ALL MUSIC....and Motown (Hi ya friends o mine! Dennis Coffey (Hi Dennis!!), Spyder Turner, The Temptations, Four Tops, The Contours), R & B, Blues, Jean Luc Ponty, Classical, Pop, Rock, Oldies, Jazz, Folk, Country, Fusion New Age, Jug Band, Avante Gard, Orchestral, Big Band, Yes, Charlie Daniels, Kansas, Styx, The BEATLES, Carlos Santana, Bob Dylan, Moody Blues, Steely Dan, Ravi Shankar, Joss Stone, Booker T. Jones, Lenard Cohen, Nelly Furtado, Mahivishnu Orchestra, James Brown, Frank Zappa, Carrie Underwood, Led Zeppelin, The Ventures, The Allman Brothers, Billie Holiday, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Chick Corea, Jimi Hendrix, Dixie Chix, Dan Fogelberg, Charlie Parker, Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters, Les Paul, Willie Dixon, 5 Blind Boys of Alabama, Chicago, Dr John, Little Feat, Janis Joplin, Boston, Eagles, Mitch Ryder, Joe Cocker, Stevie Wonder, Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks, Brian Wilson, Fleetwood Mac, John Coltrane, Django Reinhart, Brecker Brothers, Earth-Wind & Fire, The Beach Boys, and, and, and........the list goes on forever!
"Walt Disney's Selena (Wizards of Waverly Place) Gomez & Hurricane Duane"
Pretty Things, Ladies and Girls, Girls, Girls!
*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!!
"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
****PAGE UNDER CONTINUING CONSTRUCTION****
"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!
HTTP://WWW.DRIVINSIDEWAYSINDETROIT.BLOGSPOT.COM
"Hurricane's" in Motown! The Return of "Hurricane" Duane Thomas
Yes…the rumors are true. Well…most of them anyway. Yes, I stared DEATH in the face, took a giant leap of faith forward…and didn’t look back. No-one was more surprised than me when I awoke from major Heart surgery, to find it must not have been my time yet. 2 separate catheterizations failed to close the hole in my heart. (Not to be confused with the one in my head!) But, I was ready either way. So, I found that I just have to deal with it…and yes, thank GOD…there are no restrictions on me. So, I'm fine and thanks so much for all your prayers and well wishes. And special thanks to the 2 REIKI Healing Masters' and friends of mine for their white light of protection. Moving on…..
It's been a bit since I've posted, and so I figured what better time than right after the WOODWARD DREAM CRUISE in METRO DETROIT to get back into the swing of things and "DRIVIN' SIDEWAYS IN DETROIT!" (Well…forget the 'swing-of-things' stuff…I'd probably just fall and end up with a hole in my butt…to go with the ones in my heart and head!) But, all things considered…here I am, and doing well. Pickin' (no pun intended) up the pace each day.
Its funny how we realize we've taken simple things for granted when our health and future is uncertain. And I'm not talking about the usual things. Things more obscure like…"Will I even see another Sunrise? A Sunset? Go to another concert or 2 or 12?" What about My wife? Lucky my dog? What about all my STUFF!!!?? What if after surgery I can't speak…or move? What then?" I pondered many of these things…but mostly? I just concerned myself with God's will…and tried hard to not focus on anything other than that.
I just made my peace with God and asked "If there's something else you got for me to do Lord? Just let me know!" So, surviving and waking up was my 1st clue that HE must feel there's more I gotta get done, and maybe there's some people I can help along the way. But, still…before-hand…I was ready to go. I wasn’t real sure WHERE exactly I would be going… but let's just say I felt that I knew I gotta pay for my sins of course…so I didn’t pack heavy! UP or DOWN…. Only some &035;9,050 UV PROTECTION sunscreen! I DID wonder "Hey! How hot IS IT in HELL anyway?"
But, I didn’t go to either place, so I un-packed, sat on my porch just me 'n Lucky-Dog for a few nights after, and pondered the meaning of Life…and Death. Both were necessary once the wheels of life begin to turn. So THAT’S the answer. We live…then we die. I guess you really do realize how it can all end in a heart-beat.
Literally…
Thanks for hangin' around my friends. We won't always be…around. Check back for more….and watch us coming to YOUTUBE! Peace! Best, "Hurricane" Duane "SAX MAN" Author & "JOHNNY & THE HURRICANES, Inc."
INTERVIEW WITH DUANE!!!
DGRISWA1@FORD.COM
DUANETHOMAS1@MYSPACE.COM
DUANETHOMAS@JOHNNYANDTHEHURRICANES.COM
HURRICANE.DUANE@YAHOO.COM
HURRICANEDUANETHOMAS@GMAIL.COM
JOHNNYANDTHEHURRICANES@GMAIL.COM
ALSO FIND ME ON FACEBOOK!
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"THE OLDIES BLOCK PARY" Radio Show
"Duane, you were the perfect guest. I played Johnny and the Hurricanes last week and was thinking of you. I would love to have you back again. You and Sonja are so wonderful to keep Johnny's legacy alive and to let people know the great contribution he made. Never stop sharing your talent Duane. Love and blessings". Joyce Conrad, Host
(Present) Member of SOULFUL DETROIT MUSIC FORUMS (MOTOWN)
TO MY MOTOWN SOULFUL DETROIT FAMILY:
"To my friends Ralph, Russ, Spyder, Gil, Tres, Lynn, Count, Ms. M, Juice, Jai, Johno, Dennis Coffey, Kamasu, Soulster, Kevin, Dr. Groove, Stubass, Chi Drummer, Abfan, Detroit Dar, Destruction, Just 7 Numbers, Robb K, Bob Olhsson, Mel...and of course Grapevine and the lates Ron Murphy and Marilyn Bond and all the rest...THANK YOU...for being who you all are...and always sharing your knowledge, opinions, likes and dislikes."
DR. GROOVE: "Duane,
Thank You for the kind words and ALL YOUR contributions here at SDF"
MARK SPECK: "Duane, thank YOU for all you do around here!!"
CHI DRUMMER " So are you, sir. A gentleman, a scholar and a true Player! Rock on DT"
GRAPEVINE (UK) "May I add my thanks too Hurricane Duane"
*(MC5's Wayne Kramer)
"Duane,
I am completely knocked out ... I mean knocked out. I am such a huge fan. Your work was so important to me as a young musician in Detroit. Your band was the model for what a great band should look and sound like. Your hard-driving sound was the basis for all my work to come. You set the bar high, my dear brother.
I am so happy to see you have been productive and are having a good life. You continue to inspire. Very best regards,
Wayne kramer, The MC5"
*Mentioned in the song "ROCKERS" by New Foundland Band "FITZ"*
SONG FOR SONJA, JOHNNY, DUANE AND ALL THE HURRICANES! "ROCKERS"
"THANK YOU DAVE and GREG FITZPATRICK!" DT
*Message from Dave Fitz(in part): "Speaking with Hurricane Duane Thomas was a pleasure! Just want to say thank you to the legendary Hurricane Duane Thomas for taking time to chat with me on the phone today!
Duane, as all of you know, is a true musician/writer/everything else and more importantly, a real great guy to speak with. Thank you so very much for your support Duane. You have been here for FITZ since we started this myspace stuff and were one of the first people to take notice. We appreciate your sincerity in wanting to help us."
Dave Fitz "FITZ"
Apr 15, 2008 2:42 PM
FitZ Organization Thanks~Hurricane Duane Thomas
"Duane is a great rock & roller that has a new book coming out on Johhny and The Hurricanes. While putting his book together Duane actually has taken time out to not only post for us and write the nicest thing ever said about FitZ but also took time to chat on the phone for a hour.
People like you Duane will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN! God Bless You and YOURS!
* 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 Bio
* Author: 40 + "DRIVIN' SIDEWAYS IN DETROIT!”
* Author: "PANGIA. FALCOR & THE LOST CRYSTAL".
DUANE THOMAS CURRENTLY MENTIONED:
*"THE ROAD THROUGH MOTOWN"
by Ralph Terrana (Motown Records)
*“GHOSTS of ANN ARBOR”
by Michelle Uptergrove.
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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 1980, 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 interviews 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.
L.F./Lazlo Farnsworth London Independant, UK
Interview from Tokyo!
"20 Questions 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
"SAX MAN"
THE AMAZING LIFE STORY
OF
"SAX MAN" JOHNNY PARIS
JOHNNY & THE HURRICANES
&
THE BIRTH OF ROCK & ROLL!
"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!"
Licensing Requests and the use of Johnny and the Hurricanes® music in any form:
ACE MUSIC, LLC, Nola Leone (World Agent), 8901 Burton Road, Ste. 301, Los Angeles, CA 90048-3786 USA
Tel - 310-278-7552 (country code 001) Fax - 310 278-7551
Email: Nolaleone@ca.rr.com
SMITH & CO SOUND & VISION, Paul Smith (European Agent), Kolgans 13, 1688 WR Nibbixwoud, The Netherlands or PO Box 608, 1620 AR Hoorn, The Netherlands
Tel - (31) (0) 229-578-425 Fax - (31) (0) 229-579-640
Email: Smithco@quicknet.nl
XXXXXXXXXX
Reproduction of all Images, Text and Content Prohibited
Hey Brother, You're a living example that prayer's sometimes DO get answered! Love the Tele on your page, the whole page is GREAT, very informative, what a history sir Duane! Love ya Bro Dave & Greg
PeekyBoo, how's yoo? (had a shock then, have you Really made your page nearly identical to mine, or do mine eyes deceive...?? hehehe) Hugs Stephers! xxx
Thank you for connecting! If you're interested, I'm offering one free original MP3 download to my new MySpace friends, just go to my profile and let me know the name of which track would you like to get and I'll tell you where to download it for free.
Sorry you're ill... also, I was sorry to see that you lost your brother Paul last month. Sometimes it seems like the world bombards you all at once with things that are difficult to deal with. Have faith and take care of yourself. Feel better, Duane.
Hi Duane! Sorry to hear you're not feeling well - I'll pray a special prayer today that God's healing touch will be upon you! He loves you more than you'll ever know!! Rest in His love!
Online Now!
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