LEGENDARY SINGER-SONGWRITER-MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST

FOR THE LOVIN' SPOONFUL

AND 'WELCOME BACK KOTTER' THEME SONG

J O H N   S E B A S T I A N

ON THE RAY SHASHO SHOW

Over four decades the contributions of John Sebastian have become a permanent part of our American musical fabric. His group The Lovin' Spoonful played a major role in the mid-'60s rock revolution, but what leader, singer and songwriter Sebastian had in mind was actually a counter-revolution. "We were grateful to the Beatles for reminding us our rock & roll roots," John explains, "but we wanted to cut out the English middlemen, so to speak, and get down to making this new music as an 'American' band." This the Lovin' Spoonful did like nobody before or since, putting their first seven singles into the Top 10. This was unprecedented, and utterly unthinkable at the height of Beatlemania. At first they'd taken older material from blues, country, folk and jug band sources - what we now term "roots music" - and made it sound modern. Then, in a series of original songs composed and sung by John Sebastian, they did the reverse, creating thoroughly modern music that sounded like it contained the entire history of American music. Which it did. You know the songs by heart: "Do You Believe In Magic?" "You Didn't Have To Be So Nice." "Daydream." "Younger Girl." "Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind?" "Summer In The City." "Rain On The Roof." "Nashville Cats." "Six O'Clock." "Darling Be Home Soon." "Younger Generation." These songs did more than simply answer the British invasion, they carried the musical tradition into the future. This music had an immediate and indelible impression on the public consciousness, but John Sebastian was already a name well-known to the cognoscenti.

He was born March 17, 1944 in New York City. His father was a noted classical harmonica player and his mother a writer of radio programs. Regular visitors to the family's Greenwich Village home included Burl Ives and Woody Guthrie, so it was no surprise when young John became a fan of, and then a participant in, the folk music revival that swept the nation in the late '50s.

Making his bow as a member of the Even Dozen Jug Band, his skills on guitar, harmonica and autoharp soon made him a sought-after accompanist on the Village folk scene, working with Fred Neil, Tim Hardin, Mississippi John Hurt, Judy Collins, Bob Dylan and many others. So the Lovin' Spoonful was not his first act, and it certainly wasn't its last. After leaving the group he founded, he bore witness to another turn of the musical zeitgeist with his performances at massive festivals like Woodstock and its English equivalent the Isle of Wight. He had been involved in music for films (most notably Francis Ford Coppola's "You're A Big Boy Now" and Woody Allen's "What's Up Tiger Lily") and Broadway, but when producers of a TV show called "Welcome Back Kotter" commissioned a theme song in 1976, Sebastian's "Welcome Back" became a chart-topping solo record. Throughout the '70s and '80s he continued to record and tour, pleasing old fans and winning new ones.

There's no telling how many aspiring musicians have been nurtured by his instruction books for harmonica and guitar, but he aimed to inspire an even younger audience with the publication in 1993 of the delightful children's book "JB's Harmonica." The '90s also saw John return to the group format with the J-Band, a contemporary celebration of his jug band heritage. The acclaim the group received was gratifying, but bittersweet. The group's albums contain some of the last recorded performances of blues pioneer Yank Rachell and washtub/jug virtuoso Fritz Richmond. Thankfully John's induction into the Rock " Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 hasn't slowed him down. Whether the stage is at Carnegie Hall or a folk festival in some far-flung locale, John is still out there spreading his gospel of American roots music. He is the subject of the current PBS special "Do You Believe In Magic: The Music of John Sebastian," and a new album of duets with David Grisman is due later in 2007. He has also lent his music in support of social, environmental and animal rights causes.

Recently he joined a delegation of songwriters (including Lamont Dozier, Allen and Marilyn Bergman, and Mike Stoller) in Washington, DC to campaign on behalf of the National Music Publisher's Association. Perhaps because it has been the product of heart and soul and history, the oldest song in the Sebastian catalog is as fresh and vital as the song he's about to write tomorrow. That's why you still hear his music everywhere - in movies, on television, in cover versions and samples - and why it's always welcome. John is also a welcome media presence; his commentary, insights and anecdotes and stories are regularly featured in print, radio, TV and film documentary projects. John Sebastian is not only a master musician, writer and performer, he remains one of the best ambassadors American music has ever had.

For more information on John Sebastian visit www.johnbsebastian.com

JOHN SEBASTIAN TOUR DATES:

March 7 Largo, FL Largo Cultural Center

March 8 Delray Beach, FL Crest Theater

March 10 Sanibel, FL BIG Arts

March 13 & 14 Naples, FL Theatre Zone

March 24 Shirley, MA Bull Run

March 25 Patchogue, NY Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts

March 26 Pawling, NY Daryl's House

April 7 Minneapolis, MN The Dakota

April 8 Waupun, WI City Hall and Auditorium

April 9 Chicago, IL Space

September 9 Baltimore, MD Susie's Cause Bluegrass & Folk Festival

And don’t forget to purchase a copy of my book entitled Check the Gs -the true story of an eclectic American family and their Wacky family business … or the second edition entitled … Wacky Shenanigans on F Street- ‘Proud to be Politically Incorrect in Washington DC’ ... available now at amazon.com. You’ll live it!!!

Have a great week everybody!

TJ Woodward knows people and knows how to get results. As a spiritual author and inspirational speaker he enlightens and entertains audiences around the world. Utilizing his captivating and authentic style, TJ assists people in changing the way they exist through his simple, yet powerful teachings.

​As an awakening coach and addiction counselor, TJ works with individuals, couples, and in group settings, equipping people with the internal resources to lead their lives intuitively, strategically, and intentionally. With over 25 years’ experience in the fields of human potential, new-thought ministry and addiction treatment, he assists his clients in achieving brilliant results.

TJ published his first book, Conscious BEING: Awakening to Your True Nature in 2015. He is currently authoring his second book, that is expected to have worldwide release in 2017.

In 2013, TJ began working as the spiritual counselor and group facilitator at Foundations San Francisco Intensive Outpatient Program in San Francisco.  He currently also serves as the spiritual care counselor and group facilitator at both Reflections and North Bay treatment programs in Marin County. 

Also in 2013, he launched the Awakened Living TV and Awakened Living Radio shows.

​In 2012, he received his Interfaith ministry ordination and founded the Awakened Living spiritual community in San Francisco where he serves as spiritual director. Awakened Living is a 21st century movement for people who consider themselves spiritual, but not religious, and have a deep hunger for personal and global transformation. ​

In 2009, the results of his work earned him a prestigious position at a top-tier, high-end addiction treatment center, where he served as a counselor and Spiritual Director until 2011. From the get-go, he got rave reviews. Clients who reluctantly came to treatment for short-term programs where excited about working on themselves and wanted more of TJ's unique approach in assisting them to live inspired lives and make a positive difference in the world.

From 2008-2011 TJ served as Ministerial Associate of Unity San Francisco, delivering inspirational messages at Sunday services, creating and presenting relevant seminars and assisting in maintaining the spiritual integrity of the community.

In 2010, TJ graduated from the Spiritual Development Program and in 2011, graduated from the Leadership Development Program, both at Unity Institute.

QUANTUMTHINK – WORLD LEADER IN NEW THINKING

a new system of thinking for mastering effectiveness in a changing world

The most important thing you can ever learn is the connection between your thinking and your results. Any result you ever want to accomplish–whether for your business, your world, your community or yourself–requires some level of mastery with your mind. Happily, the one thing you and I have complete authority over is our very own mind. To command our own mind with elegance, ease and grace, this is a great accomplishment.

“Our intent in all of our work is for you to have an on-the-spot transformation in your awareness that translates naturally and easily into measurable success and increased confidence and joy in whatever you are doing.” -Dianne Collins and Alan Collins

“My entire life has been devoted to the question: what is the access to creating the results we truly desire? From studying everything from physics to metaphysics I made a few life altering discoveries that led me to create the QuantumThink® model—a system of thinking comprised of principles and practices that make it quick and easy for anyone to live the wisdom of science and spirituality in everyday life—not just to know the principles—to embody them.” – Dianne Collins

Dianne Collins is a modern visionary, an original thinker, an authority in new world view thinking and the creator and author of the QuantumThink® system of thinking, an unprecedented body of knowledge based in the principles of quantum science and universal laws applied as practical wisdom in all areas of life. Her highly acclaimed new book, Do You QuantumThink? New Thinking That Will Rock Your World is achieving popular viral status; as was stated by renowned attorney, Roy Black, “This book should be required reading by all literate human beings.”Dianne is a graduate of the University of Miami in Philosophy and Psychology and a lifelong student of meditation and yoga teachings and numerous leading edge modalities and models that make life better and more joyful. Her varied experiences as a Fortune 100 corporate manager, an award-winning photographic artist, a video producer, and currently as a consultant to business executives and entrepreneurs, all contribute to her extraordinary gift of originality and ability to express complex universal subjects in clear and powerful ways that benefit people instantly. She provides a big picture view that makes sense of the changes all around us and makes it entertaining and enjoyable to think effectively in sync with today’s world.

Since 2005 Mr. Easton has been the Executive Director of AQE.  He brings 30 years of experience in community and union organizing and a wealth of experience in strategy, media relations, politics and legislative activity to his work at AQE.  Billy provides significant leadership to the organizing, policy, media relations and strategic work of AQE and partner organizations.

He has provided a major leadership role in campaigns to increase school funding and to prevent cuts, to win revenues through the millionaires’ tax, to reform school discipline in order to reduce racial injustice in school suspensions, and to fight back against corporate reforms and testing in education. 

Billy is frequently quoted in statewide and local media outlets across the state. He is recognized by policy makers for his policy expertise in issues relating to school finance and policy. In each of the past two years he was selected by City & State magazine as a member of Albany’s Power 100.

Phyllis Smith is a successful entrepreneur, a leader in women’s nonprofit, the producer of national empowerment conferences, and a master in transformation. As a highly sought-after keynote and motivational speaker, as well as an increasingly-known women’s advocate in North America and Europe, Phyllis brings encouragement, inspiration and humor to every audience she meets.

Phyllis’ mission is to provide women from all walks of life with the tools and support they need to be successful. She inspires women to embrace their differences, celebrate their accomplishments and overcome any adversities standing in the way of their happiness.

Described as a dynamic, motivational leader, a unique innovator, and a champion for women everywhere, Phyllis ignites and empowers women of all ages and demographics to work together and support each other in order to enrich their knowledge and expand their network, strengthening each other and women’s businesses throughout the world.

If you want someone with an amazing background in the entertainment, sports and business industries - then you want to feature Phyllis Smith on your next show! Aside from all of her accomplishments - Phyllis is extremely entertaining  and a fun guest on any show (unless of course it's a serious show - then she knows how to adapt and use her amazing business experience to enlighten listeners).  A little history:

PHYLLIS SMITH is the President of EZIA Enterprises Inc (a digital marketing firm); Global Director of Marketing for The Festival of Hope and the founder of the international Professional Women’s Business Network (PWBN). As an accomplished marketing executive, a Committeewoman in the City of Philadelphia, and an advocate for women for over 30 years, Phyllis has employed her strengths as a producer in various platforms, including radio shows (The Scoop, The Executive View, SheTalk Radio), special events (Gateway to Success business conference, RENEW Health Wellness & Beauty Expo), and publications (About Her Magazine, PWBN National magazine, Wealthy Women Magazine). Her philanthropic efforts include the 2009 creation of the international Professional Women’s Business Network (PWBN), in addition to serving on several Boards of Directors and volunteering for numerous non-profit organizations Through this organization, Phyllis has inspired thousands of women to join together in an effort to support each other in their personal and professional endeavors.

On a personal note - her first love is music which stems from her early career as a professional vocalist and musician. She also spent 8 years as the Director of Marketing in professional sports prior to a highly successful career in the technology industry. She is married with two children and lives in the Greater Philadelphia area.

Catch her when you can because this busy lady is always finding something new to create, produce or evolve - radio hosts love having her as a guest because she knows how to keep the conversation flowing and enjoyable.

Michael Levy is a world leader on the philosophy of truth and wisdom. His 14 inspirational books have never been marketed for Levy feels authentic works will eventually find their place in humanity by word of mouth. His lack of education makes his philosophy unique in a modern world, where everything is analyzed and sophisticated by experts until all true meaning drains away. His works do not follow any past or present philosophers.

 

Many experts may use erroneous intellectual reasoning and faulty egotistical logic to explain answers that cannot be lived by natural people. At this point in time, schools and universities teach people to read and write to a good standard. However, they do not teach wisdom to the students, on how to apply their learning for the benefit of all humanity, not just for a select few.

 

Michael is an international radio host, a mystical poet, business and finance philosopher and wellness/healthy living speaker on cruise ships, radio, TV and seminars. Psychiatry . His works can be found on numerous websites throughout the world.

 

He currently writes for Seekingalpha.com a leading financial website and possitivehealth.com the UK’s leading alternative heath magazine

 

Michael Levy - Professional Optimist