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This is a story about an
international couple raising and home educating three
young boys on a small island in Japan, half living in
buses, engaged in organic, self-sufficient farming in
the middle of a mountain forest while dealing with
climate, cultural, and personal challenges. These pages
are about pretty much anything and everything all guided
by our family motto, Taking Chances, Making Changes,
Being Happy. Thank you very much for joining us on our
ongoing crazy adventure.
Comments or questions about this blog?....message me at
Facebook. |
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 Exclusive
interview with "Cowboy Jack" Johnson of Band in Black
Cowboy Jack Johnson
Country Music Star
Cowboy Jack presents
Cowboy Jack news
Howie Hayman
Interviewer
HowieHayman
Alicia Wszelaki
Photographer
PATH 88 PRODUCTIONS |
 Howie:
You are originally from Honolulu, Hawaii. Is country music popular there?
Jack: Fairly much, there's a lot of military there and they are big country
music fans. The Hawaiian steel guitar is where country music got its steel
guitar in the music.
Howie: You refer to yourself as a well traveled “army brat.” Which countries and
U.S. states do you like the most?
Jack: Of all my travels, I've learned what a lot of people seem to learn after
traveling, that you just can't beat North (San Diego) County as the best place
to live in the world. |
 Howie:
In which areas of San Diego County would you say country music is the most
popular?
Jack: Traditional country; inland, country music as a whole is popular in 'the
country'. Johnny Cash seems popular with most everyone throughout the county,
including the coast.
Howie: You began your entertaining career during college. Do you consider that
to be a late beginning for a career in entertainment?
Jack: Actually I started playing guitar when I was ten, professionally, I
believe I started at a good time, about 17, playing coffee houses, it's hard to
play the honky tonks 'till you are 21 anyway. |
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 Howie:
What inspired you to become an entertainer?
Jack: When I was four years old I picked up a broom and started strumming it
when I saw Elvis on TV.
Howie: What do like best about performing?
Jack: Giving people a good time and escape from their daily hectic lives and
immerse themselves in the simple genre of the past which I offer in my vintage
shows.
Howie: You play several instruments. Which do you enjoy playing the most?
Jack: I enjoy playing my 1950 Silvertone nylon string guitar which my Uncle
Johnny picked up for $2 at a Goodwill 35 years ago. I call it the 'banger' which
I take to the beach a lot. It has a combination of ukulele and guitar sound. |
 Howie:
You also worked as a magician. Do you incorporate any of this into your shows?
Jack: When I perform my 'Cowboy Jack' act at Rawhide Ranch and other camp-outs
I'll perform card tricks for the kids, sometimes also as a party tool and walk
around intro in my shows.
Howie: Do you prefer performing in front of large or small groups?
Jack: Either one, large is interesting because of the big production and small
is great acoustically.
Howie: Is country music your only musical interest?
Jack: I listen mostly to jazz, play ukulele doing beach sounds and Don Ho tunes.
I also enjoy playing and listening to sixties rock; Bob Dylan, Beatles, etc. |
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 Howie:
Which performers influenced you the most?
Jack: Hank Williams, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson.
Howie: You currently perform in several bands. In which of your bands do you
enjoy performing the most?
Jack: I can't pick a single favorite, I like performing in all of them. I'd have
to say having a variety of shows is my most favorite 'way' to perform.
Howie: What do you like to do when you are not performing?
Jack: Beach out, yoga, ride bicycles, play volleyball, basketball and frisbee. |
 Howie:
The Johnny Cash movie "Walk the Line" will be released soon. How do you think
this will affect the "The Band in Black?"
Jack: I think it will open up a lot wider audience appeal to my show out of
curiosity to see the vintage replica band of Johnny's music.
Howie: What appeals to you most about Cash's music?
Jack: Simple, raw and honest.
Howie: Is this your first time to perform at Dizzy's?
Jack: Yes.
Howie: What do you expect from this performance?
Jack: A good draw, considering it is one week after the "Walk The Line" movie
opening. |
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 Howie:
Do you think the downtown crowd will differ considerably from the North County
crowd?
Jack: Chuck Perrin, the owner of Dizzy's (who I have known for years and used to
live in North County), and I both think the movie tie-in and the uniqueness of
my tribute show will draw on the downtown crowd. They are less loyal country
fans per se, but this sound borders on the 'alternative' appeal of the city
crowd. |
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