A word from Kevin Johnston

The Cover of Kevin Johnson’s single, Rock ‘N’ Roll (I Gave You All The Best Years Of My Life).

I thought I’d share with you a lovely message I received from world renowned singer songwriter, Kevin Johnson

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“Hi Gerry,

Kenn J- sent me a recording he did on his phone of you singing a couple of my songs live. I was most impressed. You have a fine voice, and your phrasing and delivery were excellent.

Thank you for choosing those songs to sing. I always find it interesting to hear other performers interpreting my songs. It is indeed a compliment when singers like yourself choose to do so.

I hope everything is going great for you, and the years treat you well.

Kindest personal regards

Kevin Johnson”

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I was doing a gig in my local hotel, Thursday night, not too many around and the few who were seemed uninterested in the the folk singer set up at the quiet end of the room. Anyway, I was playing away and searching for something to matched the mood of the evening. I decided to sing two of Kevin Johnson’s best known songs, Shaney Boy and Rock ‘n’ Roll (I gave you all the best years of my life).

A man called Kenn J- was sitting away from where I was too but when I started the first song he came up and began filming me with his phone. I was unsure how to react, filming wasn’t as common then as it is today. I was uneasy but kept going. He stayed with me for the two songs, gave a friendly wave and went back to his friends.

The gig ended and he came back to me and introduced himself saying he loved Kevin’s songs. To my disbelief he said he knew Kevin and wanted to send him the recording of my performance. I was flattered said yes and thought no more about it. Within a couple of days I received an via email from Kevin which included the message above.

The most ordinary nights can have long lasting affect. The message from Kevin was humbling and enriching. I’m so grateful. It pushed me onwards.

Gerry.

A Meeting of Musicians

Barney McKenna, John Sheehan, Gerry Tully, Declan Flynn, Billy Condon, and Eamonn Campbell.

In the days before the internet or mobile phones it took extra interest in life to bring a camera, in this case, it was Doreen McKenna, Barney’s relation who went to the trouble of taking a few photos on a great night. I don’t remember the year.

Declan Flynn and myself were playing regular gigs around County Meath. We were asked to play a few tunes at this event, I think it was a fundraiser for a senior citizens’ of the town, held in Scoil Mhuire, Trim. We were excited that a few of the lads from The Dubliners had promised to come along too.

In the photo is Barney McKenna, John Sheehan, Gerry Tully, Declan Flynn, Billy Condon and Eamonn Campbell. We shared a drink and a chat together before we started. Eamonn Campbell was an interesting character enquiring about the music I liked and my guitars and gigs. Even back then I was known for breaking strings, Eamonn suggested I use graphite under the strings. “It’ll give the string a bit of movement” he said “Just run a pencil along the grooves of the strings.” I used his idea for ages and I like to think it did some good.

Barney was a magnet for people, the people around him delighted in him speaking about Trim, Howth and Burl Ives while playing tunes to limber up.

Declan and myself went on first playing the tunes and songs we were most confident with, we felt we were being watched. Declan could play most instruments to a very high standard and could play any style. I sang a few ballads to begin and carried on for about forty minutes. Declan played fiddle first playing The Four Poster Bed, There Chicken Reel, finishing off with Tunes on the low whistle. Dec’s version of The Lament For Steaker Wallace was special.

The lads got up with us and they took the lead on tunes. I sang Cavan Girl and Back Home In Derry. Both songs went great, I was a foot taller leaving the place. Declan and me headed back to Mick Leonard’s pub where the regular Monday night session was in full swing. We played late into the night.

Welcome

After more than forty years of playing music, there are plenty of songs, stories and memories gathered along the way. This is a place for a few of them — thoughts on music and songwriting, the people and songs that have influenced me, life on the road, and the things you learn from spending a lifetime with a guitar in your hands.

Some stories are worth singing. Others are worth writing down.