and holiday), so I just try to accommodate. In order of preference and necessity its my job 1st, the groups business 2nd, my family 3rd, the E.R. Team 4th, myself 5th, Performing Professionally 6th, and anything and everyone else has to just get in line.

The Shelter changes my profiles, decides which blog article goes up and when, puts appointments and to-do lists together, and keeps me sane. I have 3 basic partners and they just laugh at me. Oh, Sure. When Im gone, they'll be counting the money and ordering more rounds of Mai Tai's! Right about now, Im lookin' for a pillow with my name on it…keep the faith, keep it real, and just KEEP MOVIN'!

*(Special and Eternal Thanks to the Shelter "Crew" and everyone in it who makes it possible for me to maintain things) HDT

"Heaven: A fool's paradise" I couldn’t have said it better…

2010-04-23T00:12:00.000-07:00

Wed, 21, April 2010

http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/faith/heaven-a-fools-paradise-1949399.html

*(Excerpt from the link above)

*"…Heaven is constantly shifting shape because it is a history of subconscious human longings. Show me your heaven, and I'll show you what's lacking in your life. The desert-dwellers who wrote the Bible and the Koran lived in thirst – so their heavens were forever running with rivers and fountains and springs. African-American slaves believed they were headed for a heaven where "the first would be last, and the last would be first" – so they would be the free men dominating white slaves. Today's Islamist suicide-bombers live in a society starved of sex, so their heaven is a 72-virgin gang-bang. Emily Dickinson wrote: " 'Heaven' – is what I cannot Reach!/The Apple on the Tree/Provided it do hopeless – hang/That – 'Heaven' is – to Me!"

We know precisely when this story of projecting our lack into the sky began: 165BC, patented by the ancient Jews. Until then, heaven – shamayim – was the home of God and his angels. Occasionally God descended from it to give orders and indulge in a little light smiting, but there was a strict no-dead-people door policy. Humans didn't get in, and they didn't expect to. The best you could hope for was for your bones to be buried with your people in a shared tomb and for your story to carry on through your descendants. It was a realistic, humanistic approach to death. You go, but your people live on.

So how did the idea of heaven – as a perfect place where God lives and where you end up if you live right – rupture this reality? The different components had been floating around "in the atmosphere of Jerusalem, looking for a home", as Miller puts it, for a while. The Greeks believed there was an eternal soul that ascended when you die. The Zoroastrians believed you would be judged in the end-time for your actions on earth. The Jews believed in an almighty Yahweh.

But it took a big bloody bang to fuse them. In the run up to heaven's invention, the Jews were engaged in a long civil war over whether to open up to the Greeks and their commerce or to remain sealed away, insular and pure. With no winner in sight, King Antiochus got fed up. He invaded and tried to wipe out the Jewish religion entirely, replacing it with worship of Zeus. The Jews saw all that was most sacred to them shattered: they were ordered to sacrifice swine before a statue of Zeus that now dominated their Temple. The Jews who refused were hacked down in the streets.

Many young men fled into the hills of Palestine to stage a guerrilla assault – now remembered as the Hanukkah story. The old Jewish tale about how you continue after you die was itself dying: your bones couldn't be gathered by your ancestors anymore with so many Jews scattered and on the run. So suddenly death took on a new terror. Was this it? Were all these lives ending forever, for nothing?...."

RELIGION AND POLITICS. I'LL HAVE A GRAIN OF SALT PLEASE..."

2010-04-16T07:52:00.000-07:00

I don’t need saving. I don’t need discussion or convincing. A few words to the wise my friends. Never discuss religion or politics. You cant possibly win. That’s why wars are fought and empires toppled. Try to save yourself 1st, not the rest of the world. Each and every religion has their own beliefs. Each and every political system including communism has theirs as well. Ive written before about this but I see Im going to have to continue. And that in itself is pretty funny. Why should I?

I consider myself a man of the world having been around and around it a couple of times in the Entertainment business. Ive been to different places, ate very different foods, listened to many different languages, music, ideas, ideals and ways and means of thinking. Ive tried my best to LISTEN and understand all the varied differences that make up this world. Colors, creeds, insects, animals, governments, countries, people, places and things. It truly is a wonderful world God has given us. (And if Im true to my beliefs, I have to respect even those of you here that are atheists and don’t believe in a He-She-It God). God Bless you all anyway. Its what God him-her-self would expect me to do. Understanding, knowledge, compassion, tolerance and helpfulness to my fellow man. And there-in lies the point. Judge not unless you want to be judged yourself. So is it written…so shall it be done.

I sat at a conference with a Rabbi, a Priest, a Minister, a Deacon, a Swami, a Monk and a Reverend. I didn’t need to discuss my own beliefs or convert them or try to impress them or the others at that table. Nor did they try to infuse their individual beliefs on me. One thing we all shared in common. What with all those learned men and myself too…it was understood that each person should seek their own path. And I assure you, there are many paths to God. Do good, get good. Do bad, and look out. It will come back to hit you between the eyes.

You will always find me breaking-bread with my Muslim friends, sharing wine with my Catholics friends, and sitting in the synagogue on the Sabbath with my Hebrew brothers and sisters. And that’s what sets me apart. I would NEVER try to convince or corral others into my beliefs. Those at that table did not. They sat in complete respect of one another and their beliefs, however different and no matter what 'GOD" was called in their faith. Tolerance, my friends. Compassion and Love. So too is FAITH. What color, what name, what or which God or Goddesses for that matter…doesnt matter. Oh, it does for all the Holy Roller-Bible Thumping-Burn-in-Eternal Damnation-Kill-the-Infidels converts. But, it is THEY who need converting. Not me. I have a God, I know my God, and HE knows me as well. Who he is or what he is doesn’t matter. Only to me and Him.

I sit amused as all the converters sit and tell me where and why the bible says what it does and doesn’t. What I do know is that they are so cynical of the world and all that’s in it, they have tunnel-vision. One way. The ONLY way. MY WAY! I get so tired of listening to those that do not embrace man, his religions, his ways, cultures and thoughts and beliefs. For they all are beautiful in their own ways. And by compassion and by trying to understand and grow from all these beliefs, I see the world in a far better light than they do. My view is neither singular, wrong, jaded or untrue. Mine is well rounded and well thought out and proved beyond a shadow of any doubt. And it took me many years of study and learning to understand WHY there are differences and WHY others believe what they do.

Embrace the world and its differences. Hold love itself close to you. Find the good in all things and people. Recognize all colors, races and creeds. Learn what they know, what they believe and why they believe it. Increase your own knowledge and gain a better understanding of how faith works in man. And how that understanding can give YOU even more faith in your own.

"If you feel Im mislead…do not try convert me."
"If I fall…do not help me up."
"If I yell…do not quiet my voice."
"If I cry…do not dry my tears."
"If I mis-speak…do not correct me"

My GOD will do them all for me.

Hurricane Duane

The Lost Ark, the Ten Commandments, the Holy Grail, the Spear of Destiny

2010-04-04T15:33:00.000-07:00

We all have heard of the sacred relics "lost" to the world supposedly forever. The Ark of Moses, the Spear that pierced Christ's body on the cross, the tables containing the Ten Commandments, and of course…the one we keep hearing about…the HOLY GRAIL. WHAT they are probably is equally as important as WHERE they are now. Theories abound. About as many as the all the television shows and YouTube clips we all see over and over popping up all over the last few years. Maybe people just want to believe they didn’t disappear. And then again…if we now don’t know just WHERE these precious items of faith are…then perhaps they are gone forever. But, I think not. If its true that GOOD triumphs over EVIL, and that EVIL always loses to GOOD, I have to believe a few truths as I see them. Let me explain.

The Ark of the Covenant was kept in the Temple of Solomon, and within it supposedly were the tablets of the Ten Commandments given to Moses. The Temple of Solomon was destroyed and supposedly those artifacts were lost forever. Or were they? It is known that the original 9 Knights Templar camped in what was the stables of Solomon under the Temple Mount and they dug below for 9 years straight. What they found is not precisely known. What is known is they made a hasty retreat back to Europe all of a sudden, and went from being poor-monastic Knights of Christ, to being fabulously wealthy. What they found beneath the ruins of Solomon's Temple is open to speculation. But when they returned, they started what became the 1st banking industries in the world…the 1st Banks. And they built castles, cathedrals, forts and churchs all around the then known world. Hard to do when you are a group of 'poor' warrior monks dedicted to defending the Holy Land! For the sake of time and space, lets just add that whatever the HOLY GRAIL is and whether or not the Templars Knights or King Arthur found it, that they along with LONGINUS, the Spear of Destiny, my theory is the same. Its that God is great, and Good triumphs over Evil.

We hear so much about "2012" and the "End of Days", that half the world is running out and buying supplies (like they would do any good if the world ended!). But I think I can put it into perspective at least a little. Are we to believe that evil is strong enough to win out in the end? That God would create something so beautiful as our world and let it be destroyed? Or that the Ten Commandment Tablets and the Ark of the Covenant would be lost forever? What did we do to deserve that? Why would God punish us? Wait, wait, wait a cotton-pickin' minute! OF COURSE we have to pay and atone for our sins. Im sure not saying that we don’t. We all will have to answer for the good and bad in our own lives. After all. Heaven is a big, big, BIG place. But vacancies are limited and by invitation only! Maybe I can clear it up just a little on this Easter day of hope for all.

I cannot believe that God would let these religious relics stay lost. Or that we would never ever find the Grail or Ark or Tablets…or know where they've been all these years. Since God is Great and Good trumps Evil, it stands to reason that no matter how many Nuclear wars happen and destroys most of the planet, in the end GOOD will still win out. It’s the old 'positive-versus-negative' theory. Opposites attract. If it should happen that we reach the brink and all seems lost, you can bet your last nickel that the skies will open up, and angels with firey swords will rain down to destroy our enemies in the name of GOD. I know that. And you my friends HAVE to believe it as well.

There would be no reason for God, or Heaven, or Jesus if not to vanquish our enemies and triumph over Evil. And out of nowhere and their long places of hiding, these Holy Relics so long sought for, will suddenly appear from their secret hiding places. This alone will prove the existence the God, and that the faithful and all those gone before us were always right. It HAS to be that way. It HAS to. If these things are Of GOD, and made BY GOD, and represents GOD and our faith…then how and why would they stay hidden? It makes no sense. Good does overcome evil every time. At least, most of the time. I know, sometimes its pretty close, and we still lose to evil, but that’s how the world works. We have to TRY to overcome the odds. But what Im saying comes do to the facts of the matter.

GOD…being GOOD, has blessed us with many things. And one day the Ark, and the Tablets and Grail will again appear and prove it once and for all that they are real. You see my friends, it just HAS to be that way. If it is from God…then it cant be lost…or destroyed…or hidden away forever. At just the right time and in the right place, they all will re-appear and prove their existence. Because OUR God would never ever let them be destroyed, melted down or stay buried forever. They are OF GOD, and a part of Him. And its GOOD versus EVIL again, you know? You have to believe. We have to think things that God made, we cannot put us-under. They were made by Him for us and will soon re-appear. Next week? Next month? In a year? Or on December 21st, 2012…the supposed "end of days"? Who knows? I sure don’t.

But what I do know is that those things of God cannot be destroyed, no matter how hard they try to. It would make no sense. If they are from our Creator, and inherently GOOD, then they will be back. Just as in faith we believe we will be reborn. I just think personally that these precious relics have been hidden away for the right time in Earths history when its "push-comes-to shove-put-up-or-shut-up".
It will be proof positive of GOD's existence. We all know you cant destroy that which God made! Only He can. And I will never believe that he already did destroy those sacred relics and that they are gone forever.

So, there is hope. Hope for each other, and hope for mankind. Hope for tomorrow and hope for Heaven. You just have to believe its true. It has to be. Good over Evil. Remember? Positive succeeds over negative. Up over down, and right side over left. Love is the key my friends, and I love you all. You just got to believe….I do…………….

Love, Light and Peace Always

Duane

The Further Adventures of Hurricane Duane Thomas.

2010-03-24T06:21:00.000-07:00

"Back in the saddle again". The Further Adventures of Hurricane Duane Thomas.

"Ain't nothin' shakin' 'cept the leaves on the trees…'n they wouldn’t be shakin' ifn' weren’t fo the breeze!"

Ok, friends…so I disappear once in awhile. It doesn’t mean I've gone exactly, just either layin' low, or just hangin' in the branches above the jungle. Lately…it's been a little of both. Ive been downsized, up-headed, spread-out-thin, tuckered-out, whipped-up, punched silly, tossed n tumbled and dried on "FLUFF GARMENTS". It just happens sometimes. Life can get a little…well…complicated.

It all started in January when I was getting ready for surgery. That went well, no real problems, but getting out, I seemed to be the target of a large group of Soulful-Supporters whom I call 'friends' Well, I still call them friends, although, Im not sure exactly what the hell happened. A well meant comment or two or three was well intended, but just about got me killed. Don’t know what I said, n maybe it was the way I said it…but I brought a whole world of trouble down on my head. I had to duck so low I was seeing outta my shoelaces. And everytime I come up to look around, I got blinded-by-the light….again! Seems that sometimes, theres just no pleasing people.

I knew you cant please everyone all the time, but I thought its pretty hard tickin' off everyone at the same time. Seems I was wrong. So, outta a clear blue sky on a sunny winter day, I got NAILED. They were hollered at me about THIS…n THAT...n the OTHER THING…or 2 or 5 things…whatever. You get the idea. So I just decided to lay low. At least lower than my laces I was lookin' up through. I didn’t leave…I didn’t go…I didn’t really disappear. I just tried really, really hard to become INVISIBLE. ('Didn't work well. I got found.) But, that’s ok. I was tired of sitting here with my mouth closed. Everyone that knows me knows how hard THAT is for me to do. (mumble) 'Big 'nuff to drive a truck thru sometimes! But, thats just me. I don’t think I can ever be any other way. I speak my mind. And the mind is a terrible thing to waste.(Where have I heard that before? Oh-my-gosh! I sound like my parents!)

So, to make a long story a bit longer, Im back to cause everyone some more grief. At least enough to tick-off a few people that thought I left for good. HA! Gotcha cha! What did you think? I'd roll over and play dead? Hardly! Im a survivor. Im tough and ruff and a ready-Teddy. So there. Deal with it. Put that in your hookahs n smoke it!.
For me? Im getting a long laundry list of things and topics that have been on my mind, and Im ready to tick-off more people.

After all! Life a b---h….then you die! Me? Im plannin' on bein' around a while. And "Drivin' Sideways in Detroit?" Well….I got the keys in 'm hand and a full tank a gas. So get outta the way!

See you at the traffic light……..

Hurricane Duane (Yeah! THAT Hurricane Duane!)

"THE HOLIDAY & GOD BY MANY NAMES"

2009-12-23T07:39:00.000-08:00

"THE HOLIDAY & GOD BY MANY NAMES"

The Dali Lama, Buddha, Jehovah, Jesus, Krishna, Mohammed, and Yahweh. The value in Difference.

My friends, this Holiday season I come to you with one basic message. Love one another. Learn from each other. Grow because of each other. Live in the Light and not the dark. Do not be blinded by the light. Feel the warmth in its glow. Let your God fill your hearts with Peace, Love and understanding with compassion for your fellow man. For this is the way we all can reach the same conclusion. That, there is a better place waiting for us on the other side. Where our loved ones passed, and those yet to be born, await us in Golden Glory. There has to be more to this life than just living.

If one has never heard the Word, nor been exposed to Scriptures from the Koran or Holy Bible...would that make them doomed to Eternal Damnation just because they haven’t? Do we honestly believe those whom have not…will suffer the same as those whose sins have not been forgiven or turned into a 'debt-owed' as each of most religions attest and command? It would seem that couldn’t possibly be the case, though this is why wars are fought and sacrifices made throughout history.

he great Dali Lama, spiritual leader of many, many millions of Tibetan Buddhists world-wide has made an interesting comment this past year. When asked philosophically of what man can do to find the right path and its rewards, his reply absolutely stunned millions. He said (I para-phrase here)"Do not follow me! Go back to your own religions and be the best you can be for that religion. They all need devoted followers such as yourselves! There is some good to be had in ALL religions!" This was NOT the answer most devotees had expected. Many looked to him as the leader and most righteous of all here on Earth. Whether he was or wasn’t, who am I to say? You may believe what YOU want, and I respect you for that belief. His answer sent the world into a tizzy.

Ever since the hippy days of the 1960's, when Beat-niks and flower children lit incense and were listening to Ravi Shankar and his Sitar, many learned and followed the Eastern religious philosophies as the true 'light and the way'. Whether Christians or Muslims, 7th Day Adventists, or Hare Krishnas…it seemed the answers lay somewhere in the mountain heights of Tibet and in the teachings of the Great Buddah. This has never sat well with the Muslims or Baptists, Mormons or Shintos even. All had proclaimed and believed theirs was the right and only way(s). The real answers lie somewhere in the middle.

So, what if I believe in Jesus as the only true way to get to Heaven? Or that the Great Mohammed rose to heaven from the rock beneath the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem? What I believe personally is not what this is about. It is about belief and faith in general. Many have died for their belief as the one and true way. I sit here today to tell you that I believe "our" God probably has a better sense of understanding these things than we do. As I said. That’s why wars are fought, and empires tumble. And its not gonna change anytime soon. But I believe there will come a day in the not too distant future where we all will come to a mutual agreement about what and who God is. It may not come in my lifetime, but it will come. The answer so wisely given by the Dali Lama was the closest answer…even though up the middle of all somewhat… that I have ever heard.

We all need to be the best of what we can be for each of our OWN religious belief systems and God(s). Is it right? Is it the right way? What exactly did he mean by that statement? Hell if I know! (Pun intended) But, I get it. I always thought that we should not pass judgment on anyone else. Maybe it was all those years of being a musician throughout the "hippy era" where we all learned tolerance and understanding…or at least TRYING to be understanding. And yes, even I, after all those years of studies with the Nuns in Catholic school, took to Yoga, Meditation, and to chanting "Hare Krishna, Hara Krishna, Krishna-Krishna, Hare-Hare" etc. It wasn’t that I changed beliefs, but moreover, it was because I wondered if there wasn’t something to EACH of the religions and what they believed in, taught and died for. I realized a well rounded view would only help my understanding of Jesus as the Savior. Something I may or may not believe, because to get my point across here, I wont go into my own personal beliefs. This is about everyone's beliefs. There has to be some greater meaning in all of it. And (for one minute let me address my own Christianity) I had to believe that even Jesus would want us to be tolerant and understanding of each other. And Mohammed for that matter. To me…it all seemed clear.

I have a good friend who is a staunch Christian. When I posed the question of right and wrong beliefs by say the millions of Chinese or Moslems...he just said 'Well! They're just WRONG!' Jesus is the ONLY way!" I smiled and chuckled and posed him the question again addressing the love and compassion of a loving God. Would He make those people suffer forever in the fires of Hell just because the millions of them either didn’t believe, or just that they havent been exposed to what he thought was…(for him)…the truth? I told him "You can't DO that! You can believe youre right…even KNOW you are right...but you can't just flat-out say they are WRONG!" You have to have respect. Even for things you know or believe deep in your heart to be wrong. Again, that’s why wars are fought and governments toppled.

I think God would be tolerant, right? And if thats true, then so should I be. This was one very powerful truth learned through the '60s and 'flower-power’. Respect of beliefs. If I can sit at a dinner table with the heads of 10 major religions, and we break bread in peace, then should I grab the sword and scream "You're Wrong! Youre all wrong!" Or would it be best, in love and understanding to listen and try to understand all the other points of view? Some, like my friend, believes I should jump up on the table and start swinging my knife. (Isnt that how we got this way to begin with?)

My way! Your Way! His Way! Jesus's way! One Way! That way! It all sounds like traffic signs along the freeways of life. Again, I believe I know the truth…for me at least. But, what that is, is irrelevant to my point. We each of us, of all the world's religions, deserves to be heard and respected if we in turn want the same for us. After all. Jesus listened. Can you sit there and dismiss everyone and everything that disagrees with you and your beliefs? You wouldn’t shop at any store and buy any item for your home, family or business if you prejudiced yourself by only shopping at those stores who held fast and shared your religious beliefs. But, you DON’T, do you? We shop at the Pakistani convenience stores. Pump your gas at the Arab stations. Buy your jewelry from the Jews and their Mall stores, right? So, who is the hippocrite here? We all are. We would starve, and wouldnt get anywhere without putting gas in our cars.

How hard would it be if we only shopped at Christian markets, Christian mall stores and gas stations? Oh. And cut off that cable with it's non-Christian stations, movies, commercials and programming. Have you done that yet? Are you being in denial of all things non-Christian? And you know all media is run by the Jews right? So ,stop watching the news and reading any papers or magazines too. And that next vacation? Forget going anywhere with that non-'believer gasoline, and to those vacation destinations owned and operated by Jewish Americans. And forget most of your Doctor appointments too. And buying all those medicines that prolong you and your family's lives. My point here? It's all about differences. Ideals. Beliefs.

If we all segregated ourselves and isolated ourselves in those areas and places that were say all Christian or all Jewish or all Muslim, we'd all starve, get no medicines or tests to even determine that we NEED any medicines! Maybe now for just a minute, you can stop being angry with me for toying with your belief systems. For me, I know there is only ONE WAY. And, I'll leave it at that. But, I am never too old to learn something new that I can apply to my beliefs to help me be a better person and an asset to my own religion. Never stop learning and growing. Never stop sharing the WORD with any and all who will listen. But my point is more about when WE should listen as well. After all. Isn't that the point? To grow and profess truth and light and to let others know there is a way to transgress life and all its problems. If that IS true…then we too must learn when to shut up…and when to listen to learn.

In Jesus's missing years between the ages of 12 and 30, did you think he was out building tables and cabinets? Hardly. He was LEARNING. And LISTENING. From everyone. We tend to forget that He was a Jew studying Jewish scriptures from Hebrew teachers. Have YOU studied any Hebrew scriptures today? Any books of the Torah this week? How about last week? Last year? Have you EVER? Jesus did. So did Mohammed. After all…."He who castes the 1st stone…"

So, then maybe now you get even a small inkling of where Im coming from. Its where Jesus and Mohammed themselves went to and came from. Teachings. Many teachings from all teachers and all times and from all places in the then known world. And we should do the same.

There was no Christianity in Jesus time. It by the very name was of-Christ. Christ-i-anity. So we celebrate it as though he studied it. He did not. He CREATED it. So whatever and however he studied the Torah, you may now believe it is Christian. It is not. All things came from his studies. And if we want to cast the 1st stone…you better get a really big stick to hit it back. And a larger glove to catch it, because we have a long, long way to go. And, for me? I just can't wait to find out.

Merry Christmas, my friends. Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanza too. You see? It takes all of us to make one whole world. Peace. Love and Light…Always.

"Hurricane" Duane
Johnny & The Hurricanes, Inc.
"Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!"

Guitar-Strings 'n things. Methods to my madness.

2009-11-02T10:38:00.000-08:00

"Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!"

Guitar-Strings 'n things. Methods to my madness.

Howdy friends. It occurred to me recently that the one thing I know most about, I haven’t written about as yet. The guitar. Its methods, means and theory of 'how-to' play it. 'In the modern era, and in the world of 'Guitar-Hero' video gaming, to me it seems the theory of tuning, chords and basic modes of playing has been lost.

Back in the 1970's, the '60's were over and it seemed everyone wanted to pick up a guitar, banjo and even dulcimer, to be the next Jimi Hendrix, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan or Pete Townsend of the Who. The world of music was wide open and I learned to experience many different styles and instruments. At the time, I was playing Lead guitar with Johnny & The Hurricanes. In fact, I was teaching to nearly 70…(yep folks…that’s as in SEVENTY) students a week, both male and female between a young one of 7 and an older gentleman of 75 at my local music store. I wanted to give them all the benefit my knowledge and experience. I don’t know what that speaks of now in 2010, with all the years that past since the 1970's. I guess that makes me qualified. Maybe overly qualified, but here we go.

There is a basic theory I discovered way back to playing lead guitar. In the next few installments, I will address how I learned and how I did it. Some in principle are so easy to understand, I don’t know why others take a lifetime to learn. The 1st method I will address is RELATIVE MINOR THEORY. And believe me. Get THIS…and you can play any lead, by any-body…and in a variety of ways. While listening to the likes of the Allman Brothers, that well-known Southern Rock group of brothers Duane and Greg, I would play along over and over with their long-winded back and forth soloing. (A good few for examples were "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed; "Whippin' Post' "Mountain Jam" "Melissa" and "Ramblin Man"). One day, a light went on in my head. As I was playing your typical "Chuck Berry" "Johnny B. Good" type lead which is usually played over a 7th type R & R 4-bar progression, all of sudden…it worked over a Major AND Minor chord change! Same lead, different chord structure. I was blown away.

Digging out my theory books, I discovered for every Major Key…there is a Relative Minor Key. What that meant in a nutshell is that a major scale could be played OVER a minor key and produce a melodic type lead solo. It had to have occurred to Duane Allman and Dickie Betts on all those recordings. I went back with this thought in mind and doors opened, lightning flashed, and the Gods spoke! I was dumb-founded! On that day, my playing took off in a hundred directions at once. Stardom at that point…if you could call it that, beaconed me onward, and I started getting praise and acclaim and offers too…from heavy weights in Rock and Roll. Bluesman Bo-bo Jenkins, the Famous Coachman, called me the 'wildest white-boy who ever played the slide guitar!' And Waylon Jennings said 'Son? You ARE the guitar!' And Blue Grass-Bill Monroe told me to throw away my electrics and amplifiers and "just play!" All were wonderful to me, and I appreciated the praise and advice. I can attribute it ALL I assure you.. to the simple MAJOR-MINOR theory I will address here over the next few blogs of "Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!" Maybe I ought to call it "PLAYIN SIDEWAYS AROUND THE WORLD OF MUSIC!"

Its all so simple. So if y'all will just stay tuned each week, I will go into examples of songs and lead phrasing so easy…you'll probably KICK yourselves for not coming up with it too! I'll delve into OPEN TUNINGS and some chord diagrams in OPEN as well. But to start off here, I will just say a few words to hint at the direction we'll be goin' in. You can play a MINOR blues scale (examples to follow in weeks to come) over minor chord Blues, and youre playing the blues. Play that same minor blues scale over a MAJOR chord progression, and youre now playing a MELODIC scale form lead solo. Same solo…different chords…and it will sound different. I used this theory with students all the time. Quickly teach a simple blues pattern, show them that key's RELATIVE MAJOR KEY… and off they went. In fact…some went RUNNING! Below, Im listing some keys and their respective RELATIVE MINORS. If you know some blues lead-patterns, try them over some of the RELATIVES. I think you as well will be pleased and hopefully as amazed as I was.

Once we get through these…Ill address some acoustic tunings and ways of playing I learned while down South with all those country acts I backed up and performed with. That too is something everyone who plays should try to grasp. Ill just say this about that. Acoustic guitar has many types and ways of playing. A lot of it can be explained by saying that to get a ringing sound or 'twelve-string' effect, try using SUSPENDED chords, voicings and tunings. And yes…I will include those chord diagrams as well a little farther down the road. So for now lets just say that here are only 13 notes in ALL OF MUSIC EVER WRITTTEN. Bach, the Beatles, Green Day, Amy Winehouse, John Coltrane, Miles Davis or Bill Monroe…everyone of them. Only 13 notes! Below are some keys, and their respective Relatives. Have fun y'all…and drop me any questions or comments.

"Hurricane' Duane, Johnny & The Hurricanes

Relative Major Relative Minor
A F#m
B Gm
C Am
D Bm
E C#m
F Dm
G Em

"Walt Disney's Selena (Wizards of Waverly Place) Gomez & Hurricane Duane"

2009-09-23T15:05:00.000-07:00

"Walt Disney's Selena (Wizards of Waverly Place) Gomez & Hurricane Duane"
Pretty Things na Girlz, Girlz, Girlz!

*Footnote:
She's cute, talented and 16 years old, and stars in her own weekly show on the Disney Channel. I'm tall with blue eyes, in my fashionable '50's and one foot in the grave! Not really… but I guess we make a strange pair even as friends. She asked my advice once and I gave it you her and of course…with her being 16…she didn't take it. But still, Im glad she bothered to care what I thought. Right or wrong and unclear to me, I just seem to have a way with girls and women of all ages.

I get the MySpacers and Facebooker's from 14 to 104 who flirt up and down. And here at Ford Motors, I get more than a few out of the 1,800 here at World Headquarters that call me everything from "D", to 'sexy' (and that’s a stretch!). They bring me everything from cupcakes to edible arrangements. I don't know what that says about women who do those things. OR about me in general. But hey! I'm a guy! Not that I don’t appreciate it. I do. But that seems to be the least of my problems in life. I've never had any problems hooking up with girls and women of all ages. Been there and done that. But as I mellow out and have cleaned up my act, it doesn’t seem to change the attraction level. But it does prompt me to write some observations I've had for awhile. Being a guy with a still healthy appetite and appreciation for the ladies, this week I thought I'd address an issue that leaves me….and Im sure not only me…shall I say…confused?

It was a changed world for teen and pre-teen girls when Madonna hit the scene. And then it was Britney. All the pre-pubescent girls stared wearing underwear and lingerie OUTSIDE and OVER their clothes, and starting layering up the make-up and jewelry to the max. And all because of Britney and Madonna. So, now its Miley Montana or Hannah Cyrus, whichever you prefer. The young audience pours over every facet of "Hannah Montana", gleaning what they think is cool in the way she acts, dresses and speaks. "Fer-sure! Hurricane Duane say-what?!"(thanks Miley!)

Now-a-days, 10-11-12-13 year old girls are more like 35 in their dress, actions, and expectations of what they THINK they should have, be and do in… and with…their lives. They dress and act like the movies and tv shows they see. They live in a world of fantasy videos, movies, games, Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez. Watch either of these two talented young ladies…and in general, its hard to tell they are only 15-16 years of age.

Society pushes and pushes the limit of what's considered 'normal' and acceptable, over what SHOULD be normal…and what IS acceptable. The "BRATZ" dolls are made-up, dressed-up and shoved out there to the 7-8-9 year old girls as though they are the norm. They are portrayed as hip and out-for-fun. The real world as we all know, is nothing like that. You need more than 'sex-appeal' to succeed in our world-gone-crazy.

Selena plays a wizard on Disney's "Wizards of Waverly Place". Smart and cute, she at least, has a brain and singing talent to match. Still, she looks and acts like like a 20-something street smart kid who knows it all and has been around the block Actually? Selly (Selena)…what with her friends Miley and Vanessa Hudgens, who both put out some completely inappropriate photos of themselves in underwear and sexy come-hither poses…she at least appears to be grounded. Recently Vanessa's totally naked photo hit the Internet when she was only 15 (and another just a couple weeks ago) .

Its difficult to understand why a lot of young 'tweens' want to be just like them. I guess its ok if you’ve come to that style and way of thinking if you’ve been around enough to know yourself, and what style you feel you fit into. But what about young girls who don’t know where they fit in yet? They often copy the styles, language and bad-sweet-sexy images of those girls in "High School Musical" and the Pussycat Dolls and Christina Aguillera. So what? I'll tell you what. Personally, I'm glad at least they don't emulate Mother Theresa or Joan of Arc!

With the age of female 'maturing' getting younger and younger, at what age do we find it appropriate to act and dress like the 'tween' female entertainers and the Pussycat Dolls? Is there one? There have been many shows of late about Beauty Pageant Mothers who push their tiny daughters into a world of glitz and glamour they can not possibly be ready for. And true…probably to fill some void…not in the daughter, but some unfulfilled dream of the mother. To look at them, you'd never know. And to most guys, we cant tell by a photo, and admittedly? We can get just as overly-stimulated by a made up pre-teen as much as we can for an older lady or woman. Of course, this too makes the hormones wink and tug. No matter what age she really is. Does that make us letches? And there-in is the problem. Girls trying to…and successfully at that…look and act like they are much older.

They LOOK of age….so why not? And its somewhere between lost-and-found that the young ones push it to look even older, and the boys and men drool and imagine things they shouldn’t be thinking of. Been there myself…guilty as charged. This creates a HUGE problem with identity. Both for the girls trying to look older, and the guys looking at them like they ARE older. It’s a no-win situation for both.

Several years back, a very close young lady friend of mine (still) turned17, and I was struck by the fact that she was street-wise beyond her years, and had a lot of 'experience' already in the teen party scene at her school. She, like many other girls, took to wearing really fancy Victoria's Secret lingerie around age 14. Seeing that she already partied and drank some, I suspected she was a whole lot more experienced with other stuff as well. I had mentioned to her how old she made me feel! "Wow kid! I really do feel old around you now! You've done a lot! You grew up fast! Man, are you a wild-child! And a few times, I covered for you when you came in stoned". Her response to me? "Huh? Hey Duane! You think Im wild NOW?! You shoulda seen me when I WAS 13!" I about fell over because I WAS there at that time in her life and was covering for her, getting her inside and upstairs before Mom and Dad found out what condition she was in!

Sigh…so will the boys ever catch up to the girls at this rate? Will the boys ever go thru the same thing? Or are they destined to continue clue-less regarding the opposite sex? Will it be ok for a 13 year old girl going on 40 something, to go out with a 20 or 30-something young man? Where will all this end for the youth of today? In India, they have arranged marriages between 3 and 4 year olds. I hope it doesn’t come to that being accepted. But, the way the world is pushing young girls to jump right into "adult-hood' if you can call it that…we are headed for disaster. Its becoming so that almost anything is acceptable to do, say or wear. And put that pink lingere on Miley, and all the malls around the world have a fast run on pink lingerie. If she can wear that……well! Then the image machine has done its work. It has changed the perception of all the girls enthralled with the further adventures of "Hannah Montana". And so…they continue to dress like her and want to be just like her. Honestly? It would be better if they didn’t race ahead by way of Fredricks of Hollywood, Abercrombie & Finch and Lovers Lane.

Girls grow up way too fast these days, and theres all kinds of time left at age 12-13 to find your 'style', and what your'e into. Theres no rush. Time should be held close so that one can be a 'kid'…not 'jailbait in heels', or a 'slutty-ho'. It’s a shame that innocence can be lost by what kind of music they listen to, what it implies, and the fact that they all want to emulate the next 'tween Disney Star'.

Hum! That’s funny! The actors in High School Musical are all in their 20's now…and still, the young 8-9-10 year old girls fall over themselves trying to look like just like them…who themselves are paid to act and to look like teens! (Zak Efron is 22 and still playing a 17 year old. And the fans somehow believe he's still in High School!) Still, I'll always wonder. Just how old ARE those girls in the mall? I sure cant tell. And there-in lies the problem. If only they would see it that way. Theres time left to try and experiment with new things, ideas and clothes. And it should be more important for them to understand WHY they are copying the young stars today.

One of the girls from 'High School Musicals 1-2 and 3' has said regarding the papparazi:
"We have all these like 40 year old guys following us girls around all the time. Yuk! It's gross!" Well? Maybe she shouldn’t have posted that totally nude photo of herself at 15! I don’t think though they'll go back to the way teenagers were in the past. It's just a different world now. I wonder where it will all end? Good or bad, right or wrong, we'll still flip a channel, open a magazine, and turn our heads at them all. Thank God we've still got eyes! And frankly? If mine ever go on me…I'm joinin' a monastery! "Cause I KNOW I'm probably gonna burn in hell!

Please pass the sunscreen! Until next time my friends! "Hurricane" Duane

*Special Thanks to Selena and Demi Lovato, Pegasus, Stacy, Melissa, Michelle, Miley, Linda, Vanessa and Laura. You all ROCK m' WORLD!! Please hold the Viagra and pass the Geritol! Seriously...much love to you all Ladies! Always….Duane

The Future of SOUL...and beyond.

2009-09-20T15:32:00.000-07:00

"Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!"
With "Johnny & The Hurricanes"
Hurricane Duane Thomas

"The Future of 'Soul' music…and beyond."

One of Motown Records best known producer/engineers Russ Terrana has stumbled on some unknown and un-released Jackson 5 material, and has gotten busy editing it from the hard drive files for release. It ought to be amazing and well-timed after the un-timely passing of our beloved Michael recently. If there is anyone who can do it justice, it's Russ. Some of Motown's greatest recordings were at his hands. We can only wait anxiously in anticipation for that which the world has never heard, nor even knew existed. This brings to my mind a question. That which WAS before, like the bird the PHOENIX, shall rise again from the ashes to fly again. But, what does this mean for this 'new' Jackson's material?

One has only to wonder with something certainly not old, and by the very nature of it's newly discovered existence…'new'…what is it really? For sure it is the Jacksons many years ago, and although un-released, it is them and their sound from way back...and when it's released finally…it will be 'new'. Again! So this I question as to what IS the future of SOUL? It seems certain that what goes around, comes around again and again. But, does this make it 'new'? And, if not? Then what does that make it? Can we really re-create something so original as 'SUGAR PIE HONEY BUNCH' or "WHAT'S GOIN ON?" Or even "FINGERTIPS PART 2…or 7?" You have to wonder (no pun intended Stevie!)

But, I suppose if a brand new generation or generations of listeners get exposed to this wonderful music for the 1st time in their lives…then truly it is 'new'. But does 'SOUL' itself change? And if it does…does it change that far off the beaten path as to be very different than that which went before? I don't know. But to a new audience, and some of us old-timers as well…its like the re-birth of a nation. One we lived and breathed for over and over again. And still…it is to rise again.

For sure, the younger generation will have the chance to see and feel what made us love the music like we did and still do today. The only difference is they will not be able to 'live' it as we did. We danced to it, we played it, and we lived our lives through the turbulence of the 60's and the hippies and the riots in Watts, Detroit and Chicago. This thankfully, is something they won't have to relive. But it was because of those things along with inner city strife and suburban upheaval we experienced "SOUL" music for what it was and meant to us all. And ALL of us felt and experienced many different things and meanings and we took away from it whatever we each did in our own worlds. And dis-similar as this was, this brought us closer together. Black, white, yellow, brown and all colors in between…we loved the music and all it stood for.

I'm not sorry that the newer listeners and lovers of 'SOUL" don't have to go through what we did and how we did it. But, in that one instance, that will be something they can never understand without having gone through it themselves. We felt the music, and we lived it to. And we anxiously waited for the newest Temptations or Stevie or Diana's next song…yet the SOUND never really changed. Somehow, I feel that when Russ is done with the newest (or OLDEST) Jackson's material…it won't really be new…or old. It is what it is. And it was what it was. The more things change…the more they stay the same. And for that, I'm glad.

For without the Motown of old…there could be no Motown of the future. I don't think music itself could change that much anyway. Playing guitar and keys my whole life…its always the same chords. Different keys, similar structures, but always much the same. There are only 13 notes in all the music ever written. Of course, that would combinations of 13 to the 13th power. 13 x 13 x 13 x 13 etc…for 13 times. So, much has been written, yet so much is vastly different too. Its this anticipation that keeps us loving the sounds, groups and songs that we do.
So…you GO Russ! We all can't wait!

Peace 'n Love n' Light All…….God Bless
"Hurricane" Duane

www.drivinsidewaysindetroit.blogspot.com
duanethomas@johnnyandthehurricanes.com

Interview from Tokyo! "A minute with "Hurricane" Duane Thomas" of Johnny & The Hurricane's.

2009-05-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

Interview from Tokyo!

"A minute with "Hurricane" Duane Thomas" of Johnny & The Hurricane's.
With Interviewer Isaki Tumuchi, Tokyo, Japan May 2009

*The following interview is at times in both Japanese and English. Translations are where possible.
*LA/H.Shelter Crew/USA

Isaki: "Konnichiwa Duane!"
Duane: "Minasan konnichiwa!" (Hello everybody!)

Isaki: "O-genki desu ka Duane?" (How are you Duane?)
Duane: "O kagesama de genki desu! O hisashiburi desu ne!" (I'm fine thanks! How are you? Long time no see!)

Isaki: "Nihongo o hanashimasu ka? (Do you speak Japanese?) My English is no too good, as is your Japanese is better!
Duane: "Hai, hanashimasu" (Yes…a little). Actually, one of my Stage managers gave me a phrase they said I should learn 1st. It was " Watashi no hobākurafuto wa unagi de ippai desu". They were messin' with me. It means something like "My boat is full of eels!" And I fell for it. Well…Im sure we can understand each other one way or the other! You speak English fine!

Isaki: "Johnny has died and you alone make his music live?
Duane: "No Isaki. John made the music. I just inherited it and all else with Sonja his wife. His music belongs to him alone."

Isaki: "Very fortunate to have 2 people dedicated to his Hurricanes and your music."
Duane: "Thanks. Ive been very blessed. Johnny's life story hopes to be a major motion picture very soon. It's authored by Sonja Paris and myself from his diaries and musical history books. Anyone interested in the beginnings of Rock & Roll music, will love "SAX MAN"."

Isaki: "We love "Beatnik Fly" and "Red River Rock" and the others here in Japan. Its almost new music to us. But, no singing!?"
Duane: "Ha ha! You mean you can't do Karaoke to us! Well…that’s one strike against us!"

Isaki: "NO Please! In Japan, this twist-surf music from America has always been played here. It is…I mean… you are… very important musicians to us here!"
Duane: "Thank you for that. Im only one part of a 50 year legacy.
I do find it odd that here I am in Tokyo, when in the mid-1980's, Johnny and the entire group was placed on a 747 to Japan all alone, and under house arrest by your country!"

Isaki: "We arrested the Hurricanes! Japan arrested you? For what? Why?"
Duane: "Yep. Sure did ! Seems the papers were not in order so they put us into separate rooms away from our instruments for 5 days until the Embassy could straighten it all out."

Isaki: "I think I feel you joke with me here, right?"
Duane: "No Joke my friend. It really happened!"

Isaki: "That was then and now…we hear your music still everywhere, all the time, everyplace."
Duane: "Oh! So YOURE the guys downloading us from ITUNES! Seriously Isaki…we receive royalties from around the world every quarter, and we do still sell 1,000's of sales units in Asia all the time. Its constant. Even China."

Isaki: "I read that an Anthology for the music is coming out? Will it have all 9 or 10 of the hits on it?"
Duane: "We have over 60 tunes and hits on the Anthology now. What will remain when it hits…who knows? But, Johnny & The Hurricanes have over 100 songs published worldwide thru BMI. We have a song in the movie "TRAINS, PLANES & AUTOMOBILES" with Steve Martin and John Candy. The same song is also in Episode #74 of "The Sopranos". That was one big royalty check!"

Isaki: "It did make the Hurricanes very wealthy with those hits, no?"
Duane: "Not in the old days. We were shafted for most of the money. Its in the book. I cant discuss any current figures…but lets just say the one payment for The Sopranos was about a years salary for some blue-collar workers back in the states. It veries from little and into thousands each and every quarter. We never know until one of the lawyers calls either from Sweden, LA or New York and tells us they made a deposit. Now that I think of it…they always call when there a balance on the legal fees!"

Isaki: "We in Japan too know how important is intellectual properties. Stories, words, music and plays. We love your Hurricanes music and wish you could come play for us!"
Duane: "Well…anythings possible except getting the Hurricanes back together. Some original members are still alive. But as long as Johnny stays dead…there will never be another performance by the group. You COULD get ME over here! (Looking out the station window) There seems to be an over-abundance of young ladies, girls, women and a few guys even out there. Fans are always so nice. And we still have a huge fan base here and around the world."

Isaki: "You see how many fans still like your BEATNIK FLY and CROSSFIRE."
Duane: "Well, if today is any indication…Im glad the 2 Security men with me are big enough! I was swamped at the airport, approached at the Hotel, gave an autograph to the taxi driver, and have been waving at all these cute little ladies all day. (Waving out to the street where one sign reads "We love RED RIVER ROCK & THE HURRICANES!" WE LOVE HURRICANE DUANE!) I don’t know whether to blush or laugh!"

Isaki: "I saw that. Not surprising at all. Many Japanese fans ask for the Hurricanes music. Many emails we received about you coming today."
Duane: "That’s real nice! I had surgery recently and woke up in the damn OR and the Nurses were asking me for autographs! In post-op surgery no less! Here I was half-unconcious, and scribbling with a pen I couldnt hold!"

Isaki: "On No! Surgery? Are you alright now?"
Duane: For today yes, but really? Im not sure Isaki. Found something…took it out…found something else…and so the journey continues. Either way, Im fine with things. Ive been blessed in my life. Had a wonderful woman after High School, and I ruined it bad. Tried it again with someone else, and it was a big mistake as well. So, you learn and move on. Hopefully for the better."

Isaki: "Anata wa kekkon shite imasu ka? (Are you married?)You not married now again still, yes?"
Duane: (Laughing) Oh no, Im very much happily married and have been together over 23 years. She is 10 years younger than I. I'd like to think she keeps me young, and I bring her up a little bit. She is a fine Videographer of musical groups and events. Shes done hundreds of them. All kinds of famous people. And then theres Lucky."

Isaki: "You named child LUCKY?"
Duane: (Laughing again) "Might as well be my child. He's a 15 pound Schnoodle. He
does tricks…backflips and things. And he loves walks. He takes ME on them all the time.
And he takes my spot in bed."

Isaki: "Maybe it is you are gone for Hurricanes too much often?"
Duane: "Between me an Officers at Ford Motor Company, Atila Records and The Hurricanes Shelter Offices in Phoenix, Michigan and Perrysburg Ohio…Throw in a few foreign country stops and….Im gone so much from home…every time I DO get in…Lucky pees on MY leg!"

Isaki: " Sumimasen, chotto o-tazune shimasu ? (Excuse me. Can I ask you something?) So, the Hurricanes music Anthology is out. The book is out as well? And, you are here now for promotions and some interviews right? No playing?"
Duane: "No, not in Japan as yet. I will be performing at some summer festivals in downtown Detroit in a few weeks. There are 3 really, really fine groups Im guesting with."

Isaki "And about the book?"
Duane: "Here is the story on that. Johnny passed and left the diaries to Sonja his wife. Sonja and I cleaned, sold and moved all of 50 years of files, music, equipment, records…a school bus, van and a Cessna Airplane...cleaned and auctioned the estate out, and began and eventually finished "SAX MAN" Johnny Paris's life story. We're hoping for a major motion picture instead. If that happens…the book may never come out. You'd have to go see the movie!"

Isaki: "Gokoūn o inorimasu!"(Good Luck!)
Duane: "Domo arigato." (Thank you!)

Isaki: "We will always love to dance and listen many times to the Hurricanes happy music!'
Duane: "Sumimasen!(Excuse me!) Please Isaki! It is and forever will be only JOHNNY & the Hurricanes. Without John, there will never be another group. Some members tried, but we shut 'em down. I have shut down videos from Youtube and sites like it anytime we hear or see something on the group. WE own the rights. WE own the trademark and the copyrights. And only WE grant permission to use. And I almost never grant that. And we have lawyers here and in the Uk and Europe. All with very large snapping teeth! Enough people have stolen from John and the group over the years, and it stops now. Enough."

Isaki: "Very honorable. Good. You still are a Motown family member too?"
Duane: "Yes I am. Many famous artists, engineers, producers and big names… fans too…belong to SOULFUL DETROIT FORUMS. I am a senior member and a "ZENITH"…which is top of the line in respect and honor. We all are a big happy family of Motown Records and of Soul supporters. I have many many famous friends…the key word being 'friends'...because, bottom line…we are all the same there, and deserve equal respect."

Isaki: "It has been a pleasure Mr. Hurricane to learn about the music and where it is going to. Are you making any new music for yourself?"
Duane: 'Actually, yes I am. I'm in the studio daily. Cleaning up my late friend and brothers Master tapes and…"

Isaki: "I heard about…Paul is it? Passing away, yes?"
Duane: "Yes. Im lost without him after everyday of 43 years. We were closer than brothers. We were almost the same person…but Im moving on with my own music again. My agents, and stage managers more or less ordered me to leave Pauls stuff be, and move on. Since I love, know and trust them…Im doing what they suggest."

ISaki: "Hurricane Duane makes new Hurricane Music!"
Duane "No! Not anything like the hits. Ive several coming out that will be available. One is "The In Crowd", not mine but by Mitchel Musso…and another by me called (obviously) "Hurricane's a comin''…and a third Christian song called
"Isn’t it amazing what a prayer can do?!"

Isaki: "Sir! So busy! And you have normal job!"
Duane: "With that, Im fortunate. Im the Supervisor of around16 Officers and ensure the safety of over 2,500 employees in the Ford Motors WHQ. I work shifts when and however I assign, but am on call for any and everything regarding building management issues 24/7 everyday, 7 days a week. Again, I love my job and Regent Court WHQ."

Isaki: " Doko ka iki tai tokoro wa ari masu ka? (Is there anyplace you'd like to go?)
Duane: (Laughing) "Yes! To bed! I have jet lag so bad, I think my body is still back in Detroit!"

Isaki: "Itsu modotte ki masu ka?" (When are you going back?)
Duane: " Asatte ie ni kaeri masu" (Im returning the day after tomorrow.) God willing, sometime soon I hope Ill be back to see you all. Right now Im coasting thru due to my health. But, Ill be ok…and Ill be back one day. Hey! Book me a concert here in Tokyo or Kyoto!"
Isaki: "Doma arigato Hurricane! Gokoūn o inorimasu " (Thank you Hurricane. Good Luck!)

Duane: "Thanks Isaki. (Waving to the girls in the street below the station) Jā mata ne!"(See you later!)
Peace and Love…Always! You know? Never ever let the music die! God Bless!"

May 9th, 2009 Isaki Tumuchi, Tokyo, Japan

"Risin' from the ashes!!'

2009-03-16T06:30:00.000-07:00

"DRIVIN' SIDEWAYS IN DETROIT!" is BACK!!!!!
By Johnny & The Hurricanes "Hurricane" Duane Thomas

"RED RIVER ROCK" JOHNNY & THE HURRICANE'S Duane Thomas cruises the Motor City, America and the World at large. The 60's! The '70's! To TODAY!
duanethomas@johnnyandthehurricanes.com
March 16th, 2009

"Risin' from the ashes!"

Howdy boys n girls! Whew! Ive been gone since October of 2008. 6 months flies by quicker than a cop-car headin' to a donut-shop!

Well, its been a crazy few months, and I haven’t lost my mind yet! But, I think I'm workin' on it. Johnny & The Hurricanes relocated out West, but still maintains offices here in the Northeastern USA. We went on ITUNES with 6 albums…2 of which were Johnny & The Hurricanes LIVE! At the STAR CLUB in Hamburg Germany, and we released "SAX MAN"…never before released song and title of our coming book.
Movie talk is flying around…and we're optimistic.

I just keep rolling with the things that come my way every day, and try to keep a straight line between me and my objectives (and trying to keep a straight face!) And sometimes, thats hard. What-with the economy, and pressures of work, home and family…at times…Ive felt consumed by all I need to do, and when I need to do it by. And, a brief hospital stay knocked the wind from my sails…and when I looked up? I found that someone had removed them as well! So, there I sat for a hot-minute, circling with my boat around and around. But, that doesn’t mean Ive lost focus. Hardly! And in fact? Its just the opposite.

Im usually bothered by all things timely and scheduled, but, even so. I always get my work done. Here at Ford Motor Company, I have mass confusion and directives and orders and reports…well…you get the idea. And, don’t get me wrong. I love my job, and am grateful for it. Even with all the daily deadlines. Its just sometimes I think…"WOW! I could-a had-a V8!" But in reality, Im lucky to get to stop long enough. I just cant drop the ball and go runnin'. (Although, I did get an interesting possibility in sessions down in Nashville today. We'll see about that!)

So now, though Im still doing interviews, web-sites and business of Johnny & The Hurricanes, myself, "Drivin' Sideways in Detroit", and developing a coming L.L.C. company before summer, publishing one book, and finishing up another…Im back. Well, in theory anyway. I never left…just couldn’t find the time. And frankly? I STILL haven’t got the time…but Ive got a lot to say…so, keep up! I will post regularly again, and of course… let everyone know where and when so you all can follow me, "SAX MAN" and Johnny & The Hurricanes!

This year is proving to be awesome. With the 50th Anniversary of 'RED RIVER ROCK', and the release of the ITUNES albums and single, movie talk and the like…Im just hoping to hang on for the ride. I hope y'all will stay with me? Theres a lot of room in the back-seat!

Much Love all…"Hurricane" Duane "The Kid"

Drop us a word or two at: duanethomas@johnnyandthehurricanes.com … and if you haven’t yet…add us to your MySpace!

We love you all! HDT

*www.myspace.com/duanethomas1
*www.myspace.com/johnnyandthehurricanes

"The Last Hurricane" a bit about Duane....

2009-03-11T17:53:00.000-07:00

"HURRICANE" DUANE THOMAS

* Musician, Performer, Producer and Session Musician.
* Lead Guitar, Piano-Organ-Synthesizer
*“JOHNNY & The HURRICANES"
Lead Guitarist-Vocals/Keyboards/Group
Archivist/Website Administrator
* "HEE-HAW" Television show regular
* Member: DETROIT BLUES CLUB
* SOULFUL DETROIT (MOTOWN) MUSIC FORUM
* DETROIT FREE PRESS FORUM

* Co-author: "SAX MAN"
JOHNNY PARIS Biography of JOHNNY & THE HURRICANES
* Author: 40 + "DRIVIN' SIDEWAYS IN DETROIT!”
* Author: "PANGIA. FALCOR & THE LOST CRYSTAL".

DUANE THOMAS CURRENTLY MENTIONED:
*"THE ROAD THROUGH MOTOWN"
Ralph Terrana (Motown Records)
*“GHOSTS of ANN ARBOR”
Michelle Uptergrove.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"THE LAST HURRICANE"
A Brief Biography of Hurricane Duane Thomas
by Lazlo Farnsworth, London UK
©2008

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".
L.F./Lazlo Farnsworth London Independant, UK ©2008

"SAX MAN" THE AMAZING LIFE STORY OF "SAX MAN" JOHNNY PARIS, JOHNNY & THE HURRICANES
& THE BIRTH OF ROCK & ROLL! By SONJA PARIS & "HURRICANE" DUANE THOMAS

"To write about such an extraordinary man, in extraordinary times in Rock and Roll history, "SAX MAN" has become much more than any ordinary novel. With this true story of "SAX MAN" Johnny Paris, the Birth of Rock and Roll, and the creation of 50 years of his musical legacy called Johnny and The Hurricanes, his struggles personally, musically and legally, came to center stage almost immediately after he passed from this world, into the one of Legend.

From Johnny's poor and troubled youth as John Pocisk in small town Ohio, up personal ladders and over musical bridges, through dark tunnels and royalty minefields, "SAX MAN" couldn't be anything other than an accurate representation of the truth. It was the very Birth of Rock and Roll, and the Day the Music Died. "SAX MAN" portrays the real-life story of Johnny Paris, Johnny and The Hurricanes, American Bandstand, The Beatles, bad deals, hit records, hookers and Red Light Districts. His was a poor childhood, and a personality hidden, from even his closest friends and family.

From "Red River Rock" and black-listing, to a devastating divorce, a life abroad, and to a new and true love found…"SAX MAN" is his story. From the detailed pages of his diaries, to interviews both recent and historical, to memories of famous Entertainers, childhood friends, fans and former band mates alike, to his personal life with his wife, the life of Johnny Paris is now told. One would be hard pressed to invent a life story as amazing as his!" COMING 2009

SONJA PARIS & "HURRICANE" DUANE THOMAS "SAX MAN" ©2008

"SAX MAN" is COMING 2009

2008-10-02T17:54:00.000-07:00

From "Hurricane" Duane Thomas, Co-Author of "SAX MAN"-Lead Guitarist/Johnny and The Hurricanes

"To write about such an extraordinary man, in extraordinary times in Rock and Roll history, "SAX MAN" has become much more than any ordinary novel. With this true story of "SAX MAN" Johnny Paris, the Birth of Rock and Roll, and the creation of 50 years of his musical legacy called Johnny and The Hurricanes, his struggles personally, musically and legally, came to center stage almost immediately after he passed from this world, into the one of Legend.

From Johnny's poor and troubled youth as John Pocisk in small town Ohio, up personal ladders and over musical bridges, through dark tunnels and royalty minefields, "SAX MAN" couldn't be anything other than an accurate representation of the truth. It was the very Birth of Rock and Roll, and the Day the Music Died. "SAX MAN" portrays the real-life story of Johnny Paris, Johnny and The Hurricanes, American Bandstand, The Beatles, bad deals, hit records, hookers and Red Light Districts. His was a poor childhood, and a personality hidden, from even his closest friends and family.

From "Red River Rock" and black-listing, to a devastating divorce, a life abroad, and to a new and true love found…"SAX MAN" is his story. From the detailed pages of his diaries, to interviews both recent and historical, to memories of famous Entertainers, childhood friends, fans and former band mates alike, to his personal life with his wife, the life of Johnny Paris is now told. One would be hard pressed to invent a life story as amazing as his!"
"Hurricane" Duane c/o www.myspace.com/duanethomas1

"Zen Master and the Marble"

2008-05-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

"Zen Master and the Marble"
*exerpt from "Spirits Ive known...and a few I didnt" by Duane Thomas 2009

While living in Miami many years ago, I met a Zen Master of considerable knowledge. Striking up a friendship was easy. He was a neighbor of sorts who was picking up an orange at the stand on the road. He smiled at me. "Pickin' a good one, huh!?" I said smiling back. "There are no bad ones" he said still smiling. "They are all only oranges". Thus began a brief apprenticeship with Chen So on the principle of Life, Death and Eternity.

Once, I asked him about Death and where we go when we die. With his ever present smile, Chen So reached into the drawer. Pulling out a regular cats eye marble, he motioned me outside. The marble gleamed with cracks and crevises in the hot Florida sun. Raising his arm, he threw the marble as hard as he could at the wall of the deck, where it shattered into a million little glass crystal-like pieces all over the ground. Chen So looked at me and the pieces of shattered glass and asked me "Now. Where did the marble go?" This was easy!" Gone! You broke it!" I laughed. "Into a million little pieces!". "Yes. Yes I did." he responded. "But the marble is STILL a marble as you said...only now in a different form. One in a million pieces perhaps....but still...a marble just as well!"

I understood. We're not there in the grave, or in ashes on a mantle...those are just shells discarded at the time of "going to the light'. Knowing this, I felt better. My loved ones and the loved ones of all of us, wait beside us in another dimension. One we cant see. Like a million little pieces of a broken crystal marble, they are still here! And that even though it doesnt look the same....it still is. Just in another form. And so goes Life into Death into LIfe into Death...and we are never, ever alone!

For those that leave us that we love dearly, never really leave us at all. Love transcends all things, places and time.

Stay well friends.....Duane

http://www. drivinsidewaysindetroit. blogspot. com/
duanethomas@johnnyandthhurricanes.com

"SAX MAN" and...GOODBYE MIDWEST

2008-04-20T14:33:00.000-07:00

SAX MAN" and...GOODBYE MIDWEST.

2 years of research, heartache, pain and strain, and many sleepless nights, were gone. Now, the story of Johnny Paris is told. Handing it off at last, is like a baby you lose. Its the same thing. No more re-interviewing. Not much more additional content...so, it's literally waiting to be born for Johnny, Sonja and myself, into bookstores around the world.

I grabbed my bag as usual in the darkness before work one morning, only to realize I had been carrying that thing all the last 2 years filled with cassettes, files, cd's., records and zip drives, because of the book. I carried it everywhere. And as I watched it head off into the sunset, I was kind of surprised myself that now I could not even add or correct anything anymore, even if I wanted to. It was no longer in my hands. It was a new baby about to be born. But thats not all.

After being based in Germany for many years as well, for the second time in 50 years, Johnny and the Hurricanes are leaving the Midwest. The memory and music of Johnny and The Hurricanes will forever be in the hearts of all his wonderful fans and friends around the world. And when it comes to the business, it will always be 'business as usual", no matter where the home company bases itself. We believe that Johnny is now free. His story has been told. Its time for those who chastised us, to see in themselves the truth we have written, and in fact discovered about our own relationships with John, as they too will understand why he did what he did...and why for so long. We didnt know till after we wrote the book either....

It will be easy to talk about all we've written, transcribed and learned. It's a kind of 'looking back'. We still read parts of it and think 'Wow! Did we write all this? This really happened from Johns diaries?!" We know we did, and it really did come from his own words, tapes and friends. We had become so overwhelmed with people, rock and roll artists, places, dates and times, that we had forgotten just how much and detailed we had been. 500,000 words and over 450 pages, minus the photos. The amount of research was staggering. Now it was done.

PARIS-THOMAS promises that when it comes to Johnny Paris and The Hurricanes, the buck stops here with us. We stand together against the world against all infringers and those who would tarnish the image and legacy Johnny worked hard to protect. My partner Sonja is fiercly protective, and Johnny would be proud how she's stood up to the adversity both here and over in Germany and abroad. I'd like to think he'd be equally as proud of his once Hurricane guitarist, who gave him so much grief on and off stage, way back when. John, I did what I could, as best as I could. You belong to the ages now, right or wrong, good or bad. It was your life and how you lived it. We did not judge.

So, Im off into my own new book I guess. On "SPIRITS I'VE KNOWN, AND A FEW I DIDN'T", I've asked Sonja to write the Forward. So, it all starts anew. Fresh. Original and something to look forward to. Not a rehashing over Rock and Roll dates and times, events and records, but a free-flowing recollection of some of the stranger things, from the stranger meta-physical side, of my long and weaving life.

Maybe now with Johnnys story coming out there...his beginnings, his life with Sonja, and me with my days in the Hurricanes in the book as well....I can finally get a little sleep.....
Hurricane Duane
WWW. JOHNNYANDTHEHURRICANES. COM
PARISTHOMAS@JOHNNYANDTHEHURRICANES.COM

Pt 2 Interview/w Hurricane Duane Thomas

2008-03-02T05:37:00.000-08:00

Interviewer: LAZLO FARNSWORTH, London UK (Independent) 1-24-08
*Part 1 may be found on Feb 3rd, 2008, and at the link at the bottom of this page

(Pt 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 nothing 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 werent. 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....dont regret it, but wouldnt repeat it. It was just a rock musician and a couple women thing. May we move along?

L.F: Yes, of course. Youve 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: Youre 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'.

LAZLOW FARNSWORTH 2008

***PART 1: Paste into your browser:
http://drivinsidewaysindetroit.blogspot.com/2008/02/interview-questions-and-answersduane.html

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

2008-02-23T14:23:00.000-08:00

"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

www.johnnyandthehurricanes.com
www.myspace.com/johnnyandthehurricanes
www.myspace.com/duanethomas1
www.drivinsidewaysindetroit.blogspot.com

Interview with "Hurricane" Duane

2008-02-03T08:47:00.000-08:00

*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

Interview Questions and Answers/Duane Thomas

2008-02-03T08:22:00.000-08:00

*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 Google 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 killl 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, holds 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

"Chaplain Hurricane" Duane Thomas???

2008-01-13T07:32:00.000-08:00

Chaplain Hurricane Duane? What will folks think? What do I think? And how did I find myself in the midst of my Union President, Vice President and Secretary shaking their hands? I havent the slightest notion. It seems a blur like the time I looked up in Medical School to find the class voted me Class President. To some it may have been obvious, but to me it wasnt. Same thing today. Wham! "Thank you, why of course I'll be Local Chaplain!" And here I am. I know God works in funny ways...(after ALL...they are HIS ways!)...so who am I to question? What's the saying? Many are called, but few are chosen? Well...I didnt even know I was in the running. I always seem to find these things out last.

Just yesterday, my recently departed father- in- law's Chaplain card from his VFW post fell from my wallet. I thought it funny at that moment that he was their Chaplain, and now I'm OUR Chaplain! But, though slightly confused and un-sure of myself, I know things happen 'cause they are supposed to, and I'm not complaining. I can play you a G Augmented 5th chord on the piano or guitar, but part of my brain still tells me when referring to a passage from "GENESIS", I immediately think of Phil Collins. But, hey! Youre never too old to answer a call here or there, and for a good cause. Sometimes its just fate or destiny. Sometimes, it's just 'because' God said so.

I've semi-reluctantly accepted this Chaplain-ship with hope and a smile. I say only "semi" reluctantly because its just that Im shocked at the places my life takes me. Most times, my fault and by my own actions...but somehow this time...it's just because God thought it was supposed to be me. I can accept that. I can only hope to prove that my Brothers and Sisters can count on my support. And, a prayer or two. So now, 2008 finds me with a book hitting the stores, a re-issue of Hurricanes hits ahead with maybe a tribute perhaps, care-giving my brother who has Cancer, and acting as a 1st Officer for Fords. And I have got my wife and my dog to think about, and am managing 2 myspace pages, and administrating 1 other. My hands are full! Instead of hauling amplifiers and guitars, I need roadies to haul my POST-IT's around! I guess as a Chaplain, a Bible's not too much to carry.

Ok, so this is just one more thing. How bad could it be? God and Guitars. Both start with "G"...thats good. Both are Dominants. Both produce love, sorrow, joy and pain...but I'm just lucky to be able to put a couple of meaningful sentences together. Still, I'll do it. It will be just like playin' on stage...only this stage belongs to "The BIG GUY"!. Preachin'? Ive been accused of doing that before. Usually I'll latch on to a point, and won't let up till I get my point across. Even if it's wrong. So, to be there, and be supportive, and lead members to a sense of Spiritual hope otherwise lacking in our Union Local, I realize it's an honor to be Chaplain. Maybe I CAN make a dent in the frustrations felt by my co-workers. Rock Musician, Chaplain. Chaplain...guitar 'shredder'. Kinda sounds the same, huh? (sigh) I didn't think so either. So be it. I'm the new "Chaplain" Hurricane Duane.

I've never minded prayer, prayin' or speaking to audiences. I just usually have an electric guitar or stack of keyboards in front of me to hide behind. Now...if only I could find a Bible as big as a Marshall amplifier stack.......!

And so dear friends, Ill be back here bi-monthly for awhile, but as always, you can drop me a line anywhere below. Keep the faith, keep it real..and "Faith without works...." you know!
Peace All,

"Chaplain-Hurricane" Duane Thomas,
www.drivinsidewaysindetroit.blogspot.com/
P.P.N Local #102
&
Johnny and the Hurricanes, Inc
www.myspace.com/johnnyandthehurricanes
www.myspace.com/duanethomas1
**Special Thanks: LA, Larry, Team Detroit, Sonja, Hurricane Shelter, Ralph/Soulful Detroit Forums, and Lucky the Wonder Dog!

Another year has passed....

2007-12-23T16:58:00.000-08:00

Pedal's STILL to the meddle...."Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!"by Johnny and the Hurricane's "Hurricane" Duane Thomas

Another year has passed....

I thought 32 weeks of articles wasnt bad for a 1st year. What with co-authoring Johnny Paris's biography all year long, I suppose it was an achievement I should be proud of. At least, most of the reviews were favorable. Still, I thank you all. And with the passing of my father-in-law, and a pastor friend, another drummer and also a postal worker friend...I also lost a childhood friend to alcoholism. With all the rollin' and tossin', it's not been a piece of cake by any means, especially for LA Grizzy, my wife. A great videographer, she has her own promotions of mostly Christian and Motown artists and groups going well for her. She and I can thank my old friend Mr. Entertainment, Spyder Turner, from the Jazz Festival in 2006 for motivating her (and me). Thanks Spyder. I am very proud of her and her work.

Now. My brother and his cancer. Months back I asked for prayers for him, and obviously they worked for the time, because he is still here, and fiestier than ever. He has 3 forms of cancer and is beginning new chemo therapy next week. We've been in the studio, and his only real complaint is that he's tired most of the time. He's been buggin' me so much lately (its the Morphine), that Ive said..."If the Cancer don't kill ya...I'm gonna kill ya myself!" Thank you all so much for your prayers for him. Taking care of him has been a strain and is about to get harder, but that's ok. All is as it should be.

"SAX MAN", Johnnys book on his career and the Hurricanes is finally coming in 2008, with additionally worldwide downloads available in all formats, possible release of one-of-a-kind never-before-heard songs, and a tribute album, including merchandising. All this co-incides when Sonja Paris returns from Cannes, France and a January Music Conference. LIfe is about to change big time for Sonja and myself upon the books release. Theres is a brand new Johnny and The Hurricanes MySpace page up. Come and stop by.And Lucky the Wonder-Dog? Still as full of it as can be. He's a small "Schnoodle". But, I havent the heart to tell him he's not a pit-bull! Lucky turns 4 on New Years day, and is my shadow.

I'd like to express my thanks and best wishes for you and yours this Holiday. We really, really never do know how much time we have here. Make the most of it, eh? Join me next year for more surprises as we'll be....."Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!" Happy New Year! God Bless us All,

"Hurricane Duane", Johnny and the Hurricanes, Inc.
duanethomas@johnnyandthehurricanes.com

duanethomas@atilarecords.com

www.myspace.com/duanethomas1

http://www.johnnyandthehurricanes.com/

www.myspace.com/johnnyandthehurricanes

Johnny and the Hurricanes, Inc.
owner: Sonja Paris@yahoo.com

Happy Holidays All

2007-11-18T15:16:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays All

Yes, I have a lot of confusing feelings this season. Its been a difficult year to say the least. 5 deaths this summer alone, my best friend and brother...and my wive's best friend and sister...both have Cancer. But on the plus side, Ive made a lot of new friends, got in touch with some old ones, finished "Saxman" the Johnny Paris & The Hurricanes bio, got a new position I enjoy where American Idol commercials are produced at Team Detroit, just received an hourly raise in my 9-5, and awaiting a Union lump sum backpay. So, if all the running, producing and authoring the bio, and working full time means anything...then even tho Im exhausted, Im am thankful. Now, just to survive the Season!

And on a different note, Anna Nicole and James Brown are still dead, Britney's still running lights, dropping her kids, and riding around with no underwear, Linsay Lohan's outta rehab, and Amy Whinehouse is back in it (No! No! No!). And, of course Paris is out to "change her life for the good". Yeah right! And O.J. was out there looking for Nicole's killer when him and his 'goons' were busted for robbery/w a firearm. And we cant forget that weird relationship Jessica and Ashley Simpson has with 'ole Daddy-boy. Brad and Angelina are still on their World Tour trying to adopt one kid from each country they visit, and Tom and Katie seem happy...still. But, I understand she talks down to him, and he looks up to her (you figure it out!) Bush is still President, Barrack and Hillary got their runnin' shoes on, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen turned 21(yeah!), and that "High School Musical" darling Vanessa, threw out all her web cameras and deleted all of her emails(wonder why?).Theres more friends.

We got that crazy Iranian dicator to back off(kinda), but in the process, we nuclearized Pakistan by Mushariff stepping aside(not DOWN...but ...OVER two steps to the left), N.Korea realised no matter what, us Americans will NEVER eat dog-meat, and they backed off their Nuke Program. And I read the other day that Taco Bell is finally open in Mexico. Wait! What? It seems to me, that after a year, the whole world is still pretty nuts. Well, that makes 3 of us. The world, me and myself. The only one enjoying themselves in my world seems to be Lucky the Wonder Dog, because he can do a 180 and lick himself all day long. He only looks up long enough to glance at me as if to say "Holy crap boss! You look like HELL!" Sigh...................

Well, that's the way it is this Thanksgiving. I have a friend making a barbecued turkey, and one a kiwi-stuffed bird, another a deep fryer, and even a "veggie-child" friend of ours cooking a Tofu Turkey. Can't figure that one out. And on that note, I'd like to thank all the folks (and animals) who got me thru this year...and Im BEGGING them....to get me through the next one!My luck, the Anti-Christ will come and it all wont matter...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Eat and drink safe. And remember...after you say 'grace'...be sure to un-fasten that belt and those pants. Just dont forget to pull ' em back up before you stand-up!Chow (Ciao) Drop a line!

Hurricane Duane duanethomas@johnnandthehurricanes.com

Big Announcement!

2007-10-13T04:32:00.000-07:00

"Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!"

Coming Soon! International Release: "The Saxman"

by Ms. Sonja Paris & "Hurricane" Duane Thomas

The real life documentary-biography of Johnny "Red River Rock" Paris and his Hurricanes, American Bandstand, the Beatles, battles, bad deals, babes and the Birth of Rock and Roll.

Over the next few weeks readers...please visit and re-visit some of my past articles at :

http://www.drivinsidewaysindetroit.blogspot.com/

Drop me a line at : "Hurricane" Duane Thomas

c/o

duanethomas@johnnyandthehurricanes.com

hurricane.duane@atilarecords.com

Top 10 "Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!"

2007-10-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

Howdy friends! Yep...I am takin' it easy for now. I've got a new one comin' next week. Till then, here are the Top 10 articles. Please just page down for the one(s) you want to read. God Bless all!

http://www.drivinsidewaysindetroit.blogspot.com/

**Top 10 Favorites "Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!" at Google Blogger

Sunday, March 4, 2007
"Recognize Any? Detroit's Musicians Past and Present"
(Famous Detroit Musicians)

Sunday, April 29, 2007
"Lost, Tossed and Squashed!"
(How DOES that stuff get on the freeway?!)

Sunday, May 20, 2007
"Do you remember...?"
(Happier times and stuff that made us happy back when..)

Sunday, June 17, 2007
"Album '1sts'" Can you guess which album....?
(Album trivia)

Sunday, August 5, 2007
"Choices"
(Why are there so many?)

Sunday, July 22, 2007
"1967 Summer of Love/Motor City's Burning Revisited"
(Flower Power, and the Detroit Riot)

Sunday, April 15, 2007
"Random thoughts, observations..."
(Anna Nicole, Britney and that Sanjaya kid from American Idol)

Sunday, March 25, 2007
"Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign!"
(Who makes these signs up?!!)

Sunday, August 12, 2007
"Excess Baggage"
(Just too much stuff!)

Saturday, June 2, 2007
"This is not Goodbye"
(Death and loss fo loved ones and family)

"Hurricane" Duane "The Kid" Thomas
c/o
www.johnnyandthehurricanes.com
duanethomas@johnnyandthehurricanes.com
hurricane.duane@atilarecords.com
http://www.myspace.com/duanethomas1

"Stopping to smell the Roses...a little"

2007-09-29T04:52:00.000-07:00

It started out as a normal day..well, for me at least. At 5:15a.m I staggered up outta bed, let out the dog, got into my suit for work, and got a lunch together. My wife asleep, Lucky the Wonder Dog gave me just a shrug when I let him back in as if to say."Thanks Poppa...but I'm hitting the bed with Momma"...and so he did. It was now 5:25a.m. I left the house and went to a 24hr Walgreens for a paper, and stopped for gas on the way to work. It was now 6:15a.m. I got to my desk 15 minutes early like always, called the Officers at Station 5 that I was 'on duty', and began doing paperwork, and checking our pass-on book. Now 7am., I spent the next few minutes calling the alarm company and putting the building in bypass for fire-panel testing, and for a service company to check all the building systems. Fine. I did that, and went to check my emails. Since writing Johnny Paris's biography, I get emails from around the world at all hours of the day and night, depending on what time it is THERE. They keep coming. It's now 7:30a.m and I know Lucky's in bed with my wife, his crotch in the air, legs all spread out...in MY spot, of course. Thats ok. Im used to this kind of routine.

So I open my website, myspace page, blogger page, my-yahoo page, and of course Soulful Detroit Music Forum page. Now, at 8:05a.m., I put the fire panel into bypass and go back to what Im doing on-line, and the phone rings. It's my co-author and partner, Sonja Paris, John's wife. She usually calls early from out-of-state, so it's all good. We talk about the business, the Hurricanes and John's bio, and some legal issues and personal issues. We talk for over an hour, all business. It's now aprox 9:10a.m., and I get another phone call to expect MTV on the premises for a tour...and the phone rings a second time to let a film crew into the facility on the south end side. Fine, no problem. I run over to the opposite side, and get them in. I dealt with the engineer, the fire panel folks, the Service folks, and another one of my officers, some phone calls, a one hour business call from Sonja, got the film crew in, and went off looking for MTV to get here. It's now 9:45 a.m. Once I found MTV, and the film crew got what they needed elsewhere, I reset the Fire panel, called the authorities, and completed my reports. The time was now 10:00a.m Saturday morning. Great...piece of cake. The only glitch is I have 13 more hours of my double shift to go.....13 hours today, and 16 more of a double tomorrow back to back...again. Long day...or two...or three...what a day in Public Safety!

So it goes for me, but I think it's beginning to catch up with me and my energy level. This week everyday I took my brother to radiation therapy, went to Ohio, and they came back to Michigan, I went to work Wednesday, and voted for Union affairs Friday, and helped my brother with some issues he has on Friday...at which point I went home to cut my grass. Stopping at the store, I also got gas and went by another friends house. Getting home around 3pm Friday, I took out the mower expecting to cut the grass. It didnt really need it, so I went inside, played with Lucky a little, and went to straighten my office out. Having all my materials spread out on the floor, I began to sort things out. So far, so good. But, things were about to change. All of a sudden, I passed out on the floor catching myself at the last second. The room was spinning and I had to crawl to the couch and lie down. I've had one stroke, and I dont need another one thats for sure. I thought, "Oh oh!" and I slid onto the couch with the fan aimed at me. Just too much STUFF on my hands these days I figured...better heed the warning and slow down. Easy for someone else to say. They dont have the kind of days and night I have.

Between my wife, Lucky and my Mother in law, theres my brother and his doctors and some social agencies, my book partner Sonja in Ohio, the websites, my blog, my job, my house and yard, my bro's house and yard, and my mother in laws house, yard and car. Plus theres always dinner, and dishes, and dog walking, yard work, computer work, musical rehearsals, and video productions I try and help the wife with. MULTI-TASKING you say? Ha! MULTIPLE-MULTI-TASKING is the cornerstone of my daily life. But, it's become apparent (especially passing out with my face down into the carpet) that something has to give. The book? No, never. It's gonna be a block-buster. The dog Lucky? Over course not! He's our 'son'! Cut back on-line? Nope...got a busines to handle, and interviews to do yet. Caring for my brother? My Mother-in-law? Naw...forget that...they really need me. But someplace all the way, I gotta slow down. Or else.

An associate asked me once about my weekly schedule, and how I keep it up. "So what your'e saying" he said...is that you work 7 days and nights a week, right?" Thinking about it, I realized he was right. "You make it sound like a bad thing! I just keep one foot in front of the other every day. And I try and help at least one person each day. We never really know how much time we have here on Earth anyhow, so I try to make the best of it. Well, with me passing out that day, I realize that no matter how much we have to do...there's always another day. Guess my body's catchin' up finally to all this stuff that never ends.

Reminds me of an old Native American saying.Indian saying: "There are two things in life to remember. One is "not to sweat the small stuff. Second is that...it's ALL small stuff!"So..for the next few weeks Ill be running some of my favorite "Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!".

Please check me out at GOOGLE BLOGGER: http://www.drivinsidewaysindetroit.blogspot.com for over 25 topics. Thanks for your support...and God Bless my friends. Drop me a line...
"Hurricane" Duane c/o
http://www.myspace.com/duanethomas1
duanethomas@johnnyandthehurricanes.com
hurricane.duane@atilarecords.com

"Fall, a change in the air"

2007-09-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

I had just let Lucky the Wonder Dog out the back door. As I reached the kitchen, he crashed around into the side door as if to say "BOOM! Let me in! Now!". Opening the door, he came flying in, his paws all wet with the morning dew. At Least, I thought is was morning-dew. But, at 44 degrees at 5:40 a.m on a Michigan morning in September, it was more like frost. And Lucky looked all confused shaking all over with chills, his paws soaked from the wet grass. He looked like it was a shock to him. As if he was thinking "Hey! Where did Summer go?!"

All I know is it seemed like overnight and it was now darker for longer in the mornings, and at least 20-25 degrees cooler in the crisp Southestern Michigan air we wake to. I've always loved this time of year, at the start of Fall. Defroster on the car windows before pulling out in the morning. Grab a sweater or a jacket. Time for the leaves to change and the last of Summer's garden and farm produce to start trickling in to the markets. Its time to pull out the electric blanket so we can still sleep with the window open, and start pulling out the flannels, hoodies and light gloves and caps. And, the phrase "Honey? We need some lawn bags and a new rake from the hardware!" Oh oh! That can only mean one thing...leaves!

Here in Michigan, leaves come with the deal when living here. About the time your'e done cussing and mowing grass for the year, its' time to tackle those son-of-a guns that fall from the sky. Some neighborhoods are lucky. They get to burn them or rake them all into the street, whereas other communities require paper lawn bags for waste only. Never the less, they are a weekly hassle. I think the only ones who enjoy the piles we make with them are kids and dogs. I've never understood why we HAVE to rake leaves when in the forests, they don't rake leaves! In the huge wooded areas of the Great Northwest they dont rake either! So, how come we insist on compiling piles of these perpetually pervassively falling nuisances? Ya got me!

Cut the grass! Rake the leaves! Edge by the sidewalk! At least Fall signals a brief end to the grass cutting. But, the cutting gets replaced by raking. I think its' God's ways of messing with us. And we can't forget cleaning the windows and screens have to be removed for Winter. Winter! There's a scarier thought! Well, at least with the end of Summertime, we have a few things here we look forward to every year at this time in MIchigan. University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University football and Homecoming games, floats and parades, fall festivals, fairs, flea markets, Haunted Houses and Barns, and Cider Mills, cider, pumpkins and donuts. All good things we wait all year for here.

Cider mills abound here in Southeast Michigan, and the types, kinds and varieties of cider and apple based products one can buy, are beyond compare. We got trees 'n orchards, parks and woods here Michigan! LOTS of trees! And, the Cider Mills all have homemade donuts, candles, cheeses and breads to choose from. It's right-of-passge every year here. The 1st trip to the Cider Mill, along with that 'ride to see the leaves changing color', both signal the beginning of the end of the year. Time to take out those screens, wash the windows, turn up the thermostat a couple notches, and get wood for the fireplace. Now, thats something me and the Wonder Dog do religiously on our almost nightly fall walks, is pick up kindling we pass as we walk. I feel guilty if I see a perfectly good-sized piece of wood or pieces of wood, and don't stop to pick it up. Hey! It's there, it's in abundance, and it's free!

I love getting the fireplace rolling with a big fire, and Lucky does too. I get out the matches, and he runs up to the fireplace and plops down in front waiting for it to get roaring. And, just about the time we get used to the fireplace, and the raking and baggings of leaves galore, they are gone. The nights and mornings grow even chillier and colder with the cold air rushing through the now empty branches. Soon, those mornings are accompanied by hot chocolate, the night time with flavored hot teas, and afagan blankets to ward off the chill. Overall, and all things considered...its one of the best times of year to be around Detroit-City and S.E. Michigan.

So, I dug out my flannels and hunting vests this past weekend while straightening up the garage. Got the leave bags out and rake to inspect it for any damage. Damn! Got lots of bags, and the rake's in fine shape. Just my luck! I'm all prepared for the 1st batch of 'em. Oh well, I suppose it could be worse. I could live where there are no seasons like Cancun or Fiji or someplace warm always. But, still. I DO love Michigan and all it stands for. Looking around the garage, I find my prunning shears and garden gloves for raking. Suddenly, while glancing into the corner, I realize that no matter how much of a hassle it is to cut grass and pick up leaves, it always could be worse. Looking at the long-handled wide shovel hanging on the last hook, I realize just HOW MUCH worse it could be....It could be snowing!

Happy Autumn everyone......

"Copyrights & Trademarks. Thieves!"

2007-09-08T13:51:00.000-07:00

Friends: Copyrighted and trademarked material is flying unchecked by all of us in cyber-world. Youtube, Flikr and a zillion other sites are sharing stuff like crazy. But, is it right? Be informed.
Peace all.....

FAIR USE LETS ME DO ANYTHING I WANT WITHOUT GETTING PERMISSION, RIGHT? Wrong. Fair use is one of the most abused concepts of copyrights. Fair use allows you to use excerpts for journalistic review or educational inclusion. It is generally considered valid in educational or journalistic settings, generally not so in a "for profit" setting. Fair use does not allow you to take a drawn image and scan it, then post it on a web site. That is a violation of the creator's right to reproduce. Nor does it allow you to create an image of another's copyrighted character for "public use." That is a violation of their right of derivative work. Neither can you make a scan of an image (or large excerpt from a literary work) for use as advertising - this violates at least 3 of the creator's rights. Unless you are using it in an educational or journalistic manner, be very careful about using "Fair Use" as an excuse to violate someone's copyright. There are very limited uses outside of educational or journalistic endeavors. A major copy company recently was severely fined for attempting to classify the wholesale lifting of material for publication for ultimate use on college campuses as "Fair Use." While the initial violations were by the many teachers & professors that used the copy company to make their class readers (without getting permission from the copyright holders initially), it was ruled that since the copy company knew the rules and did it anyway, they were held responsible. It could be argued that it was for educational use, but it was not excerpts, it was whole articles, and it was in a "for profit" manner.
AS LONG AS I DON'T CHARGE ANYTHING FOR IT, IT'S NOT A VIOLATION, RIGHT? Wrong. The fact that money does or does not pass between doesn't alter anything. If you violate any one of the rights a copyright holder has, it's still a copyright violation. For many creators, it's not about money, it's about what happens to their creations. They want to have a say in what happens to their work, so that it doesn't turn into something that offends them.
ANYTHING ON THE NET IS PUBLIC DOMAIN, RIGHT? I MEAN, IT'S IN A PUBLIC AREA, RIGHT? Very much wrong. If someone posts his own stuff to the net, unless it's stated as "public domain," he still retains all rights to it. If someone else posts something of that person's without their permission, it's still a violation. Much of what is on the Internet is potentially in violation, so never assume that just because you found it on the net is it in public domain.
WELL, I'M HELPING THE ARTIST (WRITER) BY PUTTING HIS STUFF ON THE NET FOR HIM. I JUST WANT TO HELP - I LIKE HIS WORK. I'M GIVING HIM EXPOSURE. You're not helping him, you're violating his copyright. If you want to help him, ask him first. If you can't contact him, don't violate his copyrights. If he says no, that means no. Not much simpler than that...
I WANT TO SET UP A WEB PAGE TO HIGHLIGHT MY FAVOURITE ARTIST (WRITER, MUSICIAN, MOVIE, BOOK, ETC...) ALL I WANT TO DO IS SHOW EVERYONE HOW MUCH I LIKE MY FAVOURITE . THERE'S NO PROBLEM - IT FALLS UNDER FAIR USE, SO I DON'T NEED TO GET PERMISSION, RIGHT? No, you still need to ask permission. Even if they lose no money, you are dealing with their copyrighted material, and they may have strict ideas on what they want to do with their copyright. Many web sites have been shut down for not getting permission first. Fair use has (as yet) never been found to be a valid excuse, as the "journalistic review" part is generally limited to regularly published papers & magazines. No web site (that we are aware of) has been able to defend their use of copyrighted material with fair use. Never assume that the images, words, or music pieces you desire to use are in the public domain, and can be used without permission. Unless you know for certain it's public domain, always ask first.
I WANT TO MAKE A CD-ROM (BOOK, COLLECTION) OF MANY PEOPLE'S ART & STORIES - I DON'T NEED TO GET PERMISSION, JUST MAKE A STATEMENT TO THE EFFECT OF "ALL COPYRIGHTS BY THEIR CREATORS," RIGHT? Wrong. If you can't (or don't) get permission, you can't use the work. As a publisher, it would be your responsibility to verify that all work included in your collection was legal. If others submit work that may use a third party's copyrights, it is still your responsibility to verify the copyrights. The courts have ruled against publishers in these sorts of cases. If you want to publish ANYTHING, you must be certain of ALL copyrights contained in any collection you might produce. You can be fined, your production run confiscated & destroyed, all sorts of unpleasant things...
I DON'T AGREE WITH THE WHOLE COPYRIGHT CONCEPT - IT'S HORRIBLY RESTRICTIVE. I WANT TO MAKE EVERYTHING I DO PUBLIC DOMAIN - EVERYONE SHOULD. That's nice. This is a choice the creator has. You have the right to place anything you create in public domain - you created it, you can do what you want with it. But simply because you disagree with the concept, you cannot apply your beliefs on others who are using copyrights. By default, the second you create your work, you have a copyright. You can choose to waive the copyright - but unless the creator does so, that copyright is still in effect. You can not upload copyrighted music, photos, images etc. without the copyright owner's written permission, even if he doesn't lose any money. Web sites have been shut down for not getting permission and law suits being filed. Fair use is generally limited to regularly published papers & magazines, not for websites. Do not assume that a music piece, photo or image you desire can be used, ALWAYS ask for a written permission by the copyright owner.

For further information go to:

http://www.rexx.com/~jaguar/copyright.html

Special Thanks: La Grizzy, Team Detroit, the Hurricane Shelter, Sonja Paris, Marcus Da Vinci, Larry Patterson & Treasure Island Gold, Ralph Terrana & Soulful Detroit Music Forum, and "Lucky" the Wonder Dog!

"Yeah Detroit! Labor Day Weekend!"

2007-09-01T07:18:00.000-07:00

Seems it was just a couple weeks back that I wrote about all the things to do here in and around Motown this summer, and now the end is already upon us. But, there sure isn't a lack of anything to do. For sure Detroit is one to throw a party, and any reason will do, especially the Labor Day weekend. Decisions, decisions. And we sure have them here this weekend. Events abound all within 10-12 miles of the center of downtown.(except one). All are outside (except one).

*Downtown: The Detroit International Jazz FestivalSome acts appearing: Stanley Jordan, The Miracles, Herbie Hancock, The Dave Brubeck Quartet, Regina Carter, Maria Muldaur and James Dapogny, Marcus Belgrave, Poncho sanchez, Kenny Garrett. Otis Caly, Patti austin, Mavis Staples, Wendell Harrison, Johnny O'Neal, Alexander Zonjic, Betty Levette and Yusef Lateef....just to name a few.

*Pontiac Arts, Beats and EatsSome acts appearing: Starship/w Mickey Thomas, TheGin Blossoms, Mark Farner/Grand Funk Railroad

*Downtown Hamtramck FestivalSome acts appearing: Rare Earth, Question Mark and the Mysterians

*Downtown Wayne State Cultural Center's Dally in the AlleyClose to 50 local bands and artists

*Detroit Grand Prix on Belle Isle
*Renaissance Festival in Holly

*The Henry Ford Museum Stars Cars and Guitars20 custom guitars and Rock Star's guitars, Johnn Lennon's Paisly Roll Royce and Rickenbacher Electric guitar, ZZ Top's Roadster and Billy Gibbons Les Paul etc...

And all of the above is just for starters. There still is DTE Concert Theatre, Freedom Hill Ampitheatre, Comerica Park, Meadow Brook Ampitheatre, Chene Park, Hart Plaza, Ceder Point, the Beaches, Mackinaw Island, Put-in-Bay and Kellys Island, Irish Hills etc, etc, etc. For some reason, Detroit likes to wind down big with almost all of these happening at the same time very close to each other, on the same holiday weekend. I think Im going with Alice Cooper at the State Fair, the Renaissance Festival with all the 'wenches', a day trip to Put-in-Bay on the Island, and Cars & Guitars of Stars.

Yep, all this is sure exciting. So many choices and so little time. I suppose it would be better to spread all these things to do over a period of time, but you know? The Assembly Line was started by 'ole Henry Ford right here to move things along in a timely manner. But, with all these great musicians, cars, exhibits, festivals and fairs, who wants to hurry? It's like that in Detroit here. Cram as much as you can into one weekend...like the assembly-line.

I guess its good thing to have some options though. I just wish they werent all at once, and at the same time, at the end of our summer here. All that great music, food and things to do and people to see? It all boils down to one thing.....Get out the rakes and sharpen the shovels...'cause the LEAVES and the SNOW'S-a-comin'! ('n Where the devil are my tire-chains?!)

Peace, Love 'n Light all......

Special Thanks: La Grizzy, Team Detroit, the Hurricane Shelter, Sonja Paris, Larry Patterson & Treasure Island Gold, Ralph Terrana & Soulful Detroit, Marcus, Jake and "Lucky" the Wonder Dog
http://www.drivinsidewaysindetroit.blogspot.com
duanethomas@johnnyandthehurricanes.com
hurricane.duane@atilarecords.com

"Vocal Group Hall of Fame/Truth in Music Legislation".*

2007-08-25T08:23:00.000-07:00

The "Truth in Music" Bill, which first and foremost protects consumers from impostor musical groups, is now law in five states-Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Illinois, South Carolina and North Dakota. Just as significantly, "Truth in Music" has passed the Assembly in New York, the Senate in Massachusetts, the Senate in Michigan and the Senate in Delaware, and will doubtless pass the second chamber in these states next session. Hearings are already scheduled for both chambers in New Jersey. Legislative sponsors are set to introduce the Bill next session in Florida, California, Nevada, Virginia and Maine. We expect more than half the country to be covered by the end of 2007. (courtesy: http://www.vocalgroup.org/)

The Vocal Group Hall of Fame Inductees are a who's-who of musical history, and too many for me to list, but it's apparent almost no contributing group one can think of, was left out. So many impostor or look-a-like groups are out there. Now in 15 States, the movement is now afoot to stop these groups from pretending to be the 'original' group. At any one time, there are 5-10 Drifters, Coasters, Platters etc., performing around the country and the world, pretending to be the real group. This takes away from the earning potential and credibility of those truly original groups who recorded those songs so well loved by generations. Hoping to secure a means to stop the infringing and gain control of such entertainment practices, John " Bowzer " Bauman from the 50's Tribute group " Sha Na Na", has been at the forefront in bridging the gap between consumers and legislators. (H D Thomas)

*(Speaking: Jon ' Bowzer ' Bauman ( Sha -Na-Na)Chairman, Truth in Music Committee addresses the 'Truth In Music Bill': 2004)

"Truth in Music" has passed unanimously or nearly unanimously everywhere. It is a classic bipartisan issue, even in the current contentious political climate. In short, "Truth in Music" is well on its way to becoming the law of the land. The time has thus come for Fair and Exposition buyers to understand what "Truth in Music" means to them, and how they can best avoid getting that unwanted call from the state Attorney General's office suggesting their event may be in violation of the law. Simply put in the vernacular, "Truth in Music" says you need to have at least one member of the group that made the hit records in the group that's on stage that night, unless you have a darn good reason why you don't. There are really only two of those darn good reasons- 1) that somehow the group has a valid federally registered trademark for the group name, or 2) that the show is clearly advertised as a tribute or a salute in a manner that is not so confusingly similar to the actual group name that it would tend to deceive the public.

So the questions to ask the agent who books your event are: Is there an authentic member who was on the hit records in the group you're providing me? And, if not, does this group have a valid federally registered trademark for the precise name we are advertising? If the answer to both questions is "no", this had better be clearly and unconfusingly billed as a "tribute show", or the AG's office is likely to cause all kinds of unwanted problems and embarrassment.

The Attorney General's offices understand that the venue itself is often a victim as well as the consumer, having been misled by unscrupulous agents or promoters. But their leniency toward the venues on the road to fining the actual perpetrators and holding them accountable will only go so far. Your event can be enjoined, leaving you with a big hole in your schedule. And consumer anger and bad press will create a public relations nightmare.

Clearly, the better course of valor is to steer clear of problem shows to begin with. Of course, the final determinations as to rights will belong to the courts. But we at the non-profit Vocal Group Hall of Fame in Pennsylvania are being consulted on a regular basis by the states for the accurate histories of musical groups and how current performing groups are likely to fare with regard to "Truth in Music". We are happy to do the same for Fair and Exhibition buyers if you contact us at http://www.vocalgroup.org/ or send e-mails to mail@vocalgroup.org.

One rule of thumb-if the package or pricing is too good to be true, beware!!! Packages offering three Hall of Fame names with 75 hit records between them for a price that's hard to fathom (even after the agent has probably marked it up substantially for himself) are probably asking for trouble in this new legal universe. Any iconic names going out for a pittance are a huge red flag. It's the old timers who are hardest hit, as they have less visual identification to rely on, making it easier for impostors to flourish. "Truth in Music" is finally ending the impostor group nightmare in which consumers are duped out of their hard-earned entertainment dollars and the authentic pioneers whose music changed the world are cheated of their just remuneration and, what's worse, their applause. Finally, a level playing field is being created by law, and we are certain that all responsible Fair and Exposition buyers will be in the front lines of this effort.
(Jon Bauman Chairman, Truth in Music Committee Vocal Group Hall of Fame , c/o http://www.vocalgroup.org/ 2004)

So, please my friends. Be Informed! Give the Vocal Group Hall of Fame website a look, and join in the legislative fight for "Truth in Music". Drop them a line, and support the cause.

Special Thanks:

Larry Patterson & Treasure Island Gold,

www.VocalGroup.org/John " Bowzer " Bauman ( Sha Na Na-Truth In Music), Team Detroit, the Hurricane Shelter, La Grizzy , Sonja Paris, Ralph Terrana & Soulful Detroit, Marcus, Jake and "Lucky" the Wonder Dog

Contact:

duanethomas@johnnyandthehurricanes.com

hurricane.duane@atilarecords.com

www.myspace.com/duanethomas1

"Friends" (Follow up to the previous article "Choices")

2007-08-18T16:03:00.000-07:00

"Friends". That word just rolls off the tongue. You can't have too many eh, my 'friends'? They say your friends will stick by your side when even your family won't. And, that you can't pick your family, but you can pick your friends. And, if you can count your good friends on the fingers of just one hand, your'e blessed. One more old-time saying is that 'you can be a MEMBER of a family...and not be PART of it.' Well then. That explains things.

Many people come our way throughout our lives, and we just accumulate 'associates', some to become life-long, others to be just visiting for a while. It occured to me recently, that the words used to mark someone a 'friend' are as wide and different as the phrases we've created for them. We have 'sisters' and 'brothers', 'best budd's' and 'buddies' 'n 'good-buddies'.There are our 'old' friends, 'recent' friends, 'schoolmates', 'chums', 'home -girl' and 'home-boy's', 'neighbors' our 'girls' and her 'boy' 'n 'his lady' or 'old lady' even. Then there is the 'bed buddy' and 'friend with benefits', 'casual acquaitance', 'lab partner', 'project partner", 'team-mate', 'research associate'...and a myriad of other endearing or just plain un-necessary words to describe the same thing.

A friend, in any capacity, shouldn't put any restrictions or conditions on the relationship. People sometimes go decades without seeing each other and pick right up like no time has passed bewtween them. My wife right now is visiting and has visited with 2 old, old friends. I told her we should visit the one up at the lake to see the new house. "That was 20 years ago dear" she said "They live in Hawaii now!" And, even though they hadn't seen each other for a bit, they picked right up where they left off years ago. That's what good friends do, because the 'us' inside hasn't changed much even if the outside has.

No phone call is too late, no favor too much. And those friends are those few that can be counted on one hand. Of late, with my personal and professional plates full, its nice to know there are those who will stick by us. No matter HOW much of a pain we are!

"People come into your life for a reason"
(Author unknown)
Courtesy of: Joygreetings.com

"People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.

They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
So, thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime."

*Traditional Old Irish Limerick

"A friend is not a feller'....
who is taken by a sham....
a friend is one who knows our faults....
and doesn't give a damn!"

Peace, Love 'n Light as Always....FRIENDS!!!

*Next Week: "The Vocal Group Hall of Fame and Truth in Music"

*Special Thanks: Paul, the V.A, Team Detroit, Marcus Da-Vinci, the Hurricane Shelter, La Grizzy, Sonja Paris, Stacia Camper, Larry Patterson & Treasure Island Gold, Ralph Terrana & Soulful Detroit, and of course....the one and only "LUCKY!" the Wonder-Dog

duanethomas@johnnyandthehurricanes.com
hurricane.duane@atilarecords.com
www.myspace.com/duanethomas1
www.drivinsidewaysindetroit.blogspot.com

"Excess Baggage"

2007-08-12T06:22:00.000-07:00

I dont know how it ever got this way. There was just the two of us. Last week, we were heading to an island in Lake Erie for the remainder of Monday, then spend an entire day Tuesday, then most of the daytime Wednesday, biking and cart-riding around the little towns on that, and a neighboring island. I was kinda surprised at how much stuff I 'just had to take'. I put it in the car before my wife, and waited. She takes after her Mom. Once, a long time back, I saw Mom's 'suitcase'. It looked like a combination store and snack-mart. Mom had soup (like there isnt any wherever her and Dad were going!), snacks, room freshner, coffee, tea...sometimes powered drink mixes, and everything else you can and cannot imagine. Now, the wifes a bit more tame than her Mom, but still, all her bags are like a magician's sack. You never know what in there! Back to me waiting at the trunk for her.

While waiting, I juggled my bags around. (Bag-s? Did he say 'bags'...as in plural?!) Yeah. Anyway...I had my gym bag and towel and toiletries, and some meds. I always have two bags with identical items in each. So I had the gym bag, plus I had my regular bag with digital recorder, mini dvd cam, zip drive, ear buds for listening to music with, and headset mic and headpiece for my cell phone. I also had a book, a magazine, notepad, checkbook and datebook. Oh...and cell phone charger, mini fan and small fan(yes...2 of them). I also had my good clothes on, and swimwear and shorts in my bags(2...yep, had 'em in both). I brought a long sleeve shirt, a jacket and 3 tee shirts. The DVD player always goes on trips, so I had it and a few dvd's to watch, maybe in the car along the way. The small ice chest was a naturally great idea. (Remember her Mom?) Well, this way we could keep our drinks, chip dips, fruit or whatever, cold and with us in the car and hotel room. Cool. (no pun intended).

Laura matched me with the amount of clothes she brought. Except, she brought extra lingere. She also brought her purse (also a place that needs perhaps it's own zip-code!). Of course, she had her video camera bag and accessories, and a leather valise to put them all in. We had a store-bag with some snacks in it as well. In the car we had a bag with maps, and for sure we packed incense or candles for the room like always.(Dont cha just hate that mildew smell a lot of rooms have?). So, there we were about ready for the two hour road-trip. Oops! Forgot the radio! Gotta have music in those hotel rooms! Finally, we closed the trunk, and hung the good clothes on hangers in the backseat. Good. Now, we're ready. So, we each got in and buckled up. "Oh-oh. I think we got a low tire" I said getting out to check. After walking aroung the car twice, the only thing I noticed was that it was sitting low, like one of those California 'low-riders'. "They're all level and look ok" I shouted to Laura. I got back in the drivers seat, and the car immediately sunk lower again. There was just too much weight in the car. Hey! We didnt even take the dog this time either!

So, there we were. Packed, stacked, gassed and ready to go. But, the car was too low to back out of the drive without hitting the concrete and getting scrapped up. "I'll have to take something out" I mumbled wondering how it ever got to this point of having so much 'stuff' and necessities. Well, I couldnt take the gym bag out, because I work out and swim all the time, so I need it. Couldnt take out the boombox and dvd player...what would we watch or listen to? My clothes I need, and the ice chest full of ice for cold drinks and things. And then there were HER things. Three bags (not counting her 'purse-case' as I like to call it, clothes, cameras and the like).

About now, youre going back up to the start of this article and thinking "didnt he say it was for just a few days? Yeah, I did, and thats my point. All those 'necessities' of her's and mine. Those things were all important and needed for any overnight stay, right? Maybe. She looked at the packed back seat, with clothes hanging from the back on both sides, the bags of snacks on the floor in the front, her purse and keys alongside. We opened the trunk, and as usual, my bags which are always there 24/7, were in their usual places alongside the small cooler of ice. Laura looked at the trunk and its contents, and then back to the backseat, and the trunk again, then back at me. Oh-oh. I could see what she was thinkin'. I reached in and took out my gym bag and attache case, as she got behind the wheel. The car now backed effortlessly out of the drive, not even dipping to get scratched.

As I stood on the sidewalk with both my bags on either side of me, she rolled down the window. "So, that was it huh?" she said to me. I looked at my bags and back at her and nodded. "Drive carefully!" I said to her as she put the car back into gear. "See you Wednesday?" she asked. "Yeah. I'll be right here!' I mumbled again as she headed off down the street for a nice few days on an island. What a shame that the car was packed so low. The only real baggage making the car heavy was me. Well, you dont expect your wife to unpack or leave anything of hers behind, right? Right. And, she didnt. Oh, she left something behind all right. 2 suitcases and 1 husband.

Oh, how I long for simpler times, when folks had one shirt, one dress, one overalls, one pair of shoes and one coat. You had a horse and you had a carriage. Thats it. None of these modern conveniences or 'trip packages of necessities'. Nope. You fed and watered the horse, hitched up the wagon, threw in your small duffle and maybe grabbed an apple for your pocket. That was all. And, it was fun too. Everyone loves to travel or 'cruise' somewhere for a day or so. Me too. I always did.
My wife had a great time on the island. Maybe next time, I can go too. After all, my bags are still packed.*

(*The part about me getting left behind, didnt really happen. I went, and it was great. But, folks. We have got to trim the fat and clutter of things we deem 'necessary' in our lives once in awhile!)

*Special Thanks: Kelly's Island, Middle Bass Island and Put-in-Bay, Team Detroit, the Hurricane Shelter, LA Grizzy, Sonja Paris, Larry Patterson and Treasure Island Gold, Ralph Teranna and Soulful Detroit, and of course..."Lucky" the Wonder Dog!

"Choices"

2007-08-05T05:48:00.000-07:00

It's all about choices these days. Where to go, what to do, what to wear, where to eat, where to sleep. I think its more than just a sign of our times. And Im not exactly sure its really a good thing to have so many choices. In the old days, granny and grandpa had a horse, a buggy, one stove for both cooking and heating, a single good suit and one dress for church. They didnt have any time to waste deciding what to wear everyday. Life was simple back then. Now, the whole world and everything and everyone in it comes with a set of 'options' or 'choices'. Some are good, some are bad, many are simple, and most are un-necessary. When my father had a drugstore, he MADE the presciptions up by hand and ointments as well. He sold medicines, some cosmetics, candy, cards and comics. In our store we sold what most everyone needed at the time. The essentials. He thought back in the 1980's "Wow! Look at this 6-pack of pudding I found at the store! And it comes in THREE different flavors!" He was amazed. If he were around today, he'd be appalled.

He thought it was great to have a little compressor in the car trunk to air-up your tires so you didnt have to hunt around for a station that had free air. He was shocked to see stations charging a quarter (now $.75) for air. Now-a-days in Tokyo Japan, they have what looks like phonebooths all along the streets. But, thats not what they are. They are PURE-AIR-STATIONS. Not for car tires, but for HUMANS! About a dollar gets you 5 minutes of pure oxygen to breathe as you choke and cough your way through the polluted air of Japan's largest city. And water is another thing the old folks just plain took for granted. You had a well, you pulled it up, and you drank it as it came from the ground. No ice. Its a known fact that native Africans and desert dwellers cant drink water cold. They have no refridgerators in the 100+ temps in the jungles and the deserts. They have no choice, and in fact, some have never had a cold drink of anything. Choices based on necessity and provision. No freezers, no ice, no choice! And, they think its funny we must have 'chilled' drinks.
We have bottled water, flavored water, distilled water, spring water, vitamin water, energy water, mineral water, and more. Isn't water just water? Fruit flavored, mountain chilled, filtered and 'enhanced with vitamins and minerals'.

Reminds me of the old story about the Time traveler who was thirsty from traveling from the 1800's thru to the present. They found him dead in front of the water aisle at the local mart. He died of thirst trying to figure out which one to buy! Choices again friends. Regular coffee or de-caf, freeze dried or single pre-packaged. Too many, and its just plain hard to make up your mind, or in fact to stick with just one product for long, without trying out another one. Where is it going? Damned if I know, but the choices seem to be multiplying everyday. Ribbed, lubricated and sensitized condoms, and birth control devices, pills, IUD's, foams, coils and patches. We have hair stylists, hair techs and barbers. It's really confusing out there!

We have party stores, beer and wine shops, liquor stores, family marts, quick-marts, general stores, dollar stores, grocery stores, fruit markets and supermarkets. We have blue jeans and denim, levis and cords, bells, flaired-leg, straight-legged slacks, tapered pants, pleated pants and fatigue pants. We have bras and halters and sports-bras, jockeys' and briefs, socks, ankle dressings, sweaters or pullovers, hoodies or buttonups. There are also caps, hats, scarfs, doo-rags, bandannas and head dressings. And there are gloves, handwarmers and mittens. We have coats and jackets, short sleeved, long sleeved and cutoff shirts, and shoes and tennies, dress, casual, work, climbing, shoes, sandals, flip-flops and boots and slippers. Recently I came to realize that a cut-off blanket with an electrical cord is called a 'warmer'. And even more choices follow. Ground beef, ground sirloin, ground round, ground steak, and ground chuck....isn't it just hamburger anyway? Throw in potatoes, and it gets worse. Idaho, new, red, Yukon Gold, baking, hash browns, fries... American, Cottage and regular(WHAT?). And we have breakfast cereals, bars and drinks. See folks? And, just what I've mentioned here is the tip of the iceburg.

We have regular TV, basic cable, digital cable, TVO, satellite and internet televison. All to be viewed in black and white, color or 64-bit color, on High Definition, plasma or LED screens and monitors, IPODS, and hand-held devices to go along with the DVD players in cars. Must be me, but I get dizy everytime my mother-in-law sends me for Cambell's Gumbo soup. I nearly pass out from the choices. Choices again friends. Its what makes life fun. If you can just commit to one decision and product that is. If you cant, then you are lost in today and tomorrow's world of options. You can get what you want, when you want and where you want to get it from, be it daytime, weekends or the middle of the night. Even on Christmas and Hannuka. The next time you go shopping for anything, anyplace, take a list and be specific about which it is, and if it's on sale or buy-one or two-for-one, marked down, reduced or clearence. And go to the place with the best deals, rebates, give-aways and coupons. I wish life was simple my friends, but it's a crap-shoot. It would be nice if we could leave this Earth when we want, how we want, and where we want...and only if we're damn-good-and-ready to go.

Choices seem to be everywhere and in everyplace and country. Maybe it's not such a bad thing afterall. Right now, Im going shopping for a few things for vacation. I know Ill be standing confused at all the counter displays. Im not sure if Ill go to the corner store, department store, discount store or dollar-store. The list has 6 items. I'll probably get back from the store in about a day and a half. Good thing my list isn't longer.
Peace, Love 'n Light all...till next time.

*Special Thanks: Team Detroit, the Hurricane Shelter, La Grizzy, Sonja Paris, Larry Patterson and Treasure Island Gold, Soulful Detroit and Ralph Teranna, and of course....."Lucky" the Wonder Dog

"Jeff Daniels(Actor) Duane Thomas(Musician) La Grizzy(Videographer) George Bedard(Rock-a-billy Guitarist) Elvis Presley(The KING)"

2007-07-29T04:02:00.000-07:00

It seemed to be the place for a muggy Friday evening in late July. Downtown Chelsea Michigan was abuzz with celebration Friday night. The home of Jeff Daniels, Ted Nugnet and Jiffy Muffin and Cake Mixes, only in small town America could you perhaps find such a variety just strolling the streets during a Summerfest. Jeff Daniels, the "Dumb and Dumber" and "Super Sucker" actor whose hometown is Chelsea was there, casually talking to passersby who generally just leave him alone. His Purple Rose Theatre was just around the block where he and his wife parked his motorcyle. As he slowly passed us, he turned and waved a salute "hi" to us and grabbed a beer in the tent, stopping for La Grizzy to take a photo. He is also one of my 'myspacerfriends'. Add him to your space, and tell him "Hurricane" Duane sent you!

The Summerfest celebration was in full swing with street booths and a Classic Car Show. So La Grizzy, MYSPACE/Entertainment and CMA Videographer, was sitting perched with this author on a crooked bench waiting for the 7:00 performance by local favorites George Bedard and the Kingpins, probably closest sounding group to the Stray Cats you will ever hear. George is a hell of a guitar player. The crowd grew from a few to more than that, and "PAWS for a Cause" adoptive dogs in training passed single file thru the crowd on the borders of the tent. A great thing they're doing, training leader dogs.

George was in fine form playing everything from Rock-a-Billy- to R & B and '50's rock and roll. We enjoyed it, and Jeff was on his feet as well enjoying the music. Jeff besides being a fine actor and local activist and town-supporter, is also a great musician and singer. He's just not well known for it except to those of us that knows he plays. About half-way thru George's version of "California Sun", I nudged La Grizzy. Bothered somewhat that I disturbed her filming, I pointed out a tall man with jet black hair and long tailored sideburns, sunglasses, jewelry and a red shirt unbuttoned down the front. "What ?!" she said to me somewhat annoyed. Nothing different there. She sometimes gets annoyed at me. "There's Elvis!" I said pointing to the tall man moving along the edge of the crowd. Hey! Elvis has been seen before by people who didnt believe it, and I know he's supposed to be dead but....if it looks like Elvis...walks like Elvis...dresses like Elvis...well then? It must BE Elvis.

She knew Jeff was there, and George was there, and probably somewhere in there was Ted Nugent, another local resident. Its known by us locals that where there is a black Corvette, Jeep Renegade or Humvie with all tinted windows...Ted's in town. But this was good enough. 1st George, then Jeff and then Elvis. Now I know why she carries her video camera almost everywhere we go. She hardly misses a thing. And she's getting very good at what she does. Spyder Turner Live, the Spinners Live, Clay Aiken Live, Dr John, Marcia Ball, many others and Jeff Daniels...and now she gets to film Elvis. What a coup! So what if he's dead!? As Jeff and his wife were leaving, and George was finishing his set with the Kingpins, storm clouds were brewing to the Northwest of town, not unusual for this time of year in Michigan. As drops of rain started to hit the camera lens, we decided George was finishing, and Jeff was leaving, so we might as well hit the road ourselves. Stopping on Main Street to film a slow procession of Classic Cars, Jeff passed us on his bike waving as he headed south out of town towards his home.

The rain picked up some, and we hightailed it for the car just in time. Traffic was snarled, but that was going thru town, and we were going out of it, so I patched out North and East towards the railroad tracks and Ann Arbor. It was a great night, Warm, fun, a little humid, with great folks, and great music in a fine little farm town. Whether it's Ann Arbors Top of the Park Concerts, Dexter Days or Chelsea Summerfest, it's always nice to just go and 'be' normal for awhile. As we passed thru the Chelsea's Northend...if you could call it that, I looked back at the crowds traveling up and down the streets. Perhaps, like Jeff and us, they were heading home to beat the rain, or maybe just going along to find a seat for the next entertainer in the beer tent. It didn't matter. This was home to all, and this was small town America . As I took the turn out of town, La Grizzy turned to me and asked if I thought that tall sunglassed man was really Elvis. Hey. That was really Jeff Daniels, for sure George Bedard and his Kingpins, so why not Elvis? Just because this was a small town, that never stopped Ted Nugent from blasting down the streets either. So, why not Elvis?

In big towns and cities, people move so fast, they pay no mind if they see a big Hollywood actor like Jeff, or rocker like Ted, or George Bedard. They don't even pay attention when someone like LA is filming. They just keep moving along with blinders on. Still, I can understand her wondering if it could've really been the KING or not. But here in small town Michigan on a warm and muggy Friday night of summer...if it walks like him....looks like him....acts like him....it MUST BE Elvis!

It was great to see you both Jeff and George. Oh...and you too Mr. Presley ("Thank you very much!")
*Special Thanks: Team Detroit, Matt-Dog, the Hurricane Shelter, LA Grizzy, Sonja Paris, Larry Patterson and Treasure Island Gold, Ralph Terrana and Soulful Detroit Forum, and "Lucky" the Wonder Dog!

"1967 Summer of Love/Motor City's Burning Revisited"

2007-07-22T06:21:00.000-07:00

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) 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 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.

Below, 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. Both, were valid. And it 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.

So, remember those who made the music that changed the world, who fought and loved, grew and protested, so you could have the life you enjoy now. "Come on people now...smile on your Brother! Everybody get together...and Love one another... right now!" (Buffalo Springfield)

Love, Peace 'n Light friends. Ohm.........Ohm.............Ohm......................

*Special Thanks: Team Detroit, Hurricane Shelter, La Grizzy, Sonja Paris, Larry Patterson & Treasure Island Gold, Ralph Terrana & Soulful Detroit Forums, and of course...."Lucky" the Wonder Dog!
email me at: duanethomas@johnnyandthehurricanes.com

"Death of the Warrior, brings Life to the Tribe"

2007-07-15T03:12:00.000-07:00

R.I.P. Pastor Jack. After he suddenly passed away, 21 people laid their hands on him in the emergency room for two hours, even though he was already gone. They would not leave. Though there was a few tears at his wake Friday evening, none came from his wife Pastor Melinda. In fact, all during the 2 hour memorial of testimonies and video taped songs with Pastor Jack and his guitar, she paced back and forth in front of his casket, smiling, and hugging all of those crying. No handshaking or condolences were necessary in greetings. "We hug here" Melinda told me back when I first met her. She said out loud during the wake, "I dont want any sympathy cards! I want CELEBRATION cards! I'm just a little miffed that he left me here, and he got to go!" I thought, "This is going to be some wake". And it was.

Warrior Ministries is as unique as Pastor Jack was. Motorcyclists riding for Jesus, the CMA (Christian Motorcylce Association), was how he started. Big, bad biker dudes and dudettes in jeans, bandanas, sunglasses and leather vests filled with patches saying "Jesus Rocks!, and "I brake for Jesus", a greater groups of friends and lay Pastors you just couldn't imagine. Drugs, alcohol, jail, divorces and deaths, they had seen it all. And, like Jack and Melinda, they found a better way to live.
Preaching from their garage, for 12 years, together they started a family and a flock. After getting a church in New Boston, Michigan, only a few months later, God called him home for some greater task and purpose. Preaching from down in the pews the night before he passed, he had comissioned his wife, his church, to care for and take charge of. He must have sensed that night, he wouldn't live to see another one. He knew. I could tell a month or so back when we spoke, that he wasn't well. It was those hollow circles under his eyes, and also in all the video tapes I had edited with my wife. He knew.

As, the wake progressed with some laughs and 'Amens!', we all viewed a DVD of him singing and playing at church a few weeks back. Nearing the end of the song, he broke down sobbing uncontrollably on his guitar, stopping the music. It took us all by surprise for a moment, until Melinda jumped up to the funeral home microphone as her late husband sobbed on the screen and yelled "You think he DIDNT KNOW!? HE KNEW!" He knew. When he and I discussed recently about how to go about filming some videos like music videos, he smiled at the thought. "Your a dynamic speaker, Pastor" I told him. "Your message is great, written well, and delivered with conviction." He smiled at me and said 'Praise God'. " We just gotta get you filmed right, and contact some radio stations about your ministry" I was hopeful as he nodded. But, his smile was decieving. Something was in his eyes. He knew.

I know he was happy about finally having a church. He was starting to get some cable time, and the videos were beginning to shape up. Pastor Melinda, together with Chaplin Amanda his daughter, Chaplin Drake his son- in- law, & Pastors Ed and Pam, he had collected close to one million pounds of food for the needy. "Our brother's and sister's are hurtin'" he'd preach. He knew. At the end of his wake, when almost all had left, I hugged Pastor Melinda. "He was just done here, so God called him home." I told her."God had something else for him to do, and now Melinda, you have got something to do as well. You just have to figure out what that is ". She smiled and hugged me tighter. She knew. "I'm gonna need your help now Duane" she said pulling away."With all that video technical stuff. You gotta help Pastor Jim with it". I had told Jack before he passed I would, and I assured her I would keep that promise to her now. She smiled and patted my back. She knew.

With ram's horns(shofars) blowing , 'Amens' and 'Praise God!" all throughout the service, blue jeans and leathers, music and laughter, I was right about it being 'some wake'. I guess thats the way to go when we do. With celebration and praise, laughter and love. It was the way Pastors Jack and Melinda always did things. He celebrated life and he welcomed death, for it gave him the chance to know his God. He was sure, though he probably kept it to himself, that he wasn't long for this Earth. He knew.

So, Pastor Jack is gone, and Melinda, Amanda and the others remain to carry on with the works he started. It is the meaning of life itself. They knew. To live, to love, to help, to heal, to count your blessings each day, and give thanks to whichever form of God you pray to. It was the right thing to do, and they way we all should live. And, as she continues his church and food drives, they all look forward to the day when we are reunited with the loved ones we've lost. They've turned their grief into gratitude, for a life lived full. After all. It's really the way we all should look at death. Not as a closing, but an opening.
He knew, she knew. They knew and I know......And now....you know.

Much Love, Friends. Peace.

*Refer to the original story of June 10, 2007 at "Drivin' Sideways" "At the end of a dirt road..."

*Special Thanks: The Late Pastor Jack Yaeger and Pastor Melinda, Chaplins Amanda and Drake, Pastor Jim, Pastor Ed & Pam with Warrior Ministries, Team Detroit, the Hurricane Shelter, La Grizzy, Sonja Paris, Larry Patterson and Treasure Island Gold, Ralph Teranna and the Soulful Detroit Forum, and "Lucky" the Wonder Dog

2007-07-08T07:09:00.000-07:00

"What's in a Word?
Ah, it's summertime for sure friends. The temperature these days will attest to it. Why it's called the 'dog-days-of-summer', I don't know. My dog stays inside in the air conditioning, 'n just looks at me like "I 'm not goin' out there!"
In school, I used to hate those #2-only pencil scan-tron tests where you had to darken in the circle completely. I'd go home seeing spots, and with a blister on my 'flippin-the-bird' finger. I HATED those things! And, now all these years later, they are using them again on job applications. I think I've found a close second in stress and headaches. It's called 'writing'. Well, it's not the writing that gives me nightmares, it's the EDITING of it that causes my stomach to twist and my eyes to cross.
Being a long time writer of all kinds of songs, poems, short stories, articles like this one, and a book or two, I'm used to the careful dedication to detail it takes to get a piece out there. Ok, ok, I know. Sometimes even with "Drivin' Sideways" a few typo's slip thru, but hey! I'm only human, and I may need my bi-focals turned into tri-focals sure enough, but the editing makes me crazy. All the punctuation, syntax, tenses past, present, future and current, along with the 'phrase-ology' and slang of our generation, it all gives me one of those headaches from the old Excedrin commercials where the little guy with the sledge-hammer is beating away at the poor guy's head. Only with editing, the head belongs to me. With all the ways we have of saying and meaning and implying things, it's no wonder the whole world is in disagreement on major and minor issues. Who the heck knows exactly WHAT the other person is trying to say? And being from Detroit and 'up-on' the the street talk and lingo, what the heck is 'Eubonics' anyway?
I've been moving right along with the final editing of a our co-autored book, and it's given me pause to think. Now, if I could only stop long enough TO think. It's bad enough trying to say what you mean, and then mean what you write, and keep it all in context. But, it can get really confusing when someone of another language does their best to write in a foreign one. (Bless your heart, and you know I love you S.P.!) Something in the translation just gets lost, or least, it gets buried in the hows and whys and who did what to whom, and when they did it and why, and for what reason, and for how long, and to what end result! See what I mean!? It's really hard sometimes to get someone else's interpretation right. It's not their fault, just the person editing, for not getting or seeking clarification from the source writer. But, that's fine, and it's ok. Meanings put on paper, usually have a single thought in there somewhere. And English they say, is one of...if not THE hardest of all languages to understand and speak. 'Right-on!' 'Word!' 'S'up!' 'Yo-dude!' 'T'ain't nuthin' but a thang!' Well, you can see why.
England and America, where english is home-base, has always been a melting pot of people, cultures and languages. It's what makes our two countries great. The diversity of differnce itself. Ok, so that's all fine and good, but if you are trying to edit something for someone other than yourself, you almost need an interpreter, even if it IS in English. We say 'HELLO'. We say 'S'UP!' We say 'Hey Baby!', 'Yo Dude' and 'Word!' And they all mean EXACTLY THE SAME THING!Never mind the way it's written, or in what context. In this case 'grammar' ain't the little 'ole lady that birthed 'yo mama. It's no wonder wars start over things somebody or someone said, or what someone THOUGHT they said. Maybe deaf folks know something we don't know. They use sign language and take the interpretation verbatim. The hand signs mean what they mean, nothing else. They aren't open to question about what exactly they mean. It's different when we write.
I'm reminded of hearing from a teacher back in school explaining how the Quakers speak. "Throw ME down the stairs! My Hat!" was the Quaker way of saying "Throw my hat down the stairs to me!" My co-author, born and bred both in and as German as Schnittzel, reminded me that "Take it easy" is interpreted in Germany as to mean "Stay moist!" Or "Keep it moist!" And we continue here to confound things by saying things like "How's it hangin'?" How's what hangin'? And "What's the word, bird?" What word? And what bird are they talking about?! Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump said "Stupid is, as stupid does". Does what? And the recent hit by the Pussycat Dolls confounds things even more. Instead of saying 'Stick-with-you', they mixed some minor Eubonic's with slang, and came up with "Stickwitchu". That's why editors make such good money. The work itself is relatively easy, it's just trying to figure out exactly what the writer meant in the 1st place that's difficult.
So, here I sit as of late, editing and pasting in and out, quotes and sayings and parts that are either relevant or irrelevant to the story. If they've been worded right, or are in the right context, where "Take it easy' can mean, 'Keep it moist!', I haven't a clue. But, that won't stop me from forging ahead with periods where there should be commas, 'whens' where there is supposed to be 'whys', and 'you know's' where the reader DOESN'T know. If anyone who just reads, and has never editied thinks it's easy to do, then they are greatly mistaken. It's about as easy as tryin' to catch squirrel. I know, because my dog trys and fails everytime. But, our last dog Max, after tryin' and tryin' for almost 10 years to catch one...the day he finally caught one, it surprised them both. Him AND the squirrel!
Editing is like that. I can chase down the right words over and over again, and still not get it. And, even if I DO catch the meaning correctly, once the reader has it in their hands, they may STILL not know what to do with it. It's like writing lyrics to my songs. I don't always know what I was writing about until sometimes months, even years later. With my 'adventures-in-editing', I'm just hoping I get it right the first, second, third, fourth or TENTH time. Still, all-in-all, with all the headches I'm getting with trying to edit and correct the printed word? Once I'm all done...I'm gonna learn SIGN LANGUAGE!
Keep your foot to the floor and your hands on the wheel...when your'e "Drivin' Sideways!" Peace 'n Love all...
***We mourn the sudden loss of our friends drummer John Noxakis and Warrior Ministries Pastor Jack Yaeger. R.I.P.

*Special Thanks: The Late Pastor Jack Yaeger/Warrior Ministries, Team Detroit, The Hurricane Shelter, La Grizzy, Sonja Paris, Larry Patterson and Treasure Island Gold, Ralph Teranna and Soulful Detroit.com, and "Lucky" the Wonder Dog

"On board I'm the Captain...so climb aboard...."(Styx)

2007-07-01T04:59:00.000-07:00

"On board I'm the Captain, so climb aboard...we'll search for tomorrow...on every shore...to carry on" (Styx)

Hello my friends, and Happy 4th of July this week to you and yours. Freedom is something to cherish in this country. Lets not take it for granted. Remember our men and women fighting for it.

I am not sure where the winds of change may take me in the coming months. With the new book and all that promoting one with travels far and wide implies and entails, I now find my mainsails set. After a good while living the life of another in words, it's time to take the wheel of destiny and the ride the winds themselves. To just where and when, is still an unknown. But I do know I couldnt have made it this far without the love and friendship of all those who have stood by me unwavering in their faith and devotion to me, "Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!" every week, Myspace, Johnny & The Hurricanes, and the Soulful Detroit.com. I'll always be grateful.

But this is not the end. Far from from it. It is the start of a brand new beginning for me and mine. A new chapter lies ahead. "Drivin' Sideways" will still be here for you every Sunday. I owe all you faithful friends and readers that. It just may come online from parts across the seas, the literal four corners of the world. An amazing journey lies ahead for my very dear friend and co-author Sonja Paris and myself, La Grizzy and Lucky the Wonder Dog. Hard work pays off, and it's starting to.

If you ever have a dream in this world...go for it. If you ever have an idea...see it to fruition. If you ever think of a long lost friend...reach out. If you come up with a poem or lyric...write it down and share it with the rest of us. If you can help someone who really needs it...do so...even if they don't need your help. If you can call or go see someone who's alone or troubled, do it. If you have some old clothes, give them to the needy. If you have a couple nickles or a dollar, drop it in that container by the cash registers in the store. It doesn't matter what the cause it. It will come back to you in time. Life has a trickle down effect my brothers and sisters. I am living proof of that. A loving wife, a few very dear friends, and a faithful little dog that passes no judgements on me, because he just loves me.

For all these things I've mentioned, and for those I've forgotten, I am blessed. And the future is much brighter now that my ship is stocked, and the course secured. To where, when and how, I haven't a clue. But it's leaving port any day now. In the year passed, I've heard a call from a dear friend and their loss in a time of need. And by answering without condition, it is coming full circle to me now. That in itself, is a reward. So, try and remember all that you have, and all that you CAN have in this world if you just give..and believe. Dreams really DO come true.

I'll never be far enough away from you all that you can't reach, write, email or call me, for you all have been there for me, and therefore...I will always be here for you. All we really have in this world is ourselves to count on. You and me, and our sisters and brothers of all colors and distinctions. God plays no favorites.

I hope with these Sundays articles, some 2o of them now...that sometimes I make you laugh, and other times, make you think. Thank you all so very much for letting me know your'e reading these, and even if you don't, that's ok. I love you all anyway, anyhow and always. No matter where I may go, or you and yours go as well. Isn't that what life's really all about anyway?

Love is all...all is love...always.

Take care my friends. Happy freedom.

*Eternal Thanks to: La Grizzy, "Lucky" the Wonder Dog, Sonja Paris, Larry Patterson and Treasure Island Gold, The Hurricane Shelter, Team Detroit, Ralph Teranna and Soulful Detroit.com.

"The End of the story...the Beginning of the rest of it."

2007-06-24T05:36:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, I've co-authored a new book with Sonja Paris, the widow of the late and great saxman Johnny Paris of my former group, Johnny and the Hurricanes. John had many hits such as Red River Rock, Crossfire, Rockin Goose, Reville Rock, Sandstorm, Timebomb, Buckeye, Saga of the Beatles and many more, all recorded between the years of 1959-1967. The "Sopranos" TV show even used one of our tunes in episode 74! Our writing is near completion. It has been a year since he passed away, and a year of heartaches, legal, copyright, trademark, and many other issues unanticipated when we began to write. Sonja has had little time to grieve, and myself even less to breathe.It has been as amazing writing about him, as the book will be. Stolen master tapes, lies, bad business deals, American Bandstand, the Beatles, lost loves and more than a few hidden ones. And all the while, even though we know he's gone, he has been with us both in spirit and dreams. Strange occurances at odd times have given us every reason to believe that we all transcend death in some unfathomable way, unknown and unaware by most of us. Most of us except Sonja and I. Just how, you'll find interesting when you read the book, which we hope you all will.
Today's "Drivin' Sideways!" is about how life goes on. Its voices in your head, and faint sounds once familiar, in the dark of night. Its a breeze on a cheek or ear when there is no wind. Its the tingle I feel every time I would write about something significant in Johnny's life. I'm not ashamed to say Ive shed a tear or few. It's very, very hard to write about someones elses life, without living, or re-living some of it. Some made me laugh, and some as I wrote, made me incredibly sad. He was such a big influence on me when I was just a 'young-gun' guitarist in the Hurricanes who thought he knew it all, but didn't. And now 30 some years later, as his biography sits finished, I only now realize what it's like to have someone tell your story, as I've tried telling his. It's why we both felt him around us so much, even though we know he's gone.
Reknown psychic Sylvia Brown has said that change that appears suddenly out of nowhere is a sign. And hangups on telephones, can be indications of energies moving in mysterious ways. Is that really true? Can you really feel the presense of someone who passed on? Of course. We should all look for those little things that have no explanation. We haven't had to, because they have been all around us. This is my message to you this week: that life doesn't end at the end...that end is just a new beginning. For Sonja and I, the journey hasn't been without some trials, tears, laughs and tribulations, and thats all as it should be with something as powerful as telling someone's life story. She was his wife, and I his bandmate and friend, but both of us had to give and live a little more through it, to be able to tell it to the world. It hasn't been easy.
Today, as I re-edited and added pretty much the ending to a part of it, I was struck with sadness. An overwhelming feeling came over me. It's these times I know I'm not alone in my writing. It's those chills I always get when I feel my Mother and Father..and John, standing behind the veil, right behind me. I realize as much as they arent really there, that they are in sprit, and that is all we are anyway in this world and the next. A spirit that goes on, only to be reborn again and again, I feel...till we get it right. It doesn't take a strong belief in God or religion to know there is something else waiting for us to do when we get to the other side. I guess with John, it was to come back to us in spirit to help us tell his story, which is really the story of us all.
We all dream, and hope, work and pray for those things we believe will make us, and those we love, happy. Sometimes, when we aren't successful doing that in this life, we revisit those we've left behind, so that they know they aren't alone. And Johnny has done just that. At times throughout this writing adventure, I've felt aged, and my hair has gone much more grey. I felt tears when I shouldn't have, and laughed when no one knew what it was I was laughing at. I wasn't sure myself.
It hasn't been easy writing the book. Especially about someone like John, whom I called my friend. In many ways, I've had to relive it for him, and through him, to be able to tell the world all about it. And true, now we've done just that. We've told the world his story, and to a degree, ours as well. So friends, in your own lives, it may be the end of the story, but it's just the beginning of the rest. Live your lives, for life can be short, and try to make the best of your time left with those you love. You may just have to write a book about them someday!

Take care friends, and remember. "Love is All...All is Love...Always"Until next time...keep your hands on the wheel, and your foot to the floor when your'e...Drivin' Sideways! Peace All!"
*Special Thanks to: My Spirit Guides, Muck Sticky (for the laughs), The Hurricane Shelter, Team Detroit, La Grizzy, Sonja Paris, Larry Patterson and Treasure Island Gold, "Lucky" the Wonder Dog!
Email me at:
duanethomas@johnnyandthehurricanes.com
hurricane.duane@atilarecords.com
visit me at: www.myspace.com/duanethomas1

"Album '1sts'" Can you guess which album....?

2007-06-17T04:56:00.000-07:00

Hello friends! I thought I'd run down some record album (remember those?) firsts you may find amusing and interesting. Below are a few album and record 1st's you probably didn't (or don't) know! Can you guess? Winner gets a raspberry Toosie-Roll pop!
(*Answers at the bottom of article)..and NO PEEKING!! ;)

What album was...
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...?

Ok kids! How did you do? Give up? The answers are listed below. And can you think of any others? Oh, and by the way...I'm keeping the Tootsie-Roll pop for myself.

*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

Until next ime...keep your hands on the wheel, your foot to the floor, and a raspberry sucker in your mouth when your'e...Drivin' Sideways! Peace All

*Special Thanks to: Serene Dominic & The Metro Times, My Spirit Guide, Muck Sticky (for the laughs), The Hurricane Shelter, Team Detroit, La Grizzy, Sonja Paris, Larry Patterson and Treasure Island Gold, Bally's, "Lucky" the Wonder Dog!
On-line at:
www.drivinsidewaysindetroit.blogspot.com
Myspace friends in your Bulletins at:
www.myspace.com/duanethomas1
'E'-me at:
duanethomas@johnnyandthehurricanes.com

"At the end of a dirt road..."

2007-06-10T06:05:00.000-07:00

This week my friends, I found myself drivin' sideways, and right-turned onto a small dirt road on the outskirts of town in the farmlands south of Detroit. Here was a little church with a big heart. Pastor Jack and his motorcyclist Warrior Ministries flock was holding service. It was a warm Friday night, but once I went inside, it was a whole lot warmer than outside. When you got that much love in one room, the warmth just pours forth. And, I suppose thats a pretty good way to describe it. Pastor and his wife are friends of Laura and I, and last week they came to show support and pay respects to my Father-in-law Bill who passed away on us (please see last weeks "Drivin Sideways"). My visit was long overdue, as I had tried to make attempts to get there before, but was always stalled out for some reason or other. I promised I wouldnt miss this week's Friday night service. I'm glad I went. Some 13 or so years back, Pastor had wrecked his motorcycle as I understand it, and had been a typical biker with all the stuff that goes with it, good and bad. I suspect it was more bad than good for him.
Long story short was he was nearly killed in an accident, found the Lord (or the Lord found him, whichever you prefer), but the point is, they found each other, and thats all that really matters. Jack, also a fair guitarist and songwriter, began a ministry with members of the CMA, the Christian Motorcycle Association and came to call it Warrior Ministries, with a battle-cry of "Jesus Rocks!" Pastor's flock was and is small, but big on faith. He had spent almost 12 years preaching from his garage out in the farthest reaches of farmland. And now, his faith and works had paid off by gaining a real church building he could use for his ministry. I guess it's true all good things come to those who wait. I'll admit I used to kid my wife about going out in the boonies to meet with the "Children of the Corn" like in that horror movie of the same name. Now, don't send me nasty mail, I was always just kidding with her. You know? Preachin' out of a garage...down a lonley stretch of road with some guy ministering the "WORD". You have to admit, it's the garage preaching that throws things. But, its also what makes his Warrior Ministries and Jesus Rocks! work so well. Even if it was Jehovah or Krishna or Mohammed Rocks! It would have been ok. It's like life. We all have a dream. We all should be warriors, and fight for the human spirit.
Having advanced from a garage to a real brick and motar church building, was a blessing from God for him and his congregation. And a sign too. I guess when you work hard and believe in something, and spent like 12 YEARS working towards it, it has to eventually pay off, like it has for Pastor Jack. But, he still has a long way to go in the modern world of churches and 'big-business'. Video cassettes of sermons, and DVD's of services, just like on the big evangelist television shows, would have to be sold to get the word out. Sell a bunch, get more money for the church. He had been dabbling with a few devoted followers in recording his services and putting them onto CD's and then DVD'. Most, if not all of them truth be known, were pretty poor quality. They just needed someone who knew a little about recording music and audio, and filming some sermons and live music. Uh-oh. Can't you feel what's coming next? Enter "Hurricane" Duane. Somehow, I think my wife had this planned all along.
She knew that I'll always help anyone any-way I can. So, she began to video tape each service and bring them home to edit. Hey, it was ok. She was learning, and with my Television and recording filming background, she probably knew I'd give her hand when she brought them home. (Actually, more than that sometimes....but she had a plan!). So, of course the audio was raw and fuzzy, and the video generally not much better, but it was a start. I began to critique and analize the tapes. And I definitely had a few ideas, but I'd have to go there and check out the facilities and see what she was up against in trying to get Pastor Jack and his message out to the people. Are you seeing now where this is heading?! I even had a few ideas how to get him onto some of the larger Religious stations and on cable. The only unknown was raising the funds for airtime. But, hey! What's a few dollars when you got God on your side? The previous week Pastor and more than a few leather clad people from his CMA/WARRIOR MINISTRIES showed up at the wake, and I thank them for coming and vow to attend the next opportune time I can get away.
The very next week, I find myself spraying gravel in all directions as I hit the brakes and wail on down this dirt road to our friends in the countryside and that little church. Well now, they welcome me with open arms, and I jump onto the P.A. sustem in the back of the church looking for plugs and adapters so I can help them plan out how the best way to video, record and otherwise document Pastor's weekly messages. I find the plugs, study the sound board, and otherwise listen and watch intently from the back trying to figure the best way to catch the dynamics of the service, which I had to admit were pretty impressive for a biker Pastor with a small flock of kids, older folks, and some biker friends..oh..and my darling wife. Blowing Ram's-horn call to prayer, kids barefoot, Leather-vested hard core bikers, and a few older folks with tamborines and multi-colored streamers, it looked kind of like a festival. In many ways, I suppose it was for them. Getting 'the word' out was like a festival. Joyous, celebratory, and family affair with little restrictions and a whole lotta love. Maybe this is what Led Zepplin was singin' about?!
Afterwords, I spoke with Pastor and his wife and a few followers about how I thought we could do his CD's and DVD"s like a rock concert: smoke and mirrors. Hey! Big Church requires big business. But, once I mentioned some things for the Internet and podcasting, they all looked at me as though I was from another world. At least, not from their's. My wife tugged at my sleeve and reminded me that none of them, except maybe one, even HAD a computer! Uh-oh. I could feel their thoughts just blowin' in on the breeze from the green fields outside the church where the rabbits were standing on their hind legs during the service listening. Now they were all looking at me like they never heard of, or had seen a computer. As I glanced around the room at their smiling faces, they were all looking at me like I had the answer to their prayers for getting the Pastor's message out to the cyber-world at large. Uh-oh, again. Pastor had the 2nd biggest grin in the whole room..the other belonged to Laura. I told you she had something up her sleeve!
So, there I was, and here I am. While Pastor Jack smiled and shook my hand, he smiled widely. Somehow, I think he had prayed for this to happen. I find myself committed to Friday night services for as long as it takes to get a decent format for recording and duplicating his services so he would have a quality product to both sell and air and give away. It's ok, I really don't mind helping a former biker, singer songwriter truned preacher in getting the WORD out. It's just like filming and recording a band, and he does perform up on the altar sometimes too, so? Why not? Uh-oh...I think he had moved God to move my wife to move me, and now I was...moved, only to find myself stuck to the floor with only one way out. I'm gonna get Pastor's message out there the best way I can get it looking and sounding, and do everything I can to get him some airtime.I do find myself laughing at how I got here, or I should say, how Laura got me here. I'm not sure even she realizes how it happened. All I know is now Im developing and producing some videos and taped sermons. And, all kidding aside, it really ought to be fun. If I can help him in anyway achieve his goals, fine. It's a pure reason and he has a pure message, so it's all good.
Leaving the church down that dirt road that night, I realized something in that parking lot. The only two cars left in that dirt lot were Pastor Jacks and mine. Ironic, I thought. His flock had gone, and just our 2 vehicles were left. I think theres a message about life, and music, Rock and Roll and God and answers to prayers in your and my lives in that. We are never alone really. Theres always one other car left in our lot with us to share the burden of our lives. We should always share our knowledge and talents with others. If we do, it will come back to us 10-fold. We shouldn't do it for that reason alone, but it's nice to know. I've helped many entertainers with their recordings and television performances and videos since 1975, and feel better knowing that even if they didnt make it, I helped them, even just a little, to try and realize their dreams. So, for the next few Friday nights, down a long dark dirt road in the country, I'm gonna try and help someone...help others. Whether its bands and their music, or preachers and their sermons. It all the same when you try and help somebody, right?. Isn't that my friends, what life's all about?
Till next time friends...Always keep your hands on the wheel, and your foot to the floor when you're..."Drivin' Sideways!"
Take care all, and God Bless. Peace 'n Light always!
Special Thanks: Pastor Jack Yaeger and His Jesus Rocks Warrior Ministires, La Grizzy, Sonja Paris, Team Detroit, the Hurricane Shelter, Ralph Teranna and Soulful Detroit, Larry Patterson and Treasure Island Gold, and "Lucky" the Wonder Dog!

"This is not Goodbye"

2007-06-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

"Drivin' Sideways...(SLOWLY in a Funeral) in Detroit!"

Ah, life and death my brothers and sisters. We can't have one without the other.
William Higdon, my father-in-law, City of Dearborn Michigan Civil Engineer (retired), card player, American Legion Post Chaplain, phenomenal gardener-landscaper, fantastic husband and father and father in law...and just all-around great guy, passed away last week after a brief illness. It hit all of us very hard. I figured this week I'd take time and talk about the awesome funeral we had for him in celebration of his life. We had the Spirit of Detroit all female accapella chorus sing, had a black Reverend, his senior citizens friends and card playing buddies, and a slew of leather-clad bikers from Warrior Ministries "Jesus Rocks!" group, Pastor-friends of my wife and I, who ride Harleys for Jesus. When they walked into the funeral home, you could see all the seniors reaching for their wallets and heart medicines! It was a sight for sure.

There should always be some happiness with the end of a loved one, to help balance out the sadness we all feel. We laughed, we cried, and we shared happy memories of Dad's life. Like when I first met him, the father of the girl I was living with (in sin). It was over 20 years ago, and he wasnt happy with my wife, then girlfriend, spending nights at my house. After his bowling nights, and bolstered by a few beers, he would call my house and demand she 'come home right now". My darlin' was over 21 so of course she never did go home, and we've been husband and wife for many years now. But that 1st meeting was one for the history books. She introduced us in his garage and he said "Hi...sorry I can't shake your hand, but I got cement on mine". When I asked him what he was doing, he responded with "Im making rocks!" Confused, I looked at my wife and whispered "I think theres something wrong with your Dad". Making rocks? But, thats exactly what he was doing.

Dad had gotten the idea of nailing pieces of wood together with some chicken wire and paper mache, and with some grey spray paint, was actually MAKING ROCKS for the garden! Adding a fish tank pump, he created a waterfall as well. I was amazed at his creativity. One of the rocks he made later was too big to get out the the garage! Dad was original with a capitol "O". He also made stained glass for each of the basement windows, and bricked the walls down there by sliding real bricks through the window to my wife and her brother when they were little. He also would gather Petosky stones from Torch Lake in Upper Michigan and polish them to make things with.

In the later years of his life , I thought he was slipping again when I asked him one afternoon what he was up to now. He was in the garage again (uh-oh!) cutting a bowling ball into 2 halfs....BY HAND. 72 years old, and the man is sawing bowling balls! Each half he would later paint red and black with eyes to look like a Lady-Bug for the gardens of each of us in the family and a few friends. I said a capitol "O" for originality, didnt I?! I made sure I snuck 2 of the "lady-bugs' into the funeral home, and place one on each side of him there so people could see how creative he really was. They brought a smile and tear to all, as no one expected me to get them in there. I know it helped the grieving a little. Along with his beautiful yard with little bridges and ponds, landscaping and those lady-bugs...I guess Ive got a lot of upkeep ahead of me to maintain for him. I'll try, but it'll never be as good a job as he did. Yep, my father-in-law was a one-of-kind alright.

When I knew he was terminally ill, I was inspired to write some lyrics (or poem, whichever you prefer) for my wife, as though from him, through me, to try an make her feel just a little bit better. It is called "This is not Goodbye" and the transcript follows below.

"This is not Goodbye"
Just want to write some lines, before I have to go,
I know that you'll be fine, so I have to let you know,
all things have a time, and life must run it's course,
like rivers and the tides, flows in and out in force,

dont shed too many tears, I don't want you to cry,
for it's you who remains, to take my place in line,
as my candle darkens, hold on to it's faint light,
I'll never flicker out, for this is not goodbye

Seasons have an ending, that begins anew again,
they melt into a another, that's come and gone and went,
and in them find new meanings, for why we live and die,
turn pages of my story, ours' not to reason why

try and find some meaning, in all Ive helped you through,
and think of all the good times, thats between me n you,
don't worry where I'm going, where it is I'll be just fine,
Ill see you on the other side, for this is not goodbye

This is not goodbye, and you don't have to cry,
we all must pass away, onto the other side,
see love is never ending, but grows more over time,
though we may be apart, just across the line

Ill be here always, look in your heart to find,
I've never really left you, you'll see the reason why,
its like that change of seasons, a tear within your eye,
I'll be gone just a moment, for this is not goodbye,
...this is not goodbye!
(Duane Thomas 5-19-07)

He will be sadly missed. But, like the note my own mother left me I found after she passed away said..."Dont think of me as gone...just away for now....we'll be together again, I promise" And my mother never lied.

Have a great week my friends...and tell those that you love, that you do. Peace all....

*Special Thanks to: William B. Higdon, The Hurricane Shelter, Team Detroit, Pator Jack Yaeger and Warrior Ministries, La Grizzy, Sonja Paris, Larry Patterson and Treasure Island Gold, "Jake' and "Lucky" the Wonder Dog!

"Do you remember...?"

2007-05-20T07:01:00.000-07:00

Happy New Week to you readers!

Just when I'm really down with an seriously ill family member, a friend and one of Detroit's best vocalists, Kris Peterson, forwarded this to me. Kris recorded "Momma's Little Baby" in the '60's, and also recorded with Frank Zappa. Its been quoted that Kris has "more soul than a Hummer full of Black chicks!" It may not have originated from her, but she was kind enough to forward it to me, and at just the right time when I needed a lift. I've done some minor editing and rearranging, and want to thank Kris very much for letting me share it with you. Some of my friends in the Uk, the Netherlands, and elsewhere in the world, may not remember some of these "American" memories, but there's enough here, to make us all feel like kids again. Thank you so much Kris!
With all our progress, don't you just wish, just once, you could slip back in time and savor the slower pace, and share it with the children of today?
DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN...
1) All the girls had ugly gym uniforms?
2) It took five minutes for the TV warm up?
3) Nearly everyone's Mom was at home when the kids got home from school?
4) Nobody owned a purebred dog?
5) When a quarter was a decent allowance?
6) You'd reach into a muddy gutter for a penny?
7) Your Mom wore nylons that came in two pieces?
8) All your male teachers wore neckties and female teachers had their hair done every day?
9) ...and wore high heels?
10) You got your windshield cleaned, oil checked, and gas pumped, without asking, all for free, every time? And you didn't pay for air? And, you got trading stamps to boot?
11) Laundry detergent had free glasses, dishes or towels hidden inside the box? 12) It was considered a great privilege to be taken out to dinner at a real restaurant with your parents?
13) They threatened to keep kids back a grade if they failed. . ...and they did? 14) When a 55 Chevy was everyone's dream car...to cruise, peel out, lay rubber or watch submarine races, and people went steady?
15) No one ever asked where the car keys were because they were always in the car, in the ignition, and the doors were never locked?
16) Lying on your back in the grass with your friends and saying things like, "That cloud looks like a ..." and playing baseball with no adults to help kids with the rules of the game?
17) Stuff from the store came without safety caps and hermetic seals because no one had yet tried to poison a perfect stranger?
18) When being sent to the principal's office was nothing compared to the fate that awaited the student at home? Basically we were in fear for our lives, but it wasn't because of drive-by shootings, drugs, gangs, etc. Our parents and grandparents were a much bigger threat!
REMEMBER...
Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, Laurel and Hardy, Howdy Doody and the Peanut Gallery...The Lone Ranger, The Shadow Knows, Nellie Bell, Roy and Dale, Trigger and Buttermilk...Summers filled with bike rides, baseball games, Hula Hoops, bowling and visits to the pool, and eating Kool-Aid powder with sugar...Candy cigarettes, Wax Coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar water inside, Soda pop machines that dispensed glass bottles...Coffee shops with tableside jukeboxes...Blackjack, Clove and Teaberry chewing gum...Home milk delivery in glass bottles with cardboard stoppers... Newsreels before the movie, P.F. Fliers, Telephone numbers with a word prefix....(Raymond 4-601)...Partylines...Peashooters, 45 RPM records, Green Stamps, Hi-Fi's...Metal ice cubes trays with levers, Mimeograph paper...Beanie and Cecil, Roller-skate keys, Cork pop guns, Drive ins, Studebakers, Washtub wringers, The Fuller Brush Man...Reel-To-Reel tape recorders, Tinkertoys, Erector Sets, The Fort Apache Play Set, Lincoln Logs... 15 cent McDonald hamburgers, 5 cent packs of baseball cards - with that awful pink slab of bubble gum...Penny candy...35 cent a gallon gasoline, Jiffy Pop popcorn...
A TIME WHEN......
Decisions were made by going "eeny-meeny-miney-moe"? Mistakes were corrected by simply exclaiming, "Do Over!"? "Race issue" meant arguing about who ran the fastest? Catching the fireflies could happily occupy an entire evening? It wasn't odd to have two or three "Best Friends"? The worst thing you could catch from the opposite sex was "cooties"? Having a weapon in school meant being caught with a slingshot? A foot of snow was a dream come true? Saturday morning cartoons weren't 30-minutecommercials for action figures? "Oly-oly-oxen-free" made perfect sense? Spinning around, getting dizzy, and falling down was cause for giggles? The worst embarrassment was being picked last for a team? War was a card game? Baseball cards in the spokes transformed any bike into a motorcycle? Taking drugs meant orange-flavored chewable aspirin? Water balloons were the ultimate weapon?

Didn't that feel good, just to go back and say, "Yeah, I remember that"? And remember that the perfect age is somewhere between old enough to know better and too young to care!
Till next week friends...Keep your hands on the wheel, and your foot to the floor, when your'e "Drivin' Sideways in Detroit

*Special Thanks to: Kristen Peterson (MI), The Hurricane shelter (MI-OH), Team Detroit (MI), La Grizzy (Intrnl), Sonja Paris (Intrnl), Larry Patterson and Treasure Island gold (Fla), Ralph Terrana (cal) and Soulful Detroit Music Forum (Intrnl), and "Lucky" the Wonder Dog (he's everywhere!)

2007-05-13T08:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all my friends out there.

My Mother's name is Juanita, and she passed a couple years ago. For my entire life, she and I were best friends till the end. Mom was a character. For no reason, having been a dancer in younger years, she would break into a soft shoe shuffle in a store aisleway. I understood that because her love and history with music, is what got me into the Musicians Union as a semi-professional, at only 13 years of age. When Mom was little, she would sing along with my aunt Jewell who had been a singer and guitar player. As I grew up, Mom and I would crank up the car radio with all the hits of the day. Beach Boys, Everly Brothers, Chuck Berry, you name it, Mom and I sang along with it. And even when she was 80 years old, blind and with Osteoporosis, she would still get up in the middle of the floor and dance to "Wipe Out" by the Safari's or "Louie, Louie" when they would come on the radio. Now THAT'S impressive for an 80 year old!

Whereas she had been through a lot in her time, she always tried to make the best out of each day. I've followed that line of thinking after she passed. Many of the sayings I live by, were words of wisdom that she taught me. They may not have originally come from her, but they may as well have, because I will always hear her voice when I repeat them. Some favorites of hers were "God doesn't place more on us than we can handle" and "God don't make no junk!". She always said "The Lord knows what He's doing, and our's is not to question Him". She was funny at times, and always filled with wisdom.

We got closer after she and my Father were divorced. And even closer after she remarried, and still closer yet, when my stepfather passed. Through it all, we remained best friends. Back-in-the-day, I could even smoke 'herb' around her, she didn't care. And even in her 60's and '70's, she'd say she had a 'contact-buzz'! Even though she didn't drink, her favorite one was a Scareltt Ohara. Southern Comfort and cranberry juice. That fit her perfect. Kin from Arkansas, a little sweet, and tart and snappy sometimes...and with a kick. Mom was my 1st band manager. We were too young to play in bars and nightclubs, but we were so good, we were being booked into them, and needed chaperones to even be in there. One time above most others, comes to mind.

We all had fake union cards back then. I'm not sure how we got them, but we did, and since they were erasable, we'd put our names in, and appear to be members, and of that age. One night we were performing, a Union representative came into the club. He wanted to see us in the kitchen on break. He said he needed to see all of our cards. Ok, no problem. But, he was writing all the info down in a little notebook from each card. Oh-oh! He was gonna check 'em! Mom winked at the guys in the band, and sat with him when we returned on stage. Mother proceeded to buy him drinks, and within a hour or so, he was smashed. From stage we could see he was pretty trashed. Mom said something to the bartender, and the next thing we saw, was a cab driver escorting him along with Mom and the bartender out the door to the taxi. Wow, we thought! He must be really bombed. After the set was over, we told Mom now he probably won't remember anything about us. She said "I know he won't" as she held up his little notebook with all of our 'fake' info in it! "I got his book!" she said proudly. Mom kept buying him rounds till she could get the book from him when he wasnt looking. Way to go Mom!

Nobody scared Mom, even though she was about 4'11" when she passed away. She could and would, get up into anybody's face if she had to and say, "Listen BUSTER! You not too big for me to knock the s--t outta you!" And she meant it, and could do it too. She'd also say, "People in Hell want ice water, and they ain't gettin' it either!" or "You can just s--t and fall back in it!" Another couple of of her favorite sayings about complaining were "The squeeking wheel gets the grease" and "Waitin's what broke the wagon down". It seems she always had a saying or two ready . As it turned out, most of them were philisophical, and I came to live by the good ones.
With cancer and all of Mom's illnesses, she never complained beyond the everyday complaints old folks have.She just accepted it. She'd also say "Ours is not to reason why" and "The Lord knows what he's doin'". "Don't worry, God has a plan. We're not supposed to question Him". Since she's been gone, I've tried if not to start over, to go forward. I knew I had to try and make the best out of my own life afterwards. And I've tried. But, I miss her voice, one I'd hear everday. I would call her every single day from whereever I was around the country or out of it, without fail. And I never stopped telling her I loved her, and she'd tell me the same thing. After caring for her 100% of the time, and cooking and cleaning and cutting her nails and using the remote contol for her, I had a stroke when she passed away. Either from the strain of caring for her, or the fact that she would be gone, till I cross over and see her again. I guess it was time for her to go, and me to go on. So I have. But not a day goes by without thinking about her.

I still miss her yelling at me when I needed it, and praising me when I didn't. She sacrificed all for me growing up, and did without, so I could have. She brought me up, so I never let her down. I thought I had, but she reassured me often, that she couldn't have asked for a better son. Still I wish I could have been one,and did more for her. She assured me that not many other son's would've given up that much to care for their 'ole mama'. I told her that many have, and would continue, and I was just like many. She would add to that with yet another saying..."No, my child...you are not like many...you're not like ANY!" But, that was her way. Always with the phrases. And in those last days, she said she's never be far away, just beyond the vail where we can't see through. She's there, I know it.

After all we'd been through, and after caring for her 24/7 for a couple of her last years straight, I still can't bring myself to go past her house. I guess I think I'd still see her sitting in the window looking out to the street. I know thats not rational, but I think maybe I'd feel that she's still here, and I know she is not. I miss her terribly, and think of her often throughout the course of the day. I always will till I see her again. My friends, this Mother's day in America, and elsewhere around the world, honor your Mothers wherever they may be. A card, a call a letter or a visit, but do it. Some of us can't, because they are gone and just a wonderful memory. Today, this is my way of remembering my Mom, and trying to not think of all the painful health and personal issues she had throughout her life. I want to stress the good ones, and the funny ones.

I'll always remember her walking up to me with her 4'11 frame and looking up into my 6' tall eyes and saying..."Don't forget yo' mama!" I won't Mom. I couldn't possibly forget you. And at those times like now, when I feel sad and lost without her guiding words, she still has left something to help me get through the pain and heartache that can only be felt by losing one's Mother. "Don't worry my child....this too, shall pass". Thanks Mom, I won't.

I love you Mom. Happy Mother's day.

Take care all...Keep your foot on the floor and your hands on the wheel, when your'e....."Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!"

*Special Thanks to: Juanita, my Mom, Team Detroit, The Hurricane Shelter, La Grizzy, Sonja Paris, Larry Patterson and Treasure Island Gold, Ralph Terrana and the Soulful Detroit Music Forums, and "Lucky" the Wonder-Dog

"Pedals to the Metal!"

2007-05-06T06:19:00.000-07:00

Howdy Friends! Hope you all had a great May Day and Cinco de Mayo.

I spend a good deal of time drivin'...(hence the "Drivin' Sideways..." name), and I've come to the conclusion that most all drivers are crazy. Well, maybe not most of them, but certainly a good portion. Doing business weekly down in Ohio for Johnny and The Hurricanes has been an experience. Yeah, kinda like the Daytona 500. On my leisurely 55-60 mile an hour drive down there, I take the surface roads because I hate freeways and higways. I think you miss seeing the real America down in and on those concrete chutes whizzing by at like 80-90. My wife Laura tends to not agree with me. She goes the straightest, fastest way to a destination. It might be backed up 10 miles, but my girl patiently (kinda), waits as long as it's a straight shot to where shes going.

Detroit had its speed demons, but Ohio drivers are on a mission! If its says 65mph, they just take that as a general suggestion, and go 90. Im always getting burned down, and blown on by, because some lil old lady or factory worker suckes me into their jet-stream as they pass. Take the other night for example. Against my better judgement, we took the freeway. My partner Sonja (born and raised in Germany), and Laura were riding together, and I was alone in my car. I told them when we reach 1-75, Ill get in front, and they can follow me up into Detroit. So, we hit I-75, I nail it and blow by them like the devils' on my heels. In a moment, they are a faint little green blur in my rearview mirror. I settle into the speed limit of 70 mph, and crank up the stereo, keeping my eye on them a 1/2 mile or so back. Pretty soon, I dont see them.

The last I saw, they were sandwiched between two semi trucks, the freight-trains of the highways. Ok, no worry. I'll just slow down, and let them catch up. I slow to around 65 with cars, trailers, motorcycles and semis flying by me like I was standing still. After 5 minutes or so, I still dont see them catching up. I know. I'll call them on the cell phone! "Hey. Where are you ladies at? " I yell into the phone over the stereo. "We're next to a truck!" My lovely wife says. "We don't see you.' "Well then" I ask..."What exit are you near?" I figure this one should be easy, till I remember she doesn't see so good, even with her glasses on, or her contacts in. "I don't know" she yells, "We don't see you!" This I know. She just said that. "Ok hon...I'll just get in the center lane, slow down and wait till you catch up". "OK!" she says. Problem solved I figure. I stay in the center lane and slow down even more.

After 6 or 7 more minutes, they still arent catchin' up, and I'm thinkin' "oh-oh..this can't be good" I dial them again. "I still dont see you girls. You can't be THAT far back behind me" Now, Im just plain confused and decide to do the 'guy' thing. "Hey Honey?" I ask into the receiver. "Im gonna pull over, and when you see my flashers, tell me, and when you pass, Ill nail it, and catch up, ok?" Seemed like a perfectly good idea to me. I could catch anybody in my youth, with the variety of hot cars I used to drive, so, piece of cake. I pull over, and turn on my flashers, watching my mirror. 5 more minutes, and nothing. In a moment, a very large flash of green van (like the one they were driving) with Ohio plates, flys by me in a blur like it had rockets attached. VVVVRRRROOOOM! WHOOOSH!

Another 5 minutes pass as I sit with lights flashing on the side of the road. No sign of them. Where could they be? Then, my cell phone rings.
"Honey? NOW where are you!? Dont you see my flashers?" I sound worried now, I know. "No we don't see your flashers!" she tells me. Now, I can imagine she's frowning at me. "You girls cant be ahead of me! I would have seen you!" I respond, sounding probably like a worried father. "We see the Ford sign! It says Woodhaven!' "You Cant be in Woodhaven, because that's way ahead of me" I explain, now confused even more. "Well" she says matter-of-factly. "We're at mile marker 33, and we dont see you, or your flashers!" Oh great! I throw the car in gear and burn out with gravel flyin' in all directions.

Ahead of me about 1/4 mile is a marker. 'Mile Marker 22' the sign says. 22? I yell into the phone. "I dont know how you girls did it, but youre like 13 miles or so AHEAD of me! And I didnt even see you drive past!" Oh-oh...it WAS that blur of green about 15 minutes back, that flew by so fast, it almost took the paint job off of my car... It WAS them. So, the story goes, that they made it home about 20 minutes ahead of me, even when I was 15 minutes ahead of THEM!

It is the speed thing friends. I'm telling you! Blink, and the world will be gone. Yawn, and that semi truck will be on your tail faster than a hawk catchin' a mouse. Why we have to go so fast everywhere, Ill never know.

People putting on makeup, talking on the phone, eating, working crosswords and texting messages, all while entering a freeway merge lane, goin hell-bent-for-election! I saw one person doing their income tax, and a young woman changing her jeans. At the time, both were in the speed lanes.

My friends, the day has finally come, when this lead-foot from the Motor City, got blown away by a van driven by a tunnel-visioned, Auto-bahn trained, German female-kamikazi driver, and my Ms."Im-taking-the-freeway-cause-its-fast" wife Laura...I guess from now on, I should just get out and walk....or get a horse. Maybe I'll have to start calling this "Clippity-Clop-Clippity-Clop' Sideways in Detroit!"

Oh well....Have a great week! Till next time...Keep your hands on the wheel, and your foot to the floor, when you’re…“Drivin’ Sideways in Detroit!” Cccccccccccc’ya!!!!!
"Hurricane" Duane Thomas
e-mail to: duanethomas@johnnyandthehurricanes.com hurricane.duane@atilarecords.com
comments:
www.drivinsidewaysindetroit.blogspot.com
http://blog.myspace.com/duanethomas1
websites:
www.myspace.com/duanethomas1 http://www.johnnyandthehurricanes.com/
*Special Thanks: The “Hurricane Shelter”offices (MI-OH), Team Detroit (MI), LA Grizzy (Intnl), Sonja Paris (Intnl), Treasure Island Gold's Larry Patterson (Fla), Ralph Terrana (CA), the friends at Soulful Detroit Music Forums (Intnl), Cedar Plank Cafe (OH) and “Lucky” the Wonder Dog (Everywhere)

"Lost, Tossed and Squashed!"

2007-04-29T07:20:00.000-07:00

April 30, 2007
This week: "Lost, Tossed and Squashed"

Hi folks...My good friend Her Purple-Highness Stephany NJC 'across-the-pond' in the UK prompted me to write about this recurring international oddity this week. She questioned how a drain pipe got sideways 12 feet up in a tree.

I know it's no different in other places. Whether I've been drivin' down Woodward Ave.or Telegraph Rd. in Detroit, Pennsylvania Ave. in D.C, Broadway in New York, Sunset Blvd. in L.A, Duval Street in Key West, or Ocean Ave. in Miami, it's always the same. There usually is one or two things either stuck to, on, or in the road or street, that makes me wonder how it got there.

Sometimes it's just a single shoe. Did some child toss it out the window, not to be discovered till the parent and driver got home? And, why didn't they go back for it? Or maybe its a brand new lookingcell phone. Don't they know it's gone when they arent getting any calls? And, that poor very large dog that somehow got out, only to become road-kill, probably late at night. Why didn't it's owners keep it locked or chained up? Of course there is invariably the dead multi-colored house cat, who shouldv'e had nine lives, so why did they get squashed? Possums, raccoons, and deer, those I can understand. Its God's way of providing food to the vultures and birds of prey.

I wish that I had a nickle (or schilling) for every squirrel I'e seen flattened. Ever notice how those little guys always seem to have one arm stuck up out of their munched carcasses, as if to say "Hey! STOPPPPPPPP!". Maybe they were giving the offending driver the 'finger' in that last second when they looked up to see that car barreling down on them thinking, "Oh,oh!" And no matter who you are or where you live, everyone's seen that mattress or box springs up on the side of the highway that obviously blew off while someone had been moving. You know that later that night, they probably thought, "Hey! My bed is lower!" Or that one lone chair that usually somehow ended upright, as though someone had pulled over, set it up straight, and sat there for a few minutes watching traffic whiz by. I always see notebooks with loose papers scattered all around it as well.

Then there are those sunglasses, usually with one lense cracked and one side-arm missing. I have even see the occasional television and computer monitor. Hats. Blacks bags of unknown contents. A single or pair of gloves. Signs that say "Vote for..." And then there are the tires. Some shreaded, some just sitting there like someone had been changing a tire, changed it, and forgot to put the flat one in the trunk. One of my favorites are the refrigerators. Now, when it came off the truck, trailer or lowry, didn't the vehicle transporting it notice that the drag on the vehicle suddenly got less, and it had started going a bit faster due to the weight loss?

Recently, while working as a 1st Resonding Officer, I had control of a lost and found area. In it were the usual lost keys, eyeglasses, I-Pods, cell phones, drivers lisenses, I. D badges, single earrings, planners and datebooks, and garage door openers. These, I could all understand. Like those items in the road. Its pretty easy to get an idea how that stuff got misplaced and why it ended up where it did. But, there were 3 that had me stumped. I opened the drawer one morning to discover someone's teeth (dentures). Boy, don't you know they were surprised last night at dinner! Then, there was the woman's birth control device. She must have been pretty shook when she reached out in the dark and wondered where it went. (I'll bet he wasn't too happy at that moment either!) Nothing surprises me anymore.

Then, there was that phone call. I've been around the block and the world a few times, so I'm not a clueless person. So, when the phone rang at my desk that morning, I was ready for anything. The woman on the phone asked if anyone had turned in a Heart Monitor! Surprised and intrigued, I asked when she had misplaced it. "Oh, it was about 2 or 3 weeks ago" she said. What!? What was her 1st clue? Was it the 2 weeks of heart-thumping palpitations that made her realize it wasn't where it was supposed ot be? Now I was amazed. And, why would she take off the damn heart monitor anyway?! Yep folks, it's a crazy and wacky world we live in and on. Now-a-days, I'm un-fazed by those things left lost, tossed and squashed. People are pre-occupied, and have their minds on other things. That' why all those drivers blowing stop signs always have a cell phone to their ear. Its a busy, busy world we live in these days. Rush here, run there, haul-tail over there and.. "Oops! I didn't see that critter run out in front of me!" Squash!

Yep friends, it's tough. Our world is fillied with people trying to find lost mattresses, keys, tvs, datebooks and single tennis shoes. I think these people are scattered, and distracted by the hustle and bustle of their worlds. They should get a life, and try and focus on the task at hand. Concentrate on what they are doing at the moment. I mean, get real! It's not that hard. I hate to think what it must be like living with these clueless members of our society, to busy to think.

And so in closing my friends, I hope I didn't offend anyone by implying anything about being forgetful or absent-minded. But, it doesnt take much to think 1st. Really, it doesnt. So, lets get with it and watch out for, and hang on to those things. But right now, I gotta go....and try to find my pants......

Keep yer hands on the wheel 'n yer foot to the floor...when your'e "Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!" Get out 'n wax those rides folks! Peace!
"Hurricane" Duane

*Special Thanks this week to: The "Hurricane Shelter", Stephany NJC-UK, Larry Patterson's Treasure Island Gold-Fla, Sonja Paris-Intnl, Soulful Detroit's Music Forum and Ralph Terrana-Intnl, La Grizzy- Intnl, Team Detroit-Mich, and "Lucky" the Wonder-Dog!

duanethomas@johnnyandthehurricanes.com

Detroit Music Awards 2007

2007-04-21T13:27:00.000-07:00

April 23rd, 2007

Hard to believe its been this long already. The 19th Annual Detroit Music Awards, sponsored by the Motor City Music Foundation, were held Friday night, at the State Theatre in downtown Detroit. With over 2,200 people, mostly musicians and industry reps, in attendance, some familiar faces were honored.

One very special honoree, well deserves the award, and all the attention she recieved. After nearly 70 years as a blues legend, ninety year old Alberta Adams finally received the distinguished achievement award. On stage, she looked wonderful, and was well pleased. "The music keeps me going, definately".

Hometown Hero Bob Seger's three trophies were hardly unexpected, with the Best Album, Single (Wait for Me) and National Recording (Face the Promise). Not too bad after a 10 year absence. Local and International favorite Ce Ce Winans won for best Gospel artist, Calvin Cooke for best Gospel musician, along with Thornetta Davis as best Blues aritst, and Luther "Badman" Keith for best Blues Songwriter. One surprise recipient (only because he's still around to GET an award) was Iggy Pop for his Anthology/Reissue "The Best of...". Iggy's just like the energizer bunny...he keep going, and going, and going...

Others receiving awards were Jill Jack for Best Acoustic and Folk Artist, female rockers Broadzilla for best Hard Rock Artist, Liz Larin best Pop Artist and Rock Songwriter, best young Jazz Vocalist Jesse Palter, the Hummingbirds for best Country Artists, Trick Trick for Hip Hop, the Paybacks for Alternative Artists, Nadir for best Urban Songwriter, Electronic Artist Amp Fiddler, and best recording studio was a tie between Studio A and Tempermill.

Rounding out the list is the Bugs Beddow Band for R & B, and the Process for Reggae. Also receiving awards were Black Bottom Collective, the Hard Lessons, Michael Dougherty, Jeremy Kittel, Vinnie Dombrowski and Mike Clark. Best Record Producer went to Martin "Tino" Gross.

With all these talented people, it's a shame many are not known very well outside of Detroit. Motown has a long legacy of trends and trendsetters, and will continue to be just that far ahead into the future.
If you get a chance to support these artists, please do. It will be time and money well spent.

Keep your hands on the wheel....and your foot to the floor...when your'e...."Drivin' Sideways in Detroit!"

**Special Thanks to: The "Hurricane Shelter", Treasure Island Gold's Larry Patterson, Team Detroit, Sonja Paris, Soulful Detroit and Ralph Terrana, and "Lucky" the Wonder Dog!
www.drivinsidewaysindetroit.blogspot.com
duanethomas@johnnyandthehurricanes.com

Random thoughts, observations....

2007-04-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

*This Week: April 15th, 2007
"Random thoughts, observations, complaints and concerns while cruisin through Motown."

Hello again my friends! I just had to punch my brakes to the floor and pull over. This week, I've got some things on my mind.

Ok. So, like every day it's been "Tonight on the news, it's another twist to the Anna Nicole Saga" Why? Isn't she still dead? And by now we all know who 'baby mama's daddy is'. That Larry Butt-head guy. And, for sure her son Daniel is still gone, right? Well then...let them rest in peace for God's Sake! And as far as resting goes, the last I knew, Godfather James Brown was still above ground after all these months...no, wait! They DID have a service for him finally. But they put him ABOVE ground temporatliy so they wouldn't have to dig him up again, to move him to a mausuleum, they ain't BUILT yet!

And then there's our sweet n' silly 'Oops! I did it again' girlfriend Britney. The 'look ma, I-cut-off-all-my-hair-and-ain't-wearing-no-panties' diva. Marry an idiot, make some videos stoned, let the baby drive the damn car, divorce the Vanilla Ice-clone, Kevin Fetch-a-line-I'm-throwing-you-a-million-for-divorcing-me' knuclehead...run around with Paris Hilton photographed with yer hey-naa-ny-naa-ny hanging out, buzz the hair from your head, and go into rehab. Check out the next day, go back in later that night, check out again Fri, and back in on Monday finally...geez! I KNOW the girl's got a least a COUPLE of pair of handcuffs around the crib! Couldn't somebody have hooked that girl up?

And then we got Don 'I-must-put-my-foot-up-my-butt' Imus! This senior citizen with the long hair, Beatle boots and cowboy hat, thinks he's some kind of 'brother-man'! Yo! Word! What up?! Well, we'll all tell you Donnie- boy 'what-up'... and IT AIN'T YOU! It's a damn good thing they were ladies. 'Cause if you'd called some BROTHERS 'Nappy-Headed-BROS'...you'd a had laser sights on your genitals, and a whole bunch of 9MM's pointed at you!

My Heavens. Him and the Brown family, and Britney's too, all ride around in limos to one of their 20 houses around the world and act like they belong to the real world like most of us hard working, God-fearing, underpants-wearing, contributing to society, REAL PEOPLE! Well, they don't...and they aren't, and they NEVER WILL speak for me by their actions, reactions, and ways of carrying-on. Hey! I can make myself look bad all by myself thank you.

Let's get a grip America (thank you Bernie Mack). We need to get with it as a society. Help people, not hurt people. Lead by example, not by mistake. I can only imagine now after all those school-girl outfits were sold after Brit's "OOPS!" song....that now, a zillion pre-teen, teen and young woman are all gonna start shaving their heads, stop wearing panties, and look to marry K-Fed defus's! All the rest are gonna start talking like that old -fart Imus. And still, they'll be talking about Anna and James till they re-incarnate back again!

It troubles me that we laugh and joke on the death and trials and tribulations of these representatives of our country. It bothers me that the rest of the world laughs too, because it reflects on the rest of us. Aren't there more important stories to report on? Is there so little out there happening, that we have to over indulge on Anna, Don Imus and Britney? I wish for one day, those 3 wouldn't IN or ON the news. Now that all the Britney, Don and Anna fans are probably out to get me, there's another issue.

It's this Sanjaya thing. How in the heck is he still on American Idol? I mean, don't people have ears? So many good talents have been voted off. And for a 17 year old, no-experienced KID who can barely sing? He just got his driver's license last year! And he can't even vote, join the military, or buy beer. Now, I'm really confused America! .

Yes, I love Britney. And I thought Anna was pretty attractive. Don Imus was often cocky, but now I'm glad he's gone. And James Brown? Bury the man already! Why didn't they at least put him in one of those holes they left all over his property, when they were diggin' for all his money? I am at a loss to understand all this fascination over and over again with the lives of 'celebrities' America.

Ok, so now I'm getting back in my ride, and high tailin' it outta here, Oh, and one last thing. If that Sanjaya kid wins American Idol?...I'm drivin' both me AND the car off the Ambassador Bridge and into the Detroit River! Peace All. Till next week…

Tank's full….revvin' engine….just remember….Keep your hands on the wheel, and your foot to the floor, when you're…."Drivin' Sideways in Detroit !" C'ya!

e-mail to: duanethomas@johnnyandthehurricanes.com
www.drivinsidewaysindetroit.blogspot.com/

*Special Thanks: The "Hurricane Shelter" offices, Sonja Paris, LA Grizzy, Treasure Island Gold's Larry Patterson, Soulful Detroit and Ralph Terrana, Team Detroit, and "Lucky" the Wonder Dog

"Detroit Summer's Comin'!" What's up? Your'e joking, right?!

2007-04-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

By: “Hurricane Duane” Thomas
For the Week of: April 1st, 2007
This Week: "Detroit Summer's Comin"! What's up? You're joking, right?!__________________________________________________________________

Hello friends. No, this won’t be an April Fools Day column. There’s enough foolishness in the world without me adding to it!

Aside from all the people rushing around cutting grass, and buying flowers already, with a couple of near 80 degree days this week, spring has hit Detroit . That means summer is just around the corner. And, yes, I can think of about 20 jokes that are either offensive, restrictive, prejudiced, stupid or just plain WRONG about summer coming on in the Motor City…but I’m not gonna go there.

Every year, warm weather seems to bring people out of their homes around here. Either they’re washing the dirt, salt and grime of winter off of their cars, walking their dogs, pruning their yards, or if teenagers, burning rubber and blowing stop signs like the Devil himself is chasing them. With that alone, Traffic Cops have their hands and ticket books full. And those dog-walkers out there better have a bag or “pooper-scooper” with them, because in some suburban cities (like mine), it’s the law and only right. Try stepping in the “deposit” of a very large Bull Mastiff!

With many places to go and things to do here in the warm months, Detroit and our suburbs has a lot to offer. I know I’m bound to get chastised here for not mentioning any city parks, and I’m also sure there are some good ones, but they seem to be few and far between. County parks and State parks, along with the Riverfront, give us and visitors here the best options for a great time outdoors. We have Hart Plaza and Chene Park , and of course, Belle Isle…our jewel of an island upriver. The views of the freighters along the river between Windso and Detroit are something to behold, motoring up and down to places and countries all around the world. All up and down the river, its fun to watch the people and traffic just a mile or so across the water going about their business in that foreign country over there they call Canada.

Sadly, though not wholly unexpectedly, with its nature trails and river views and skyline, Belle Isle has declined in recent years to a boom-box haven for city teenagers. With the lack of funding, the Aquarium and Belle Isle Zoo has had to close. There seems to be no-place there for us “regular folks” and kids unless it’s the International Freedom Festival Fireworks display, then there always seems to be a place on the island for everyone (as long as you get there early before they shut it down). Then we have the Detroit Zoo. A great place for family in the sun. There's also Cranbrook Institute with its Harvard looking ivy and fabulous architecture and grounds. Of course one cannot forget Greenfield village with it's original home of Thomas Edison, Daniel Webster and the Wright Brothers shop, all moved there into the historical area by Henry Ford and Thomas Edison himself, whose workshop is still there as well. have the Eastern Market with its vendors, flowers, foods and local products of every kind, and it’s packed from early morning weekends right through. And we have Greektown (my favorite place), with its wonderful smells and aromas, summer Art and Concert Festivals and Casino. Don’t forget the MGM Grand and Motor City Casinos, also a couple of great places to get out of the heat of “hot-time-summer-in-the-city” And maybe you just might win a few bucks too!.

We have spring and summer concerts of all kinds in the downtown area and along Hart Plaza and the Riverfront. There are different types of “ethnic festivals” every weekend in Hart Plaza, along with The Detroit International Jazz Festival at the Campus Martius, the New Center Area’s Taste Fest, the Art Festival near the Detroit Institute of Arts, Festival of Colors, and of course, the world renown Detroit Techno Fest. There’s the Fox theatre with it’s wide spread of concerts, shows and stage plays and musicals, Comerica Park and the Tigers, Ford Field and the Lions (in Fall though), Joe Louis and it’s concerts and Disney Ice shows and Red Wings games (in winter months). Except for the Pistons who are out in Pontiac at the Palace of Auburn Hills, all the rest of the above is in the Downtown area alone. We also have Hamtramick, the traditional Polish Town along Joseph Campau Street , and Mexican Town along Vernor Hwy , and East Dearborn with its Arabic community. If I’ve missed any nationality, hey! I’m sorry! But this is a big place. So big that the Michigan State Fair is one of our prize possessions as well.

The Dream Cruise is number 1 on things to do in the warm months. Thousands of classic cars from the 50's, the 20's, '30's and 40's even...and the 60', '70's, 80's and '90's are all represented in classic colors such as candy apple red metal flake, and black forest black with gold and red metal flakes underneath. And cars with chromes and neon tube lighting. Out of the city-proper, there are many favorite places and things in the area to visit, do and see. There is the Michigan State Fair at the end of summer on the 8 Mile Rd. that Eminem made famous…or notorious. We have DTE Energy Ampitheatre (the old Pine Knob) for all kinds of concerts and Lollipalooza, the Warped Tour and Wine Tasting Fests, the Meadowbrook Ampitheatre for concerts as well, and Freedom Hill Ampitheatre coming in at third in the list of outdoor venues. I should also mention the Rennissance Festival up in Holly. We have Metropolitan Beach, Island Lake, Stoney Creek, Kensington Metro Park, Pontiac Lake, Silver Lake, Proud Lake , Camp Dearborn , and way over in Jackson County , Irish Hills and Wampers Lake Park. If you like canoeing, it's within reach in the city on Belle Isle, or just a little way out of it in Milford, or along the Hurron river.

Of course we have Ann Arbor and its too many attractions to mention, besides the Ann Arbor Art Festival and Top of The Park Concerts. Also with this list, I would be amiss not to include the cities of Plymouth and Northville with their Art Festivals, and downriver, the city of Wayndotte with its river views and own summer Art Festival as well. All of these places are within a stone’s throw (or ½ tank of gas), from the city limit signs “Welcome to Detroit ”.

Detroit …Motown…the Motor City … has come to be called many things, by many people, from many different places. But I don’t think anyone can ever call it “boring”. With so much to do and see, if you live or just visit here, you had better make a list, and make one early. You’ll be hard-pressed to do it all, but be sure of one thing. With the Detroit Free Press Weekend section, The Real Detroit and Detroit Metro Times newspapers and Detroit Hour Magazine, everyday…someplace…somewhere here, there will be something you can find to do. So, if you can't find something here to interest you? You just aren’t lookin’! But right now, I gotta find a baggie and walk the dog! Now, go play!
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Well, thanks all! Till next week….tank’s full….revvin’ engine….just remember….Keep your hands on the wheel, and your foot to the floor, when you’re…“Drivin’ Sideways in Detroit !” C’ya! ZOOOOOOOOM!

"Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign!"

2007-03-25T19:29:00.001-07:00

By: “Hurricane Duane” Thomas
For the Week of: March 26th, 2007
This Week: “Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign!”
Detroit is a large melting pot of all kinds and colors of folks who make this one great city. With all the different nationalities here, I often wonder about all the different signs we see on the roads and highways throughout Motown. Here’s a sampling of the more common, and sometimes more confusing ones.

“35 MPH Ahead”
Does that mean if there are 2 people in the car, that’s 35 mph (a-head!) x 2 so you can go 70 mph?

“No Double Parking”
I can only drive ONE vehicle at a time anyway!

“Stop”
That red sign that orders you completely STOP when hardly anyone does? And it never tells you when its OK to START again!

“Warning! Deaf Child in Area”
Now, this one is confusing. Do I drive through honking my horn REALLY LOUD so that the child knows I’m coming through? And, hey! I’m sensitive to disabilities…but shouldn’t the CHILD be looking out for cars?

“Slow School Crossing”
AM I too SLOW? Or is the school CROSSING very slowly? (I’ve never seen a school building tip-toeing across the road slowly inching its way across!)

“Slow Curve Ahead”
Now is the CURVE SLOW? Or am I to GO SLOW?

“No Standing, Stopping or Parking”
Outside an elementary school near my home, is this sign. Now…what’s a student’s parent supposed to do? Drive by and TOSS the kid out of the window as the car drives pass the school without stopping?

“Prison Area. Do not pickup hitchhikers next 5 miles”
Here’s a good one. Like anyone in their right mind would…pickup a hitchhiker IN A PRISON AREA! Is it ok to pick one up say…SIX miles away? What’s the darn difference with one mile? Can’t the escapee walk another mile OVER 5 and thumb a ride still?

“No Turns”
When you see this sign…can you EVER make your turn? Or do you have to go down and turn around only to face the same “NO TURN” sign?

“Handicap Area”
Now then…this one seems self explanatory. But I DID see a man sitting in his car with a racing form figuring out the horse racing handicaps for the 3rd at Belmont!

“No Standing”
I’m IN A CAR for gosh sakes! Try standing up in a car!

“No Parking Fire Zone”
Is this because this is where all the fires will be at?

“No Standing or Stopping”
Now, if I can’t stop…certainly not stand…how in the heck is someone supposed to get out of the vehicle?!

“Decoy Area”
In N. Detroit’s notorious crime-ridden 8 Mile area, there are Police prostitute decoys to bust soliciting “johns”. I keep expecting to see DUCK decoys in the middle of the road! And speaking of that, there is a sign to that effect. “Mama and baby duck crossing!” is a picture of a Duck with 4 ducklings on it in walking in a straight line.

“Slow Children”
This sign is just plain CRUEL! I mean, if a child is SLOW…should he or she even BE out in the road?

“Yield the Right of Way”
But what if I’m on the left? Exactly which way is right?

“Warning! This vehicle may back up”
No kidding! I back up out of my driveway everyday! Don’t MOST vehicles back up at one time or another?

“No Stopping Under Overpass”
So, let’s say its’ a terrific storm or blizzard. I’m supposedly to stop BEFORE the shelter of the overpass?

“Emergency Vehicles Only” (Usually in the middle of a stretch of highway)
Hey! It IS an emergency if I have to use it to turn around!

“Wrong Way”
No kidding! I think those headlights comin’ straight at me doing 50 would be a good indication I’m going the wrong way!

“Complete Left Turn after Stop and Traffic Clears”
Ah, another good one. I stop, no traffic. I begin to proceed into the turn. Ahead a quarter mile I see a car. Do I stop again and wait for it to get here? And what if I don’t want or need to MAKE a COMPLETE left turn?

“Hidden Driveway Ahead”
Now, whoever lives or works on this property is taking their lives in their hands. How about CLEARING the field of vision and bushes and trees on the property, so it’s NOT HIDDEN?!

I definitely can imagine how bewildering these signs can be to foreign visitors and new citizens of the Motor City. And the need for more instructional and clearly defined and implied signs is evident. Hopefully, that little State Highway Commission guy who sits in office thinking these signs up, will realize how confusing they can be to some.

Ah, only in a perfect world I suppose. And, another thing about driving in Detroit and the Great Lake State. That sign that says “DEER CROSSING”? The next time you see it, look closely at the picture.
I SWEAR….it’s a MOOSE!

Well, thanks all! Till next week….tank’s full….revvin’ engine….just remember….Keep your hands on the wheel, and your foot to the floor, when you’re….”Drivin’ Sideways in Detroit!” C’ya!

*Special Thanks: The “Hurricane Shelter” offices, Verena Reuter, LA Grizzy, Treasure Island Gold & Larry Patterson, Ralph Terrana and “Lucky” the Wonder Dog

2007-03-18T21:04:00.000-07:00

A concert with The Motown Legends Tour has just been announced. Spyder Turner, the Temptation’s Review featuring Dennis Edwards and Ali Woodson, The Miracles and the Contours will hit the stage at the beautiful Chevrolet Center in Youngstown Ohio on May 19th, 2007. This will prove to be a dynamic, explosive show of showmanship, great music and good time to be had by all.

Spyder Turner and his family and myself, go way back. Wonderful “Momma Turner” would feed this skrawny ‘lil “white boy from the suburbs” (me) macaroni and cheese while we were picking up Robin or Skipper Turner for band practice and shows. And this was during the Detroit race riots of 1967. Talk about unconditional love! It was that unconditional love she had for her family, and me… and music overall, that I took with me throughout life. She beamed when talking about Spyder. We all tried to emulate Skip and Robin’s older brother and his band. But I don’t think we ever got close at all to Spyder’s dynamics on stage. The man would FLY out of a kitchen or backstage, and hit the stage wailin’ and on his knees. We were BLOWN AWAY!

Onstage, there is no one better than the Spyder-man. He comes alive on stage. When he sings his hit “Stand by Me”, the audience always cheers. His newest single “I don’t wanna go home tonight” gets the same reaction. There is probably no original Motown artist still doing what he has been doing all these years. And he’s never stopped. With James Brown’s passing, I believe Spyder Turner should be the new “Godfather of Soul”! And I might add, that a nicer friend to me, I could ever hope for.

“First I look at the Purse” and “Do you love me?” were the most defining moments that brought the Contours into their own. Around Detroit for over 30 years, they have never stopped touring and performing. Their shows are legend around the world. “Do you love me?” became a hit all over again in the movie “Dirty Dancing”. “First I look at the Purse” brings audiences to their feet, and fully captures the Motown Sound of the ‘60s. 20-some years ago, Buster Bennett my bassist, a Detroit Police Officer, was their musical director. I couldn’t believe it THEN…that they were still around. And they are STILL around now, after all these years!

Dennis Edwards started out as a member of the Contours himself in the ‘60’s. After replacing David Ruffin in the Temptations, he went on to be the voice of “Papa was a Rolling Stone” and “Cloud Nine”. The Temptations will always be thought of 1stt every time someone mentions “Motown”. With hits such as “Get Ready”, “How I wish that it would rain”, “Papa was a Rolling Stone”, the infamous “My Girl”, and many, many others, their shows have become legendary for their vocal harmony and tight choreography. No one group has personified the sound of Motown. Current line-up includes Dennis Edwards, Ail Woodson, David Shea, Mike Patillo and Chris Arnold.

One of the 1st original Motown artists in the early part of 1960, The Miracles with Smokey Robinson were one of the very 1st of Motown groups to achieve international success. With hits such as “Shop around”, “Tears of a Clown”, “I Second that Emotion”, “Tracks of my Tears”, and of course “Mickey’s Monkey”, their vocal harmonies are second to none. The Miracles were inducted to the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001. I wonder just how many romances began to the background their music? Even though Smokey has gone on to management and producing with Motown, the Miracle’s signature sound has stayed the same. You will be transported back in time, to that place we all remember so well from our youth.

You will never get the chance in one single night to get the music, sounds and happy-heart-happy-feet feelings of Motown music in its’ most purest form. Taken back to the past, and forward to the future, those arrangements, harmonies and performances of excellence, will amaze you. From Spyder Turner’s heart-felt dedication to all that is Soul Music, to the Contours “First I look at the Purse”, these two alone would be worth the price of admission. And when we add the Miracles and the Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards and Ali Woodson, one could hardly duplicate a one-time event of this scope and nature.

I don’t think I can personally remember a night of hits and Soul music like this in any recent years. It could only come from Motown, Spyder Turner, the Contours, the Miracles, the Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards and Ali Woodson, and the Motor City. The “Motown Legends” tour is a Cheers and Severino Production. After the performance in Youngstown, there’s of course, a strong possibility other dates will be announced, and I’ll post them here. *

Well, thanks all! Till next week….tank’s full….revvin’ engine….just remember….Keep your hands on the wheel, and your foot to the floor, when you’re….”Drivin’ Sideways in Detroit!” C’ya!

*Special Thanks this Week to my friends Spyder Turner and Ms. M, and all our friends at the Soulful Detroit Music Forums.