Memories of JOHNNY live

This was written by a good friend of mine Donna who has been lucky enough to see Johnny perform live!

In the summer of 1974 I saw Johnny Harris on The Tonight Show. I don’t know exactly what first drew me to him, but I had definitely never seen anyone like him before. He was amazing to say the least!

I saw him many times on television during the next two years, and finally in the Spring of 1976 I was lucky enough to get a ticket for my first live Johnny Harris concert! I knew it was going to be a special night, but still wasn’t prepared for the magic of a live performance. There was excitement in the air, and you just knew something incredible was about to happen. Paul Anka said “Fasten your seatbelts ‘cause John Harris is comin’ at you”, and that’s exactly what he did! I’ve always thought it was like a runaway freight train was speeding toward you, and all you wanted was to jump on that train and fasten your seatbelt so you wouldn’t miss a minute of the wild ride. He took control of the orchestra and took the musicians and the audience places we could never have dreamed with his amazing vision, talent, and energy. I saw two shows that night – talk about a great night!

In the summer of 1982 I saw two concerts where Lynda Carter and J.H. opened for Bob Hope. I liked Lynda and Bob Hope, but it was J.H. I was there to see! The venue was a theater-in-the-round, and though the acts would play to all sections of the audience, they tended to favor the section in front of the stage. At the second show my Mother and I were seated behind the musicians, and as we sat down she said something about our bad seats. I said, “This is just where I want to sit!” Since J.H. was facing the orchestra he was also facing us, and we could see every gesture and expression as he conducted. It was almost like we were members of the orchestra. That could never happen, but wow, what a dream!

Later that summer I saw Lynda and J.H. in concert at a hotel in Atlantic City (it was a good year for me!), and in the fall of 1983 I saw them at another hotel in Atlantic City. At each show you could see how much the musicians loved J.H. and how much fun they were having. It was obvious that J.H. and the others loved what they were doing, and their passion for the music touched everyone in the audience. I’ve never seen a conductor like Johnny Harris and never will. He’s an original. I’ve always loved music but honestly don’t think I knew what music really was until I discovered Johnny Harris.

Pictures coming soon!!