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People Medley: Everyday People - Fishers of Men - One for the Pastor

from FIRE by Johnny J Blair "Singer at Large"

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Racism and tribalism have always been repugnant and counter-intuitive to me. I define tribalism as when one sect or people-group appoint themselves over others to manipulate, force, take, and destroy in the name of “purity and righteousness” or some other hijacked virtues, religion, or politick. God does not authorize such fear-driven arrogance, and in the end, it’s narcissistic self-sabotage—the devil of death disguised as supremacy. Freedom does not mean self-entitlement. Independence happens when we’re cured of fear, not when we’re in fear.

American culture is admired around the world. I study that and I am compelled to think that our biggest and best came about *because of* the melting pot of races, when white, brown, black, and yellow *had to* work together, by default or design. I am a better man for knowing and acting upon this. Stop and count all the inventions, works of art and music, medical discoveries, economic and educational breakthroughs, cuisine, fashion, etc. that came about because we broke away from bigotry and segregation.

Sly Stone wrote “Everyday People” as a plea, proclaiming "I am everyday people" to mean that everyone (band member and audience) should consider themselves as parts of a whole, not of smaller, specialized factions. Rose Stone (Sly’s sister) sings the bridge sections (using the cadence of a children's taunt) that mock the futility of people hating each other for being tall, short, rich, poor, fat, skinny, white, black, red, yellow “…and so on and scooby dooby dooby.”

I recorded this with a “funk/soul academy” of contributors, including drummer Jab’O Starks, best known for his years with James Brown. He was a prince to work with. I was honored to play 4 gigs with “dueling drummers” Jab’O + Clyde Stubblefield, billed as James Brown’s Funkmasters. During dinners with both men, I soaked up their “war stories” about music, the Chiltlin’ Circuit, and “making it” during the days of segregation. There are many more “back stories” behind this track...

credits

from FIRE, released September 13, 2021
Pistol Allen: congas
JJB: bass, guitars, keyboards, percussion, lead & harmony vocals
Cassie Blair & Linda Wheatley: harmony vocals
Sir Henry Gibson: percussion
Frank Hakava: bass
Monette Newsuan: harmony vocals, rap, & lyrics on "Fishers of Men"
Jaim Rohm: guitar
Jab'O Starks: drums, shout outs
Carl Stevens: saxophone
Sly Stone: songwriting
Pastor Sidney D. Wheatley; shout outs
Tim Breon & Bil Bryant: recording & mixing

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Johnny J Blair "Singer at Large" San Francisco, California

"Johnny is a virtuoso"--Brian Wilson
"Pop music with a conscience.”--Goldmine
“the Harry Houdini of rock and roll.”-- Spotlight. Listen to Johnny's fast-paced mix of old school soul, psychedelia, punk/new wave, & classic pop/rock. Singer-songwriter in his own right, he was also a sideman for Davy Jones and The Monkees + performed with David Cassidy, Al Stewart, Buddy & Julie Miller, & others. ... more

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