New song: “Rosie”
Happy Fat Tuesday! I wrote this zydeco song a few years ago and play it live occasionally, but I’ve never recorded it until now. The timing is appropriate, because this year’s Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans is cancelled for the first time in 32 years. So I’m bringing the party to you– Laissez les […]
My MAMA loves me!
I was recently voted 2020 Children’s Performer of the Year by the Madison Area Music Association (MAMA). Though ironically most of my kid’s shows this year were canceled because of you-know-what, this honor is the next best thing. To you who voted for me, thanks to the moon and back. To you who didn’t, book […]
New Song: “Corona Cafe”!
Though the coronavirus is far from over, America is ending quarantining. Dane County, Wisconsin where I live is taking a cautious approach, while others are flinging open the doors with no safeguards or rules whatsoever. (A certain rally in Tulsa comes to mind.) If you partake in the latter, welcome to the Corona Cafe! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-LHfq-uuWA
Here’s to Essential Workers!
My friend Jen Frank created a new advocacy group called the Essential Workers Party, and asked me to write a “Woody Guthrie-type” rallying song. I channeled my “inner Woody” and here’s the result. Blessings to all you essential workers! Lyrics follow: We’re Essential by John Duggleby © 5/2020 We’re the doctors and the nurses on the […]
New Song: “Feet to the Fire”
My new song is a rockem, sockem gospel-tinged sendoff of one who needn’t be named– so I didn’t. Sing along with the following lyrics, and toss another log on the blaze! FEET TO THE FIRE, BY JOHN DUGGLEBY You know your daddy raised you well to travel down the road to hell Treading on the […]
New (to you guys) song: “She’s a Low-Life Moonshiner (But Lord, I Love Her Still)
Considering that U.S. alcohol sales have risen over 50% since quarantining began, I’ve dusted off this song that I write a while back, but have never performed it actually or virtually until now. Channeling my inner George Jones: three chords and the truth– and booze. Bottoms up!
New Song: “Lean But Never Fall
This new song was inspired by a favorite tree in my Wisconsin neighborhood that teeters precariously over a lake, but never manages to fall in. I see a lot of symbolism in that! Give it a listen on YouTube and let me know what you think!
My first EVER self-made live music video
Since I lost eight St. Pat’s gigs this year, I’m adding to the COVID-19 songbook with one of my show favorites, “Seven Old Ladies,” which I lyrically altered to reflect our times. You can watch it on this You Tube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPhywR_JaGQ Due to some mic issues with the laptop I’m including the lyrics at […]
New Castaway double album drops anchor
Ahoy mates– look what just washed in! it’s my new DOUBLE sophomore album Castaway. No five-song EP for Johnny; Castaway billows with 20 originals plus “The Parting Glass”, my frequent goodnight tune at Celtic shows. Castaway is certified genre-free as a collection: It rambles across a rhythmic rainbow of pop/rock, folk, alt/country, world, blues, bluegrass, […]
New Show: Island Style!
Where I live in snow-covered Wisconsin, summer is still a distant longing. But to help warm up any special occasion I’ve developed “Island Style”: a new global revue of music inspired by islands from Jamaica to Canada, Hawaii to New Zealand. My seaside serenade is accompanied on guitar, ukulele, and handpan. It can be adapted to specific […]