tag:johnnymcgowan.com,2005:/blogs/honky-tonk-grounhog-days?p=8News2024-01-03T18:32:41-06:00Johnny McGowanfalsetag:johnnymcgowan.com,2005:Post/73279412024-01-03T18:32:41-06:002024-01-11T11:35:58-06:002024 Thank God it's here!<p>Hey everyone. Glad ya made it. </p><p>This past year was a hell of a fight for me. Spent several months in Area 51. You don't know what freedom is until you have your sweetheart tell ya over the phone that she's going dancing and you are 1000 miles away and can't do anything to be there with her. Awful. </p><p>I'm back, thanking God every day for my life. I love it here in Texas. I know some of you may be thinking, “What the heck Johnny! You've been saying you were going to have your album out by now!”. You are correct. I <i>thougtht </i>I would have it out. You may not know this but there aren't really any small record companies out there anymore. Nope. None. So I've been funding this all on my own since I started the project. What can I say… my bank account was run drier than a west Texas well. </p><p>Look out for a Fund Raising Live Stream coming soon. I want to do a few on-line concerts to get funds together and finish this album for all you good folks out there. It's recorded. Just needs mixing, mastering and duplication. Who said, “it's the last 5% that takes half the time and money.” Ha! </p><p>Looking forward to a great year of playing music with my pals here in Austin. Also looking forward to do more solo shows and song writer nights. If you know of any you'd like to see me at, send a message and I'll do my best to get there. Until then, keep living the dream and reaching for the stars! </p><p>Johnny</p><p>2024 Jan 3</p>Johnny McGowantag:johnnymcgowan.com,2005:Post/72971712023-11-01T10:15:28-05:002023-11-01T10:15:57-05:00Chill is in the Air - Nov 2023<p>What a heck of a summer and fall season. My thermostat went directly from high-velocity air conditioning to heavy-duty heat mode. My place is small. I mean you can multi task in the bathroom and if you want to change your mind you'll have to step outside. July through Sept it was sweltering up here. But, we made. </p><p>Looking forward to getting back to my regular life. PLaying gigs, writing songs, recording demo's and exercising. Had some financial setbacks for getting my album mixed and mastered. </p><p>There are no small record labels anymore. None. They don't exist. Or if they do, I don't know them and they don't know me. Hence I am paying for everything on this album. If I don't have the funds, it don't get done. Thinking about starying a fund campaigne to get this thing completed. Write into me and tell me what ya think. </p><p>Til then, live life to the fullest and care for each other, J</p>Johnny McGowantag:johnnymcgowan.com,2005:Post/71402092023-01-19T08:56:33-06:002023-10-16T09:58:10-05:00Mix 'n Match<p>2023 Jan 18</p>
<p>It’s 2023 and I can already tell it’s going to be WAY better than last year. Although I’ve been told recently not to compare things, people, situations. So let me back that up… 2023 is going to be <em>a-Hap-nin’ </em>year. </p>
<p>Got lots of plans coming along nicely; mixing album, doing design work for new merch, writing songs with folks and in general having a great time in life playing music with my Austin pals. </p>
<p>Speaking of pals, the musical meanderer’s <em>The Waymores</em> consisting of Kira and Willie will be recording two of my songs for their upcoming release. They visited Austin at end of last year and upon hearing “<strong>Hill Country Waltz</strong>” live with my band <em><strong>Rugged Gents</strong></em>, Kira fell in love with it. Also doing “<strong>Tavern Time</strong>”, a song I penned inspired by my mom telling me stories about going to truck driver bars in the late 60’s. </p>
<p>Speaking of trucks, my Ranch Hand <strong>1964 Ford F100</strong> is running great. I have had a two carb<em> Offenhauser</em> intake for over a year ready to install plus headers. I can’t bring myself to start cranking on head bolts! That little 223ci inline 6 engine is so doggone smooth at the moment. Perhaps I’ll find the Big Brother engine, Ford’s 262ci inline 6, which is same block different bore; put those things on it and do engine swap. Keep the original one nearby. </p>
<p>I’ve been running town lake four plus times a week. I love the sun! Plus doing calisthenic workouts with “<em>Above The Bar</em>” crew at Auditorium Shores. This past week finally got enough nerve to get onto of pull-up bar in a standing balance. Whew! You wouldn’t believe how high 8ft can look from up there. Ha! The goal is a muscle up in next two months. Gotta lose a few pounds to make it easier. </p>
<p>Speaking lose a few pounds; What the Heck?! It’s getting harder and harder to to that. Ha! Welcome to being over 50. It sucks. Don’t do it. Ha. If nothing else stay young at heart. I do my best to stay in a state of gratitude and inquisitiveness. They say people that have experience the most heartbreak are customarily the most funny people in the room. There is some insight into who I am and where I come from. </p>
<p>Life is short. Have some fun, BUT don’t do it at someone else’s expense; IE: maliciously or breaking a bond / trust. I mean live life to the fullest, have a grand chuckle at life’s little follies. Allow the strange and bedazzled world to amuse. If it won’t kill ya, then just laugh and be thankful it didn’t. </p>
<p>Get outside in the sun, enjoy yourself on the dance floor listening to live music, make love to someone worth of your gifts,</p>
<p>Stay Rugged! J</p>Johnny McGowantag:johnnymcgowan.com,2005:Post/70828852022-10-17T09:37:13-05:002022-10-17T09:37:51-05:00Cooling down and getting hot!<p>2022 Oct </p>
<p>Hey kids, </p>
<p>Looks like fall has finally fallen upon us here in the beautiful state of Texas. Taking a run around my neighborhood, I see lots of Halloween decor; some tasteful, some not. Ha! That’s ok, as long as people are enjoying themselves and having a good time with it. </p>
<p>Had a setback with my album; turns out half or more of my vocal tracks have a *hiss* on the recording. Vocal performance is good, EQ’ing is good. This is just a back ground high—pitched sound that really puts grit on the song. </p>
<p>Imagine having a crafted Old Fashion cocktail that has too much bitters in it. All the ingredients are quality but there is something in the drink that just doesn’t quite do it for ya. That’s what I am looking at. </p>
<p>So… I’m re-tracking six to eight of the tunes. I know what I need to do, just getting to the same location in my mind and heart to sing them is the challenge. I was told when starting out my career by a veteran singer / guitarist. He said, “Why are you singing these lyrics? When you get that answer, then you have to go to the place in your mind. Sometimes it’s a dark place.” Wise words from a great singer. </p>
<p>Ran Kerrville Triathlon in September and did pretty good. The swim was always my worry. Not that I would sink to the bottom or a zombie deep sea diver from 1920 would grab my leg and pull down to his sunken ship. It’s just that I’m not a great simmer. Not fast yet. That said, the moment I got in the water, after about 10 meters I though to myself, “I got this sh*t!” Ha. </p>
<p>The bike part was what sucked. I don’t do that enough and it showed. I had a 9 year old on a a tricycle pass me up! Gotta get out with my pal Vance Hazen on the Veloway more prior to my next race. </p>
<p>The run I did pretty good; it’s something I do every day here in Austin. Towne Lake runs directly below downtown; it has over 20 miles of gravel, paved and hiking trails. I customarily go for a run starting at Barton Springs free side, up to 1st street bridge, do a calisthenics workout with Above The Bar guys and run back. Enjoying that beautiful Texas sunshine and staying in a state of gratitude. </p>
<p>Sent a song to my music pal Kira Annilise, duo partner of Willie Heath Neal. Got a friend Anita Lee to sing demo for me and she killed it. Song was inspired by my late mother who passed in August this year. Didn’t know how much of a muse I lost until we did this song. It’s about a woman who regrets having an argument with her man and just wants him to come home. Hopefully you’ll all hear it soon. </p>
<p>Perhaps that’s the worst thing about relationships nowadays; it’s just too damn easy to split up. No one knows the value of staying together and working it out. The best things in life are the things we had to dig deep, striving to achieve. I used to think that relationships are / should be easy. That’s what I thought I had last time around. But it was just *easy* for her to change her mind, without any consequences of her actions, and explode a grenade behind her. </p>
<p>My pal Jeff Hudis effectually said once, “Karma works about 50 percent of the time; perhaps even less for beautiful women.” Hence all you guys out there - stay the course, better yourself, take care of your finances, health and body, join some type of combat gym (boxing is my thing, I love it) and most of all, keep the faith in following your passion. </p>
<p>Johnny</p>Johnny McGowantag:johnnymcgowan.com,2005:Post/69794892022-05-25T10:40:25-05:002022-08-21T09:57:39-05:00Turn Up The Heat!<p><strong>May 2022 </strong></p>
<p>It’s over, so let’s get back to work! </p>
<p>I love spring here in Central Texas. It goes from a cool 55° in the morning to a balmy 98° by mid afternoon. Ha! Insane. I actually recorded a drop in temperature once this year at 56°. That is crazy. Welcome to Texas. I love it. </p>
<p>Just letting all you people wearing masks know… we love you, we care for you, we wish you well… but please, <em>for the love of God and all things holy, take that d@mn things off. </em>Now! That’s better. I can see your smiling face. Hello there! </p>
<p>This past week I had my drummer pal <strong>Jeff Hudis </strong>fly in from Portland to play drums with me. He’s great. Played in Portland in the 80s with band <strong>The Rockin’ Razorbacks </strong>with regional success. Met him when we both lived back east in the hell-scape known as Atlanta. Played tons of gigs there. We blew it out doing six gigs in five days. </p>
<p><strong>Thank you Jeff, what a rockin’ good time.</strong> </p>
<p>My album has a title, “<em><strong>Hill Country Waltz</strong></em>”. Tracking is done. Now it is on to the *mixing* phase of the record. Mixing means we take all the separate tracks, equalize the bass-middle-treble, add reverb and delay, and set the levels for each; hopefully in a pleasant and realistic manor. IE: do our best to make the album sound like <em>Ernest Tubb</em> circa 1966. Ha! </p>
<p>I am not a photogenic guy. If I see a camera, there is a 93.78% chance I will mess up the shot; contorted lips, eye lids half closed, one eye brow up like Spok, etc etc. I’ve taken thousands of photos and twelve look ok. Ha! Gotta catch me when I’m not looking, not knowing you are snapping the lens. </p>
<p>Got a new design going for some t-shirts. Took a photo of my truck, <strong>Ranch Hand</strong>, a 1964 Ford F100 and created a logo for the band name from the tattoo on my forearms. Hope to have these out to the public in next few weeks. </p>
<p>My adopted little brother and monster singer <strong>Manny Velazquez </strong>just moved to Texas. I did a <em>Rugged Rescue</em> from of all places, the hell-scape known as Atlanta when he called me bemoaning a bad break up situation. “What time do you get off work Friday? 4:30pm. OK. I’ll see you at 4:40pm. I’m not stopping the Rugged Jeep; I’ll slow down, you open the door and jump in. Dukes of Hazard style.” We were in that awful place all of two and a half hours, then we were headed back to the Lone Star state. </p>
<p>Expect to see Manny playing acoustic and singing songs with me & the<strong> Rugged Gents</strong> in the months and hopefully years to come. </p>
<p>I am competing in the 2022 CapTex Triathlon again at the end of May. It'll be first one in a few years. I'm not ready! Not been swimming or biking enough. BUT, I said I was going to do it and by-God I'm going to give it my best. Wish me luck y'all.</p>
<p>Signing off for now. Not preaching but hopefully lobbying for you, and for me too, to keep our spirits up. Sometimes it’s difficult going to bed at night alone; waking up without someone there to make breakfast for, to take care of. Loneliness is tough. “Why am I doing this?” can cross anybodies mind. </p>
<p>I say to you, walk outside, spread your arms to the sun, allow the heat to wash over your face, smile big and say aloud, “I am SO happy to be alive, living the best place in the world for live music and dancing. Thank you for giving me this gift, this day. I will do my best to make the best of it. To learn. To grow. To help. To heal. I love it here in Texas.” </p>
<p>Live your best life everyday. <br>Johnny</p>Johnny McGowantag:johnnymcgowan.com,2005:Post/69032492022-02-21T12:09:10-06:002022-05-29T10:06:03-05:00Spring it Up - 2022 Feb 21 <p>Hey Y’all, </p>
<p>I’ve been doing my best to get my album done. I ain’t got no fancy big-whig record company backing me with crap-tons of dollars spilling out of a Samsonite. </p>
<p>What I DO have is really good songs and great players playing on them. </p>
<p>End of last year I had my pal <strong>Nathan Flemming </strong>play pedal steel on some tracks. He’s out with C/Crocket currently but he’s a legend her in Austin; he was Johnny Bush’s pedal steel for many year up til his passing. </p>
<p>Also had the indomitable <strong>Dave Biller</strong> play some steel. He has this pedal steel from the early 1950’s that just has the certain sound ya can’t get from anything else. </p>
<p>Going out to <strong>Sargent Sound</strong> in Driftwood again to record some more drums with my pal <strong>Mo Roberts</strong>. He tours with blues piano legend <em>Marcia Ball.</em> Great groove and has that Ray Price shuffle thing down pat. Hope to have my fiddle player <strong>Ian Stewart</strong> and icon <strong>Alvin Crow </strong>on here real soon. Corralling these guys is like herding cats! </p>
<p>Recently I’ve found myself with the Covid 8 (pounds that is!). After getting a vintage truck and working on it at the end of last year prior to it getting cold, I hadn’t been working out much. Now that it’s getting warmer, expect to see me out on Towne lake multiple days a week. </p>
<p>I had <em><strong>“Tools For Titans”</strong></em> book recommended to me in Dec 2021. In it, the author asks many people about what would you tell your 20/30 year old self. For me, one thing I would say is take care of your teeth and your health. </p>
<p>Nothing is worse than teeth pain or crooked teeth. I know! I had braces when I was in HS for 4 1/2 years. It sucked! I finally had to *force* the guy to take them off. I found out about ten years afterwards he got his license revoked for crooked dental practices. A-hole! </p>
<p>I had some dental work done and got better looking teeth last year. Didn’t realize I didn’t smile that much until I got them fixed. It was a life changing experience for me. I smile more now. WOW. And to think we have been starved smiles for the past couple of years is shame. </p>
<p>Smile at someone. Say hello. </p>
<p>One of my saying is, “<em>We gotta take care of each other. We’re all in this together.</em>” I say it when I give a tip at a coffee shop or Biscuits & Groovy on N. Loop. Almost every single time, the person working perks up. It’s positive affirmations like this that take care of people. </p>
<p>I’ll do better in keeping my blog updated more this year. For now, get out there. Enjoy life. Go hiking, biking, running. Join a combat sports gym; boxing, jui jitsu, grappling. And by all means… go see some live music and dance.</p>
<p>Hopefully the Rugged Gents will be in your future soon; live and on Memorex. J</p>Johnny McGowantag:johnnymcgowan.com,2005:Post/67954182021-11-02T13:09:21-05:002022-02-15T04:33:26-06:00Texas Holiday Season<p>Can't believe it's been so long since last blog. What a topsy-turvy world we live in. Club scene has been slow bit lately. All the vaccine pushers back six month ago saying, "It's the only way to save the economy. Save grandma. Save yourself!"... Well they all got sick. Bummer. Reality came to bite them on their @sses.</p>
<p>I am not a vaccine person. Just don't want them. I don't know what's in these vaccines and so I'll just fight stuff off the old fashioned way; living well, good food, exercise, vitamins y minerals, low alcohol intake, good rest. Ya know... common sense, logical stuff.</p>
<p>The argument I hear most is, "Just do it. Why not. It's just a shot. What, are you scared of needles or something. Everone else is doing. Think of society. You're being selfish". I am sick of that rhetoric.</p>
<p>Firstly, it's never *just* anything when it comes to the government. All governments are a voracious appetite for power and control. Hence the frames of this Constitutional Republic (that's right, NOT a democracy) knew this and did their best to create fortifications against such over reach.</p>
<p>It's not a *vaccine* by definition. It ain't. Go look it up. It's gene therapy. And I don't want it in me. If it works for you, fine. Great. Go for it. I don't like olives either. So I don't order them on my cardiac-arrest pizza slice at DeSano's.</p>
<p>Lastly, it's over. Done. The legacy media, big pharma and Gov all want it to keep going, and going, and going. As long as it's going, they have us in their grips.</p>
<p>JUST SAY NO.</p>
<p>I ain't wearing a mask. Not going to do it. If you tell me to wear a mask, I'll say, "No thanks. I'm good." If you don't like it, that's your problem. If you ask me to leave, fine. I'll protest with my dollars by patronizing some place else.</p>
<p>I don't get mad, I get gone.</p>
<p>I've told that to a few girlfriends in my day. I don't know if they are mystified or not when it happens. I am gone. They can deal with it. Life is short. Don't put up with BS.</p>
<p>And another thing; Men, start acting like men. Handle your business, take care of your physical health. Focus on what makes you happy. Like Jordan Peterson says, never say things that make you weaker. I say, never do things that make you weaker.</p>
<p>Care more and more about less and less. Yeah, having a large group of bar friends and acquaintances is fun and all, but it will NEVER be better than having ONE love interest, and a few GOOD top-shelf friends that will ALWAYS have your back.</p>
<p>Don't tolerate rudeness. I am over it. Whether it's some jackass at a bar or a snarky chic. Two ways to deal with it. 1) Leave. Get outta there. You don't need that stuff. Best sentence in English language? "I don't need this sh#t." Best word in English language? "Next." 2) Call them out. Hey, you're being rude. What is the purpose in you doing/saying that? You can always leave if you don't like where it's going.</p>
<p>Lastly, guys... learn to defend yourselves. Take boxing, jiu-jitsu, krav maga, anything, something. 1) you'll get in better shape. 2) face whatever fears you have. 3) Learn to control your anger. 4) give and get respect. 5) Confidence.</p>
<p>You may not perceive it at first, but over time, you'll notice a change in how people will deal with you. Just coming into any situation with the mindset, "F#ck it. You want to throw down. I live that four days a week." Will take stress off situations. Remember, you DON'T want to ever fight. Hell NO! You can break your hands, lose teeth, go to jail. F-that noise.</p>
<p>What you can do is face what ever situation with take-it or leave-it mentality. Whatever the outcome, you'll be ok. That's a great feeling. People can tell when you're confident. So get into some combat sport. A *real* gym, not some muscle-head stuff. You'll thank me for it.</p>
<p>Until next time. Keep living the dream. Loving the fantasy. Let's see what happens!</p>
<p>Johnny</p>Johnny McGowantag:johnnymcgowan.com,2005:Post/66271462021-05-10T22:35:44-05:002023-12-10T10:52:19-06:00May 2021 Be With Us<p>Hey kids,</p>
<p>Looks like we are getting back on track. I've seen a huge up-tick in people out and about, living their lives, enjoying people's company, getting and giving hugs, dancing, etc etc.</p>
<p>From what I see, there is a "Cult of CoVid" still running rampant. You know the type; driving down highway in their Prius with all windows rolled up by themselves wearing a mask. Or, the green haired individual sitting all alone 50ft from nearest person wearing a mask. Seriously people, let's start using our critical thinking skills some huh?</p>
<p>I've been recording more. Going to do my best to get this album tracked by end of the month. Things in the way are lots of gigs, bookings are insane and tracking down players to play them. Plus fitting in people's schedules getting them over to my place to record is a real b*tch.</p>
<p>This past week someone needed my drums for a gig. Happy to help as always, I dug them out of my storage trailer only to find when those thieving bastiges took my two vintage guitars, they also stole my drum hardware bag. Ugh! Net loss of over $2k so far.</p>
<p>God help the poor SOB that I see playing my guitars.</p>
<p>Everybody, keep the faith, live the dream, give a musician a hug, follow your bliss, live life to the fullest, make your bed, never say anything that makes you weaker, always be in honor and call Mom regularly.</p>
<p>J</p>Johnny McGowantag:johnnymcgowan.com,2005:Post/65915202021-04-01T20:00:27-05:002021-09-13T16:28:05-05:00 APRIL FOOLS DAY - Here I am.<p>2021 Apr 1 </p>
<p>Three years ago I landed in Austin, Tx with a broken heart, lost dream and abandoned passion for music. I just couldn’t do it anymore is what I thought. I gave up, went to school for something totally non-creative thinking a new path was the only route to happiness and financial freedom. </p>
<p>I thought, it’s time to move on, she did and I guess I should too. I had given up on music… but music wouldn’t give up on me. </p>
<p>I joked recently on how I was the only musician ever to move to Austin and quit playing music. Ha! In this short time here I have found my passion in life. </p>
<p>Large part of this is my good pal Bob Appel. If it wasn’t for him, asking me to play one time duo show out in Hye Tx, I don’t know where I’d be. I will always be charter member of the Bob Appel Appreciation Society. </p>
<p>He must have seen something that I didn’t. That first gig I probably cried five times or more trying to get though these heart breaking country songs. I mean tearing me apart! </p>
<p>Fast forward three years later. I have a steady gig at two of the best places in town. Regularly perform at World Famous Broken Spoke and Historic Gruene Hall. Plus back up Sir Douglas Quartet member and Texas fiddle icon Alvin Crow. </p>
<p>I have played gigs with member of Hot Club of Cowtown, Sir Doug’s band, Willie Nelson’s band, Wayne Hancock’s band, and many more. </p>
<p>Just this past week, the leader of Bob Will’s Texas Playboys, Mr Jason Roberts, asked me to come on stage with his band at the honkiest toniest beer joint Ginny’s Little Longhorn to sing a song. Big thrill. </p>
<p>I got to not only repair but drive Mr James White’s (RIP) 1954 Cadillac coupe to the Spoke. One of only a handful that ever were allowed behind that iconic vehicle’s steering wheel. </p>
<p>All in all, three years have come and gone. Thinking about how my future could have been different, how my past could have been different but really, I do my best to keep thinking how good my present is. </p>
<p>Thank you to all my family, friends, support group, inner circle, Bob, Brandon, Joe Emory, Hye Market, Terry at LLH, and all the amazing & wonderful musicians I have met and played with here in Austin. I am humbled by your kindness and generosity. </p>
<p>I hope to make each and everyone of you proud, making great music, putting smiles on faces, getting boots on the dance floor. I love Texas. I love Austin. I love classic country music. And I found my passion again. </p>
<p>I don’t know what the future will bring but I look forward to it like I do every day, waking up to that beautiful Texas sunshine.</p>Johnny McGowantag:johnnymcgowan.com,2005:Post/65876992021-03-28T23:17:17-05:002021-09-14T13:22:39-05:00Austin is opening back up!<p>2021 March News</p>
<p>Hey kids, </p>
<p>Looks like Texas is opening back up more and more. Lots of venues all over Tejas are very excited about no masks and 100% capacity. </p>
<p>Outside the capital city limits, I can tell that people’s temperatures are very much lower. Perhaps there has been a steady feed of Covid doom-porn from the mainstream media. Either way, I can see a change happening with every week. </p>
<p>Spring is here and the sun it out. I suggest to everyone, get outside. Get some sunshine and fresh air. Eat health and drink lots of clean water. And for God’s sake, give someone a hug. </p>
<p>I’ve been working every week to get this album finished. The end is in sight. Hope to have some great players on it and released in summer or fall. </p>
<p>J</p>Johnny McGowantag:johnnymcgowan.com,2005:Post/65364232021-02-01T12:54:13-06:002022-05-19T10:50:06-05:00A Great Texas Honky Tonk American<p>2021 Feb 1</p>
<p>The country music community took a hard punch to the gut when Austin’s own icon James White, proprietor of the world famous Broken Spoke, passed on 24 January 2021. </p>
<p>About thirteen years ago, I came to Austin on vacation and that weekend I saw Dale Watson with Jason Roberts at the Broken Spoke. I fell in love with the Spoke and Austin right then and there. It was packed to the gills, the band was incredible, and the dance floor was rocking! I was awestruck by how amazing the vibe was. </p>
<p>I thought, to be on that stage playing for all these dancers, that would be like riding my ’72 Triumph 500cc to the moon! BUT… life has crazy twists and turns; I moved to Austin with a broken heart and broken dream. And even though I quit music, music didn’t quit me. My very first band gig in Austin was on that historic stage of the Broken Spoke. </p>
<p>James White, from the first time I played there with Alvin Crow, was super nice to me. I think it took him a year or more to remember my name, but that first time he said, “How ya doin’ Johnny!”, I was *filled with pride. ‘James White knows my name!’ I thought to myself, ‘how cool is that!’. </p>
<p>Alvin was asked by James’ wife Annetta to get his white 1954 Cadillac Series 62 coupe running again; to park it at the Spoke on display for all JW’s fans and friends to see. James, at 81 years old, was still working on it himself! Between Alvin’s Okie engineering and my hillbilly tenacity, within 24 hours we had it running, washed, and on the road. </p>
<p>Annetta said, “Well Alvin, back it out of the drive and see if it’ll make around the block.” Alvin said, “I don’t drive. Johnny you drive, I’ll ride.” And with reverence, I gently sat behind that big old steering wheel, turned the key and fired up JW’s Broken Spoke caddy. What an honor and a thrill. </p>
<p>Backing out of her driveway, she looked right at me, smiled and said, “James *never* let anyone drive that car but him. But I think he’d be ok with you behind the wheel.” Wow! </p>
<p>Alvin slid in the passenger seat, I dropped it in D1, and smoothly we rolled down the block. Alvin and James’ best pal, Don Green showed up about then and jumped in back. “I don’t think I’ve *ever* seen anyone else drive this car. Maybe Jerry Jeff Walker.” </p>
<p>We rolled down S. Lamar. Honking that humungous horn, getting waves and smiles. “That’s the Broken Spoke Caddy!”, “I’ve seen that car in parades.” We eased into the gravel lot at the Broken Spoke, where I parked it sideways, front and center for all the world to see. </p>
<p>James White was a great American. And although he may have passed on to the great honky tonk in the sky, his rugged Texas spirit will live on - just like his 1954 Cadillac coupe. </p>
<p>J</p>Johnny McGowantag:johnnymcgowan.com,2005:Post/64934122020-12-07T11:15:12-06:002023-12-10T10:53:04-06:002020 Dec 7 - Let's End This<p>Hey kids,</p>
<p>It's been ten months, TEN MONTHS, since this country was locked down. First it was 15 days to 'flatten the curve'. Then it was, we have to be careful but no masks. Then it was, wear a mask to protect yourself. Then it was, wear a mask to protect others. Then it was, wear a mask because it's the right thing to do, morally speaking. Then it was, if it wasn't for these peasants and rubes not doing what they are told, we'd be done with this mess.</p>
<p>I have read the studies about masks. Denmark study, Oxford study, CDC study, Univ of E. Anglia, Univ of Illinois, Cochrane Review, New England Journal of Medicine, and British Medical Journal; they all say the same thing. That n95, surgical and cloth masks had no effect as personal protection equipment against airborne viruses.</p>
<p>So when someone says, "Look at the science!", you should have done your homework and looked at the science. Not the reviews or assessments of the studies, but the *actual* studies. Perhaps even ask questions like, "How do you feel about the Denmark study that found masks had no effect?" Or "Where is the clinical study that shows efficacy of wearing a mask?"</p>
<p>Furthermore, what about cases. The individual that created the PCR test stated it should not be used for testing coronaviruses. It's like have a fuel gauge with a light instead of a needle. It doesn't show quantity. The test gives false positives after 30 cycles whereupon it can't be trusted.</p>
<p>What about the other issues in society other than c-19? Deaths of despair (depression, alcohol and drug abuse), spousal and child abuse, cancer and heart patients not getting treatments due to fear of c-19 in hospitals. The tremendous loss of wealth into poverty; family and small business run aground, life savings depleted, property and homes repossessed. We haven't even touched on world issues like starvation.</p>
<p>I heard say; Virus gonna Virus.</p>
<p>I know that sounds ridiculous and only a maladroit would regurgitate such a statement but it's true. A virus is going to run it's course. It is not going away. Just like the common cold and the flu, we are going to get it. Some won't survive it but 99.99% of the population will be ok.</p>
<p>At moment, the hall-monitors that were in middle and high school are yelling at us, "you are breaking the rules!" Get over yourselves. If you want to wear a mask, go for it. But leave the rest of us alone. If you really want to signal your virtue, help people in the real world; donate your time, your energy, your love and compassion.</p>
<p>By the way, what I do, being a musician, it's *not* a "non-essential" job. I have dreams, aspirations, and I want to fulfill them. Just like entertainers everywhere. Dancers, magicians, stage actors, artists, athletes, etc. We are being told, "Sorry, you can't fulfill your life's ambitions until *we* say it's ok to do so. Until then, you are non-essential." Sorry. Too bad for you.</p>
<p>Remember this, if we trade liberty for safety, we deserve neither.</p>
<p>Take the risk. For God's sake, there isn't a zero percent chance you *won't die in a car accident going to get an x-mas tree this weekend. Are you going to hide in a closet for the rest of your life? Waiting for some bureaucrat to declare the day, time and arena you're to be 'free'?</p>
<p>Wake up people. Stop listening to the talking pundits on legacy media and their ululations of covid fear. Take the time to read the *real studies and reports. Looks at *real data. If you are not an epidemiologist, neither am I, but I have a brain. I can reason. I can use logic and common sense. And so can you. I have hope. And so should you.</p>
<p>Stay strong. Stay vigilant. Love your neighbor. Keep the faith.</p>
<p>J</p>Johnny McGowantag:johnnymcgowan.com,2005:Post/64650362020-10-28T12:03:41-05:002021-07-29T10:00:02-05:00Hell of a Halloween<p>2020 Oct 28</p>
<p>Hey kids,</p>
<p>Well it's been 228 days so far since the lockdown started as of this blog post. I can't believe it. I've been the gambit of emotions. At first I thought, 'OK, we'll get through this. The high priest's of C-19 say three months.' When three months came around, more lockdown. That's when I got depressed.</p>
<p>But I also started doing my own research. Not just believing in what the talking heads on TV and sacred cows of Washington were saying while standing in stately rooms behind podium. Actually diving into data, scientific papers, watching videos of doctors and nurses, real boots-on-the-ground people. Strangely, a different picture was starting to take shape.</p>
<p>As some of you know, I love conspiracies. It stared with JFK when I was in high school (West High Rebels, home of the Every Brothers in Knoxville Tx). And later I found firearm laws interesting, marriage license, auto tag forensic research ('where and why was the first auto tags mandated?').</p>
<p>We take so much for granted. "It's just the way it is. Don't ask questions. Just go along to get along." There is wisdom to that statement. But also without asking questions, we do not gain knowledge. Why is something so? What is the purpose behind a law, rule or mandate? Who has the authority to tell me, a free citizen, what to do and what the reasoning behind it?</p>
<p>I am not against things that make sense. You can't yell, "FIRE!" in a crowded theatre. I am also against ridiculous acts of PRO anything; ala don't wear an AR-15 around an HEB while shopping for boxed jello and lite beer. You want to protest, do it. No problem. Just don't stop hard working people from going about their lives trying to make a living for themselves and their families.</p>
<p>An eastern proverb paraphrased is, "When you tell one lie, you are liar." Even if it is a small lie. Your trust is diminished. And it is proven fact that our Government and politicians lie. They lied about weapons of mass destruction. They lied about Gulf of Tonkin, surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, 9/11 and the list goes on.</p>
<p>It cannot be said that the TV and new media are not complicit in these schemes. Their goals are viewer / readership, sell ads, to keep people watching. Plus sensational news sells! The more sensational, the more fear, the more people tune in. Is there collusion between the two entities? I don't know, maybe. But a cursory look at the two, any rational person can tell they are in bed together.</p>
<p>I suggest people do their own research on this pandemic. Just like UFO witnesses and 9/11 truth seekers, our Frontline Doctors are being vilified in the news. Being blacklisted and fired from their jobs of tenure. There are many studies done on corona viruses and the efficacy of masks.</p>
<p>We need to look beyond the headlines and read down the paragraphs. One story I saw was, "Perfectly health teen dies of C-19." On paragraph ten it said he had severe diabetes. Also another one was, "Pro soccer coach dies of c-19"; again at end of article it stated had undiagnosed leukemia.</p>
<p>The biggest proponents of anti-lockdown is our seniors. I play lots of senior living facilities. I love it! We have much to learn from our senior and I am so fortunate to have time to speak and listen to the many I perform for. They want this over. They miss their families and friends. They want *real* contact. They want a hug.</p>
<p>Imagine living your last days in a lone hospital bed, without having someone there to hold your hand. That thought almost brings me to tears.</p>
<p>We need to weigh the ramifications of the lockdown benefits to the economic and social losses. From how I understand, alcohol abuse, child abuse, spousal abuse, suicide, have completely spiked off the charts. Cancer patients have largely stopped coming for treatments; shortening their lives by 5, 10, 15 years. We won't see the effects for many years.</p>
<p>Imagine the lockdown ending. Great. But what about a child being abused; physically or sexually? That will last a lifetime. How about family business that have taken generations to build, gone. The majority of economic stresses have hit the small and local businesses. It can't be said, "Well, it's to keep us safe." When someone has lost their home, their family has split apart, their life is in shambles and suicide being contemplated, does the lockdown help?</p>
<p>We need to read more. Stop listening to 'authority' figures. We need to dedicate our time instead of in front of the idiot box (TV), digging into the actual finding and research papers. Gleaning wisdom from multiple sources. Making fact, not emotional, based decisions for ourselves, our families and our community.</p>
<p>I care about people. That is part of the reason I play music. I would love people to understand, 'You are not alone. I have felt this way too.' I feel we are being manipulated, with a campaign of fear, to keep us divided and afraid. Let's do something about it.</p>
<p>Keep the faith. Do your best. Stay vigilant. Care for one another. Hope to see everyone in these wonderful Texas dance halls real soon,</p>
<p>Johnny</p>Johnny McGowantag:johnnymcgowan.com,2005:Post/64264292020-09-06T11:59:23-05:002022-06-01T20:17:53-05:002020 Sept - Stop The Madness!<p>Hey Kids,</p>
<p>I can't believe it's been so long since I have seen all your smiling faces, dancing along to not only the music of the Rugged Gents, but also all the the fantastic musicians and bands here in Austin.</p>
<p>Let's all start critical thinking this situation and getting better information then just from the Boob-Tube. Gather information for the source, not regurgitated from talking heads or news print. Look at this thing from different angles, not just from the frontal assault narrative.</p>
<p>I care about everyone, wish everyone the best. Get outside, get some sun, eat healthy, exercise, and give someone a hug! That's right... we need hugs, we need human contact. Not Zoom or Google Hangout. Real, live, person-to-person contact.</p>
<p>If being safe means being locked inside my house, having to cover my face 24/7, no swimming, no live music, no movie theatres, no places like bars, restaurants, venues, no hugs, kisses, sports, having a brew with friends, etc etc, then sign me up for danger.</p>
<p>If you trade freedom for safety, you deserve neither.</p>
<p>Stay well and keep the faith, Johnny</p>Johnny McGowantag:johnnymcgowan.com,2005:Post/63349362020-05-29T14:12:00-05:002023-07-23T03:54:03-05:00Honky Tonk Groundhog day<p>4 May 2020 - Groundhog Day continues </p>
<p>Howdy kiddos and kiddettes, </p>
<p>I was told that when fisherman can't fish, they mend their nets. So over the past month I've been busy doing just that. </p>
<p>Around 15 years ago I had a side project with a drummer pal that was totally different from my rockabilly-blues-country roots. We didn't perform live that much, just wrote and recorded demos. Great way to hang out with fellow musician and friend. I found I had all the old demos and could bring a good chunk of the songs to life with a little bit of effort. Hope to have it mastered and up on all major distributions outlets before month's end. </p>
<p>I got a challenge from my therapist to write a dark humored tune about our infected situation. Ha, "challenge accepted!" I got my bass monster pal Todd "The Wulf" Wulfmeyer on bull-fiddle, and a whole slew of other killer players around town to join in. Hope to have a video shot ASAP and the song on social outlets by mid month. </p>
<p>Rugged Gents album has stalled a little but I'll get back on track very soon. The way I am hard-wired is: create the song, demo the song, play the song out live, next song! Ha. Not best way to have a finished product. So I have to slow down, make sure I go four laps around the track, not just three. Should see some results by June or July. </p>
<p>Been going to my boxing gym lots. There is never more then 5 people in the entire facility so no worries there. Plus any infectious disease would get pummeled at this place. Talk about "Eye Of The Tiger" style gyms. No frills, no A/C, no BS either. Just get in, get to work, get a sweat on, get busy. I love it there. </p>
<p>All in all, I am ready to get back in the saddle. Let's start living it. </p>
<p>J</p>Johnny McGowan