Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson
By Taters on December 29, 2007 at 2:08 PM in Music
It was 1977, at Paramount Recording Studio in Hollywood, CA. The bass player had some problems with the tune (He learned it in another key) and couldn’t get it. He would be paid but he wasn’t going to be on the track. I was next and was determined that my guitar track would make the cut.
The producer was none other than Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson, one of my favorite musicians and someone I really looked up to. He also had two back to back gold records at the time and was finally getting his due.
My part was going to be tricky, I had to overdub an intro without very much of a count on top. That intro was the lead into the song.
“C’mon, Lick Man, you’re up,” he said with a cigarette dangling out of the side of his mouth.
Johnny had two crowned gold teeth, he was an original if not THE original “playa” or “gangsta” who now owned a Bentley, a Stutz and of course, always a new Cadillac.
I was nervous and I missed the first try and I knew if I didn’t nail it, Johnny would do the part. “God, this isn’t fair! I thought, “Why wasn’t there a count for me?”
The engineer rolled tape and I saw Johnny looking at me. I nailed it. Johnny’s face lit up and he high fived me. ‘”I knew you could do it, man!”
Holy shit, I was relieved. The atmosphere in the studio was now festive, it was party time.
Johnny “Guitar” Watson was the most talented musician I have ever met.
Not only a superb guitarist, he was an incredible keyboard player, songwriter, bassist, vocalist and producer. He could easily move from a gut bucket blues, sophisticated funk or a complicated jazz tune. Originally from Houston, John made the move with his family as a child to Los Angeles. His credits included Louis Jordan, James Brown, George Duke, Frank Zappa , Cannonball Adderley and Freddie Hubbard. Zappa said the reason he played guitar was because he heard Johnny. He influenced Jimi Hendrix,who emulated John’s extroverted performing style. Rappers have often cited Johnny as an influence, Snoop Dogg was one.
(Witness Johnny’s “Space Guitar” from 1954) Steve Miller (Who covered JGW’s Gangster of Love) Prince, and Jimmy Vaughan are a few that fell who under John’s musical spell. No one more so than my boss, Etta James, who’s vocal phrasing is built upon John’s style. He and Etta were real close, like brother and sister. We do a JGW tune entitled “Ta Ta Ya, Baby” and Etta always gives him his due.
He was also a really funny guy and incredibly smart. Johnny also had his demons, which caught up with him and despite a rough spot he came through the fire. His career had rejuvenated and things were looking up. He had opened for Prince in LA and had all but stolen the show. Johnny died onstage from a heart attack in Japan in 1996, while performing his hit “Superman Lover.” Through the years, we had become close and I really loved him. He’ll always bring a smile to my face.
TATERS…
Nice story Buddy…Thanks for all your good Stuff..
You always mamange to bring a smile to my face too..
Have a great New Year..
Hey PH,
How the heck are ya, man? Thanks for the kind words and I hope the upcoming year is good to you and yours.
Awesome story Taters.. I always love your stories here..
Glad you had a wonderful Christmas..We got to instant message Jordan on Christmas day..Man was he in a bad mood..He really hated missing christmas at home and of course, Iraq Suks..blankey blank #%$#@!**
Also that kid of mine was pissed off i hadn’t recieved my Christmas present he ordered on line from Iraq..You know what it is don’t you taters?
He ordered me a John Lennon signature electric/Acustic guitar..Cost him 600 bucks..that’s all i need is another guitar..hahaha..Maybe if they keep this up i may get good or something..
Do you know matt’ guitar’ Murphy? he’s great i think,
But if i could really play good i’d like to play Joe Satrani or eddie van halen..mmmm. Maybe i should go down to the crossroads like johnson did..hahaha
Best wishes Taters!!
HH,
Let us know when you get the guitar - which speaks volumes for your son & you.
HoosierHoops: There is a tune in there;
We got to instant message Jordan on Christmas day..Man was he in a bad mood..He really hated missing christmas at home and of course, Iraq Suks..blankey blank #%$#@!**
Also that kid of mine was pissed off i hadn’t recieved my Christmas present he ordered on line from Iraq..
Godspeed to your son and happy new year to you and yours.
Hiya HH,
Yes, I know and performed and recorded w/Matt. A great guitarist. I was saddened to hear about his stroke.
Joe Satriani is ridiculously good. EVH - What can you say? Awesome.
The Pistons are in Indy tonight…
Thanks for your post and the update on Jordan.
God bless him.
Hiya Taters..you played with Murphy? Jeezus crimalital..I am so impressed.. You rock bro’
I want to come see you play..next time you tour i’ll fly out and see you..I would really love that.. I’ll bring a couple of my boys with me..don’t worry our entourage doesn’t shoot the place up after 3am.. ( unlike our boy tinsley ) haha. Oh..my good friend melvin is best friends with Tins and JO so nobody post this on another sports blog like the leading story or nothing like that..I just tease our boys and mean no harm..
So this is our music posting..
taters; I’ve written over 300 songs and only play at a nominal rate..just so so but i read music better than any Beatle ever did.. It’s not that..
All you folks have real talent.. I always wanted to be a pro in music but found riches in other area’s.
So my latest song ( which isn’t copywritten at all just like the other 299 of them..goes like this..
Key of Eminor total vamp…
Thin Line
_________________________________
When I think of all those nights
All those games you played
all those times i tried to leave
But all those times I stayed
I still hear the laughter
and it cuts me like a blade..
______________________________
It’s a thin line
It’s a thin line
Between what is..and what is not..
It’s a thin line
Between what you need and what’s you got..
It’s a thin line
I got a foot..across a thin line..
_________________________________
When I think of lovers
you were the finest in the world
Moonlight coming through the window
left you shinning like a pearl
you illuminate the difference between a woman and a girl..
I can’t cross the thin line..
_______________________________
Bridge..It’s a thin line..blah blah..
_______________________________
She’s woman with her own mind..
She’s got nothing left to lose..
Her Emotion keeps rising the weather
changing with the tide..
If I said I’d be all your’s
would you be just mine..
It’s such a fine line..
It’s a fine line..
Blah blah…
_________________________________
That’s the best I remember.I’m not going upstairs to wake everyboby up to find words to my latest stupid ass song..But you get the idea..That’s why my kids keep buying me guitars.. like I’m going to do something like become Bob Dylan..Those kids of mine are awesome.. We have a loving family and they really think the old man can play, sing and compose..
It’s a lifelong hobby that never made me a dime..
But has brought me untold riches in expressing emotions..and that’s what music is all about..
Taters: You are living the dream..Did you ever see the movie Hustle and flow? I think that is what music is all about..in the gut..
Best wishes..post you concert schedule my bro..
the Hoopster will come see you play…
HoosierHoops,
Great post. You are a man of many gifts. That song is beautiful - Larry “admonished” me for putting something on line w/o copyrighting it.
You can email me at nagoyaDOTkidAThotmailDOTcom
I’ll be doing another recording again sometime soon. Larry is business partners with his buddy who started a music site that sells CD’s (Check out muzlink on the column on the right under blogroll) and when I get off my duff and do it, I want it to be released there first. Anyway, I’d love to check out more of your tunes. That is a good song, so email me and I’ll forward you my itinerary for the upcoming year. (Some dates are still coming in)
Copyright your songs and maybe you might want to do one on YouTube…
PS Mike F, a dear buddy over at Mike’s Blog at Crooks and Liars used to play basketball at Wichita State. He is a musician who plays and sings his ass off. And he’s played and recorded with a ton of folks and still does. He got me into this whole blogging thing…
Thanks Taters:
No need to copywrite my songs..If someone ever made a song with my words, I’d be proud.
I’ll email you monday or weds..
In your post you mentioned someone that knew a song but in the wrong key..That’s a big no no in the business isn’t it? Not that I know, But when growing up my mother the piano player ( who taught me to read ) Would have been very disappointed in me if i couldn’t transpose a song to another key..
( Mom..Can I go out and play Ball?
Mom: Sure..Just play something in 4 flats..
Me: Gawd mom..Nobody plays piano..can I go out? How about something in 2 sharps? Mom? Mom?)
(Story of my young life)
Here’s an old joke for you..
How do you make a guitarist turn down?
Put sheet music in front of him..
Don’t forget Steve Vai. that dude is from another planet as far as axe playing goes.
so Taters are you a guitar player? I am as well.
good to hear from fellow musicians in this land of No Quarter.
have a happy new year
Hey DF,
Too cool. You’re absolutely correct. Vai is unbelievable.
And a very Happy New Year to you, Duncan.
I beg your pardon Donovan
Have a great New Year!
Thanks for that Taters, there’s nothing like the recollections of people like you that bring the crazy music business down to the people at the bottom, who struggled for so long, and just never “Made It” Like Charlie Daniels say’s in ‘Old Rock and Roller’. I opened a few times for Little Arthur Duncan here in Chi-Town, he always called me the “White Sheep” of the family. He played blues, of course, but I played blues based country. He was great, and I loved working him, as I know you loved working with ‘Guitar’
Hang Tough, Tap
That’s really cool, Tap. Country & blues are family.
Great story Taters.
Take two with a thin air click track.
I read that Joe Satriani practices 12 hours a day…it shows. I’ve always wondered if “playing” the guitar is what Zappa did. I saw him conduct the London Philharmonic, (on TV) and man his baton skills were amazing.
I empathize with the bass player.
(He learned it in another key) and couldn’t get it.
I was playing valve trombone, 3rd seat nubie, in a big band and the second seat said I needed to transpose up one. After a few times through, the band leader looked at me and asked what the #$@# I was doing playing one off. I was red faced and second seat was laughing his slide off.
By two again?
TeakWood,
Oh man. That dirty dog…
Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland used to use two drummers. The Sr. drummer (Who was somewhat begrudging )saw that the newbie was watching him for cues. The Sr drummer began queitly press rolling and pretended he was ready to make a big cymbal crash/breakdown and nodded to the newbie to do the same. At the last moment, Peenie, the Sr, drummer pulled back. Tony, the newbie didn’t and made a big crash in the middle of a quiet ballad. ‘Blue’ was surprised, to say the least.
First the Iceman, now the Gangster of Love…..!!!
Yowzah, Tatters my man, thanks…!!!
Now, who’s next???…
Hi Michel,
You’re very welcome. And a Happy New Year to you. Larry & Susan have been kind enough to allow me to one or two pieces a month. I’ve been sticking with artists I have worked with and have some personal connection with. So it’s been mostly about blues, but I was thinking about opening it up to other genres - and of course, women.
So you spotted the Texas pattern, Michel? Hmmm…
I didn’t spot a Texas pattern as much as I spotted a hot guitar pattern!!
Of course, we all know Albert Collins is Texas’ pride and joy, yet I associated California with Johnny Guitar!…..
A happy New Year to you Taters, and please keep on regaling us with your guitar tales….!!!