![]() ![]() “Is that true, you always lie to strangers?” I ask. They’re really fucking saying, ‘Fuck you.’” Japanese culture, ‘Yes, yes, yes.’ They don’t mean yes. How are you supposed to get anything done with everybody lying to each other? The worst part about it is I think it’s innate in the human nature to do it. It’s not even fair because we know that they’re lying and we know that we lie. My point is it’s not even fair for us to believe them. I always lie to strangers and I always lie to people I may know. I have a record that I’m working on right now, one of the songs is called ‘I Always Lie to Strangers’. “I always lie when it could get me out of trouble. And I learn, according to him, that most people are liars. Paul Douglass: “His remarkable ability to give voice to the common man and to people on society’s margins… ” In 2019 he was awarded the ASCAP Harry Chapin Award which, according to their site, “shines a spotlight on artists who have proven their commitment to striving for social justice and creatin g real change in combating hunger worldwide”. In 2010 he won the John Steinbeck Award for according to presenter Dr. Performing since he was 14, his Grammy (along with 12 nominations) and 2008 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction don’t define him, though some of his other awards just might: the Nordoff-Robbins Silver Clef Special Music Industry Humanitarian Award in 1991 honoring his commitment to social justice, the Woody Guthrie Prize in 2018 recognizing “ artists across media who have used their talents to speak for those without a platform”, a nd the ASCAP Foundation Champion Award in 2007 for artists “‘making a difference’ through social action on behalf of worthwhile causes or who has demonstrated exceptional efforts in humanitarianism”. It wouldn’t be until 1991’s Whenever We Wanted when he could leave “Cougar” behind and finally sing under his birth name. His first studio album, 1976’s The Chestnut Street Incident, was released under the name Johnny Cougar, with 5 of the 11 tracks covers of hits from the 50s and 60s, including “Jailhouse Rock”. Much, much later, he’ll reveal that he’s had something like 700 songs published, and that’s clearly not counting those discarded through the years. I’ve recorded 10 and I have 17 more to do and I’ll pick 10 of the 27 songs.” “I had planned to have the record out now but I haven’t finished. “Well, I’m halfway done with the record then the virus hit and I haven’t been in the studio since the virus started,” he says. ![]() “It’s going to get crazier.”Īs with all performers, he’s had to readjust his 2020 goals. Our conversation turns to this undeniably crazy year. Even the ones that are just for fun have so much heart. His songs are about real people, real issues, deep feelings. He’s actually not at all “nutty”, he stands strongly in his convictions and that’s how he’s had a nearly fifty-year music career generously balanced with giving back. Quickly, we cover a lot of ground-the trouble with men (and women) and the faults in human nature. “Maybe…but so, what? You’re nutty too,” I say. “Then you’re nuttier than a fruitcake,” he laughs. “That’s why I’m talking to you because I want to hear your opinions. “I’m not saying that I know it all because I don’t…I don’t know shit, but I have opinions.” “You’re going to find out that I have a lot of fucking opinions and I just want to clarify right now that these are only my opinions,” he tells me. Also Read Listen to Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp’s Wise Words on ‘Wasted Days’ ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |