Genius on the saxophone
HE GAVE FROM DARKNESS.. OFFERING LIGHT.. Photo of Ray Charles at Grammy Awards rehearsal (cropped from original). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Genius on most reeds
Something found in music
Folks forgot in deeds
Played without pause when a boy
Sweet music pretty blues
Back-beat bringing joy
Music spread good news
Could not see well had an ear
Played with all his might
Traveled as a young
teen with Ray Charles
Sound was alright
Heard junkie stories Johnnie
Know where you were born
When they lost use then chained you
Could you play your horn?
Remember one mesa morning dark around 5
Back from T.J. you and keyboard man playing live
Played for neighborhood folks
Did not charge a dime
In night-clothes folks listened
To your sunrise ‘Summertime’
Loved your music Johnnie
On that cannot budge
Tragedy in heart old friend
Hate the unknown judge
I knew Johnny Johnson.. When first starting to play blues myself our keyboard man introduced us to his piano teacher.. (it should be noted Bob Farrell was a fine person and great keyboard man)..
Dudley the teacher knew a sax player named Daniel Jackson.. Dudley would well up with tears when speaking of Daniel scrubbing floors at Scripps hospital when with his gift he could serenade Royalty of all kinds with his magic horn..
Daniel kept playing!
It is good I remember.. as hometown Linda Vista remembers Johnny
Daniel Jackson
In time I came to know Daniel..
Both of these exceptional music men, though known and recognized, faded..
Unknowing judgment of their addictions held them back.. Peace Tony
©.AC.17.8.12.arr././
