who I am
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There is so much musical talent in the world today, it makes no logical sense for a person to get into the music business. The world doesn't need another song or musician; it is oozing musicians - good ones to-boot.
But, musicians need the world. Musicians need to tell stories and create. That's why I write and make music. I am happier making music. And fans of music, like you and me, we want to connect and be connected. But that rarely happens between musician and fan. I am not connected to my musical heroes: Dave Matthews, Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffett and Jerry Jeff Walker. Being a Facebook fan of someone or following their Tweets, doesn't equate to connection. Not for me. Some musicians want to entertain the world - feel the salty sweat of the crowd on their lips - but their fans don't really know them and they don't know their fans. I think of Michael Jackson. Who really knew Michael Jackson? The only place fans knew Michael were on stage. Off stage, he was getting weirder and weirder, alone. Well, I don't get hyped-up about being famous. I get hyped about making music that connects with you. And I get hyped about connecting with the people who love my music. I get hyped about the idea that through music, I get to be a part of you and your friend's and family's parties, days on the boat, and hanging out around the house. I get pumped that I get to |
go for a drive with you, on your way to go fishing or taking your kids to school. I love the idea that you wind down the end of your day, on your drive home from work, listening to some Johnny D.
Music has always been about connection for me. My favorite thing to do is to create music, on-the-spot, with other musicians. I love seeing another musician show off, and I love the energy we share back and forth as we ride the wave we are both on together. I hope I make music that tells your life story as much as it tells mine. I hope you text me for good time. I'd love to hear from you. |
things I hate
Wind. Litigation. Boring adults. Controlling neighbors.
Things I love
Being two drinks in. Randomly spotting hot air balloons. Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. A good pair of jeans. Country music. Farms. Old Fashions (Bourbon). My guitar. Weekends with my wife and kids. Devoted friends. Wit. Freedom. Grace. The act of creating.
Most listened to records
Hands down, Bob Marley's Legend album. I recently saw it is still in Amazon's Top 25 Best Selling albums of 2020 - now that is staying power. Next, Jerry Jeff Walker's Live at Gruene Hall. Then, a smattering of every Dave Matthews album. Jimmy Buffet. Finally, mix in a little Alison Kraus and Jack Johnson and you've got Johnny Durango.
What I hope my music does for you
I hope it helps you feel the hard edge of life; not that part of life that a frat boy sings about, but the part of life that a man knows and sings about. I hope you walk away from my music feeling a little more honest and connected. An over-used word for it is: gritty. But, gritty in a way that helps you get up and go again and face the truth of your trials with a newfound strength. Jimmy Buffet made people feel like a vacation, and I like that. But life is lived in the everyday. Guys like Jimmy don't sing about marriage, children, his net worth of $500 million, or his 5000 employees and how crushing that responsibility can be. But hell, why not? It's all life. I sing about life, and I want people to feel it, in all its forms.
I recently watched Songland and a gal with an epic voice wrote and sang a song called "Death Bed," and the producers instantly wanted her to change it to, yet another, love song. I thought, "Hell, I'll remember 'death bed,' but I'm not going to remember another love song." It's all a part of life. Music is our companion through life.
I recently watched Songland and a gal with an epic voice wrote and sang a song called "Death Bed," and the producers instantly wanted her to change it to, yet another, love song. I thought, "Hell, I'll remember 'death bed,' but I'm not going to remember another love song." It's all a part of life. Music is our companion through life.