The Red Violin, The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Braveheart, Troy, Gods and Generals, & pretty much anything else with battle scenes.
Television
Family Guy, The Three Stooges, & Spongebob
Books
A Great and Noble Scheme: The Tragic Story of the Expulsion of the French Acadians from Their American Homeland (Written by John Mack Faragher)
A Dictionary of the Cajun Language (Written by Rev. Jules O. Daigle)
Heroes
My dad - I lost him on August 10, 2002. He died 20 minutes before I was to perform at a concert with Rascal Flatts in Nebraska. Losing my father to cancer was the most painful experience of my life. Anyway... I played that show with Rascal Flatts on that day. Played it for him. I know that he would've wanted me to play that fiddle rather than sit around and grieve.
My dad was not a musician, but he was so very encouraging. He drove me countless miles around the United States so I could compete in fiddling contests. He was so very proud of my fiddling. This is what inspired me to continue to play and practice. And although he is gone, it is my dad who gives me inspiration to play that fiddle. Each time I play, I play for him as though he is out in the crowd listening.
My dad lived through me so-to-speak. Called me everyday to see where I'd be playing next. If we were on television, well that was just another excuse for him to invite all of his Cajun buddies over for a party. He was very proud.
Although he is gone, he is forever with me. I play the fiddle today because he was so encouraging to me during my childhood. Now when I play the fiddle at a concert, I play aggressively. I play aggressively because I'm giving my all for my dad. It is if I am a child again seeking praise from him.
Thanks, dad, for being the greatest father that anyone could ever ask for. I am a fiddler because of you. Each note I play is for you.
About me: My name is John Jeansonne. My nickname is "Chank". I play the fiddle for country music group, Rascal Flatts. I'm also the 1985-88, 1995 Louisiana fiddling champion. I love life! I love music! I love gumbo!
I spent many of my childhood days playing my fiddle at the French Quarter in New Orleans. I wasn't hired to play there. Instead, I was a street musician. I'd stand behind my fiddle case and play in hopes that someone would throw money into it. And I actually did quite well! Usually, I would play in front of the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. My mom and dad would take me there and sit nearby while I played. It was just something I liked to do to make some money to buy fiddle strings, rosin, etc. So New Orleans is very special to me. New Orleans is a place where I spent many hours with my fiddle. I credit New Orleans for helping me to learn more about fiddling. It also helped me learn much about life. I love New Orleans!
Hey Chank, Just wanted to stop by and say hi! I haven't visited your page in awhile so I thought I stop by. Hope all is well!! Stay safe out there!! ~Misty
Thank you so much Brah... I definitely have made some good friends out there and i consider you one of them. I hope you will be able to find someone to carry on the pre-show tradition...lmao
Chaaaank:) so It was pretty awesome FINALLY getting to meet you this weekend! I have some pretty awesome pics of you from both shows I could send you if you want to see them;)
Chank, Thanks for the great show friday night in Fort Wayne. The boys and us had a front row on the side. They loved your solo! Made their evening getting to see you guys. Kedrick is having brain surgery on monday, it was the best thing to happen for the boys in a long time! hugs to all! stop by our site www. caringbridge. org/visit/thesosenheimerboys
I'm doing great! getting ready to head home to see my momma for mother's day and gearing up for a couple of new things :) How are you?? Saw ya on Dancing, you looked so darn happy to play the acoustic!
Not sure when your available to come to any "social gatherings/parties", don't really have any planned. Say a date & time and we'll set one up for ya!!!
lmao!!!! I'm always up for a good party!!...anytime your up here...come on over!!!lol!! We always serve.....Tooo much to Drink and way too much good food!lol
Thanks for being an amazing photographer/friend :) Sorry about making you nervous, but it turned out perfectly! If the fiddle thing doesn't work out, you could be a photographer to the stars....xo
for your new tattoo with the rocket flying to the moon....save your money!! We never landed there, jst a conspiracy in the cold war BRA, just like the myth that your gonna cook gumbo someday! lies I tell you, like there was only 1 shooter???!?!? ha haha CIA cover up but we should all be able to smoke cuban cigars... ive stolen enough from the shack for a third world country!!!!!! T
Hey Bro, what's been goin on with you? I'm not too bad,just been moving (yes single again) lol and my son and I are buying a different house, nothing great,but it works for me! Anyways thanks for checking up on me, very sweet of you. If you're not on the road,I'll probably be hitting a show or so down that way. Take care and Go Buckeyes!!
Wow, I just read about you losing your dad to cancer, about a year before I lost my dad the same way. I'm sorry you had to go through that. I had no idea at the time that you had just gone through that, but I had a pic taken with you around that time. Oh, and Yay for drinking lots of green tea, I do that too!
