Thursday, November 14th, 2013
Count Basie Theater Kicks off the NJ350 with
Southside Johnny Annual Concert Celebration Red Bank, NJ – Count Basie Theater in Red Bank will kick off the start of New Jersey’s 350th anniversary year with its annual New Year’s Eve concert bash featuring New Jersey’s own Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes.
This New Year’s Eve event has become a New Jersey tradition and this year the Count Basie Theatre at 99 Monmouth Street in Red Bank is also celebrating its own 15 Year Anniversary.
With a decades-long successful career, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes delivers their soul- searing brand of raucous blues and R&B. They’ve recorded over 30 albums and became known for huge hits like “I Don’t Want To Go Home,” “Love On The Wrong Side Of Town,” “The Fever,”“This Time It’s For Real” and “Got To Get You Off My Mind.” Southside Johnny Lyon shares his views on history, music and New Jersey’s 350th anniversary in a special Q and A session:
Q. New Jersey celebrates 350 years of innovation, diversity and liberty in 2014. We live in a state of strong, determined people whose diverse talents and accomplishments have helped to shape both the nation and the world. How do you see the development of music in New Jersey as shaping the nation and the world?
A. Let’s never forget that all the music you hear on CD, radio, television and over the internet was made possible by the invention of the phonograph, which happened right here in New Jersey at the Edison labs. Without that innovation, so much great music would have become only something to read about or hear about by way of someone who was there when it was made. When you hear Frank Sinatra caress a ballad or Count Basie and his orchestra swing and stomp, when you drive along the beach on a summer night blasting Born To Run out of the car window or sing along with Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons…Jersey boys all…you are having those moments because Tom Edison and his scientists had a vision. And they shared that vision with the world, keeping all those Jersey Boys working and giving me a career. Thanks, guys.
Q. Who are the New Jersey musicians who have influenced you the most?
A. I first heard the Count Basie Band from my parents records. Basie had a jump blues singer named Jimmy Rushing who just knocked me out, even as a kid. He just sounded so exuberant and joyful, as if there was nothing in the world he wanted to do but sing. that. song! There was a singer named Lenny Welch how had a hit back in the early 60s, Since I Fell for You, that I would sing along with over and over, so I’m sure that shaped my style. But the two biggest influences on me were and are Steve Van Zandt and Bruce Springsteen. Their dedication and focus on music made me think I had a chance at being a singer, too. Then they gave me songs and urged me on until, 40 odd (very odd) years later, I’m still making music. I thank them both muchly for that, although there are days…
Q. What do you see as your legacy to music history in New Jersey?
A. I guess I might serve as an example of perseverance. I never had a hit, and didn’t get all the record company support that others did, but I hung in there and am glad things worked out the way they did. I love my life and am happy to still be touring and recording. Yes, kids; you can do it, too!
Q. Looking forward to New Jersey’s 400th anniversary that takes place 50 years from now, what words of inspiration do you have for the aspiring musicians coming up in future years?
A. Make the music you want to honestly make. Enjoy the ride. Get some sleep, and lay off the hard stuff.
Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes celebrated the release of their latest live CD MEN WITHOUT WOMEN: Live 7-2-11, out on Leroy Records earlier this year. Following the New Year’s Eve celebration, they will tour nationwide throughout the year.
MEN WITHOUT WOMEN: Live 7-2-11 was recorded live on July 2nd, 2011 at the Stone Pony Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes performance with Little Steven Van Zandt. The CD features live versions of the songs from the Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul 1994 album of the same name, along with three Asbury Jukes bonus tracks: “This Time it’s for Real,” “Broke Down Piece of Man” and “It’s Been a Long Time.” MEN WITHOUT WOMEN: Live 7-2-11, produced by John Lyon, Jeff Kazee and Joe Prinzo is available on iTunes, Amazon, at www.southsidejohnny.com and at Asbury Jukes live shows.