© Tricia O'Neill, 2005 (www.triciaoneill.com)

Johnny and Sponge Bob having a Merry Christmas!

Aunque tarde, hoy he visto la posibilidad de darte un adios, desde aqui, cadiz. Solo tuve la oportunidad de verte una sola vez en directo. Fue en Jerez, una ciudad cerca de la mia, en la ultima gira en Espana de Nightnoise. La recordare siempre, y con ella a ti, con tu musica, gracias Johnny seguro que estaras en paz en esa noche y en esa Tierra.

In the mid eighties, when he was in the rock band the Raindogs, Johnny often came into the Sunday sessions on Batterymarch St. in the financial district of Boston, which at the time was only one of two sessions in town. It began quietly and then in a year grew to a great eclectic gathering of accomplished musicians. Johnny sometimes stopped in just for a listen and a pint, but a few times when the session was particularly rocking, he would be hit with the urge and fly off home and back to retrieve his fiddle (a trip that took a total of 40 minutes). It was an honor to see this spirit in motion, and it will forever be.

Johnny shared stories in the years that followed with such wit and detail, that it was pure poetry and I am glad to have shared those few hours that were filled with such purity of soul.

Best wishes on all your magical journeys, Johnny.

~ Loreen Hurley

© McKensey Chapman, 10 years old, 2003

I enjoyed his music & his outgoing personality. I was very saddened by his death. I am honored to have his autograph on my violin.

Subject: i love johnny ........ "He was one of the few humans who make me almost proud to be one too." ~ Bill Fitch