"DRIVIN' SIDEWAYS IN DETROIT!!"

"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