Johnny Colla has been a fixture on the San Francisco Bay Area music scene for over 25 years. Having played for Sly and the Family Stone and Van Morrison, it wasn't until the late 70's that he teamed up with Huey Lewis to play sax and guitar for the Monday Night Live Band. A few years later they took it all the way to the top when they evolved into Huey Lewis and the News.
During the 60's the Summer of Love captured Johnny's attention and drew him to San Francisco from the Sacramento Valley. Like so many others, he patronized the Avalon Ballroom and the Fillmore Auditorium, eventually pursuing his idols and musical dreams over the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin County. "I moved to Marin because that's where all the musicians moved after the San Francisco scene blew up. For a start-up musician in the seventies, it was a hot-bed of musical activity; a great place to be and be heard." He says. "Then I beat the odds. We not only started a great band, but actually became successful at it!"
The guys have survived several changes in the popular music scene over the last twenty-three years, and maintain a diehard group of fans that allow them to do what they do so well. "Sure, we're the Tony Bennetts of our generation," He adds, "but it's not such a bad way to go. I can think of worse jobs." Colla secured his position in rock lore by penning such classics as "The Heart of Rock and Roll", "The Power of Love", and "If This Is It".
Although still an integral part of The News (Huey and Johnny co-produced the band’s latest release, "Plan B"), Johnny embarked upon a solo career to expand his personal musical horizons. "Deep inside, every songwriter wants to sing the songs that they write." he said. "Once a person writes something they really believe in, it's strong medicine. It's like a drug; you want to do it again and again. It's a bit self-indulgent, but songwriting is my creative outlet; It is a scratch I have to itch. I'm not looking for fame or fortune in my solo endeavor; I'm simply exploring my own beliefs and musical tastes. If I can put into words what someone else can't say themselves, I've done what I set out to do. Besides all that, it’s still great fun to jump up on stage and bash it all out!"
Johnny Colla and the Lucky Devils's Friend Space (Randomized)
Johnny Colla and the Lucky Devils has 115 friends.
Hey Johnny, My parents are going to be at your show Sunday night at the Club Casino Hampton Beach. The place they took me to when I was 11 years old for my first HL&TN concert.
Hi Johnny, great show in AC and just loved hearing you singing "Slow Twistin." Thank you for being so gracious in signing my sister's set list and for greeting my Dad after the show. We had a great Father's Day Weekend. I hope you will get some family time soon too during the tour. Best always, Sandy
happy happy birthday, my friend! wishing you a beautiful and loving day and a year filled with love, magic, peace, happiness, grace, laughter and tender mercies! abundant blessings to you johnny!
Our deepest condolences to you for your loss of Ron, your true friend. It is easy to know from the kind words that you wrote of him that he will be forever in your heart. Blessings to him, to you and to your family.
bright and beautiful blessings to you, now and in 2009! you are a beautiful spirit and i am very honored to be your friend. you're "good" people johnny....always have been; always will be. wishing you love, laughter, tender mercies and abundant angel blessings!
Hi Johnny! I hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday season. I just listened to the Winter Wonderland recording on the HLN site. I still have my copy of the Christmas cassette you all sent me back in 1984. I listen to it every Christmas and a few times throughout the year too. I cannot believe it has been 24 years since you all recorded it. TIME FLIES!! Take care!
"time aint money" is one of my most very favorite songs you ever wrote! what a great tune! wish i could hear it on your page! turn it up! have a fantastic day, johnny!
