View Full Version : Johnny Staats
doublestop
Jul-13-2004, 3:59pm
Had the opportunity to see this guy about a month ago. Has anyone else seen him? If so what do you think? He's got to be the cleanest, fast picker I have ever seen. His tone and speed are amazing. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say he's got to go down in the books as one of the all-time greats. My question is....why is he still a UPS driver? Maybe he just likes his day job, but I don't think he needs it.
Atlanta Mando Mike
Jul-13-2004, 4:13pm
No matter how good of an instrumental performer you are, playing full time is a hard road to go down. Lots of time away from the family, unstable income, it just isn't for everyone.
Atlanta Mando Mike
Jul-13-2004, 4:15pm
Also, the amount of money that some of the people out there we all admire and emulate make is often laughable. It doesn't seem fair really.
Scotti Adams
Jul-13-2004, 4:15pm
..stop and think about what you have just asked....the man has got a great job...great retirement, great pay, great vacation time, insurance etc. He would be a fool to quit his day job...he and his family would starve to death. I too work in the public sector...Ive got a great job, pay, etc...I was thinking about packing it up and moving to Nashville about 4 years ago. Ive been employed at this job for 15 years. When the personel director drew up the papers and showed me what my insurance on me and my son was going to cost...which by the way Im required to pay for per my divorce decree..$650 a month...I balked at the whole deal....yes Johnny isa great player....smart too # http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
doublestop
Jul-13-2004, 4:17pm
Yeah, you're right. Just wish I had the chance to see him more often.
Mandodoc
Jul-13-2004, 4:49pm
I agree that Johnny and his disc, "Wires and Wood" is a great one, there are times when it doesn't come out of the player for a week, having Sam and other greats on it does not hurt it either. Does he/when will he have a new one out? Any one know? I sure like his playing.
jon
jjboone101
Jul-13-2004, 5:37pm
He just released a new CD a month or so ago and it also is GREAT. Name of the CD escapes me at this moment...
Hey All....
The name of his newest album is Pickin' Up Steam....I have yet to purchase it..but will do so this week...
I too am amazed by his music..clean, fast and great licks.... I, Like Mandodoc, will have it playing all week or more in the truck...seems to never get old.
Enjoy.... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif
WV Mike
Jul-14-2004, 1:48pm
Johnny is quite smart. #He has a good paying job and benefits in low-cost WV. #There's plenty of great local talent around him, plus excellent hunting and fishing, low crime, etc. #That's a lot to leave on the table to pursue being a full-time touring musician and leaving what he has here. #Someone..Sam Bush I think..said he drives a UPS truck by day, coon hunts by night and plays the mandolin in his spare time! #That's life balance!
Robert Shafer told me a few weeks ago that they have another album (not Pickin up Steam) in the works.
I'm fortunate to livee about 20 miles from Johnny and get to catch his performances several times a year. #Wire and Woods was what inspired me a year ago (at age 40) to try to learn to play the mandolin. #In fact, I'm attending a worshop Saturday with Johnny, Robert Shafer (guitar guru) and Robin Kessinger (guitar guru) that's part of our Stretched String Festival here in Charleston, WV this week. #Here's the link...
http://www.theclaycenter.org/events/stretchedstringfestival2004.asp
Take care, Mike
jim_n_virginia
Jul-15-2004, 12:41am
I also own the Wires and Wood CD and agree that it is a fantastic CD. When I first bought the CD I listened to the instrumental songs a thousand times and never got tired of listening!
And I can respect his decision to stay with UPS and play it safe but sometimes to achieve fame and greatness involves a little risk.
I know a guy who won Academy Award for a film he made in the 70's when he first got out of Film School and everyone said he should head to L.A. where he could really do something.
He chose not to because he had a wife and kids and now.... 30 years late he make training films for a video company.
May times your window of opportunity is very small and fleeting.
I think I would have risked all to achieve fame but then again... I don't have a wife, kids or even a great job with benefits like Johnny has.
Heck in fact if I practice 30 more years I'll never be able to play like Johnny.
OK I'll shutup now! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif
Bluegrasstjej
Jul-15-2004, 1:49am
Never seen him but I love hs music!!
straight-a
Jul-15-2004, 4:41am
He is one of my all time favorites!