'Happiness runs' to Cleveland

By Ron Johnston

Donovan, the pop folk singer of the 1960s, appeared to be wearing a “night gown” on the big stage.

That was my first “live” look and impression of the troubadour from Scotland from high up in the cheap seats at Cleveland’s Public Hall in October of 1969.

With me that school night in the big city were Blamo and Becca. I probably paid for the tickets, because it was my idea in the first place to see Donovan in concert. Blamo was a Heidelberg soccer teammate, and Becca, my fiancee.

A couple of years earlier, Donovan had been on tour and was scheduled to perform in northeast Ohio, but a broken leg on the pitch at the University of Toledo spoiled my plans.

Not having a car, transportation to Cleveland was initially a priority. In a recent conversation, Blamo mistakenly thought we’d hitchhiked to the concert. But no, I was able to borrow some wheels, thanks to Jim Young.

Thing is, I hardly knew Young, who was a year behind me at Heidelberg. We may have been in the same political science class. Anyway, Young was Donovan interacts with fans after a from Sandusky, and he had this white, light-colored concert in Columbus, Ohio, in 1986. Volkswagen that he was willing to lend to me for the evening.

I know I didn’t really want to thumb my way to Cleveland. So, hurrah! Jim Young to the rescue! Fortunately, back in high school, I learned how to drive on a standard shift/stick. Young’s VW was a stick – and was no problem for me.

After H-soccer practice on the day of the concert and with keys in hand, I was looking forward to embarking on the “big adventure.” It would be a good break from classes and studies. The weather was clear, and the trip on the Ohio Turnpike east to Cleveland was uneventful. And, amazingly, I didn’t Ron shakes hands with Donovan even get lost when we got to the big city. after the 1986 concert.

Once parked, we entered the building, got seated, and settled back to enjoy the music. Donovan performed solo, although he was accompanied on a couple of numbers by flutist Harold McNair.

If you’ve never seen Donovan live before, the first time is always a treat. He’s very personable, soft-spoken, and likes interacting with the audience. There’s a gentle quality about him. And, of course, he’s a true professional with an impressive catalogue.

When my father first picked up and looked at the cover of the “Sunshine Superman” album, he thought Donovan was a comedian in the Bill Cosby vein. I had to chuckle at that one. John Hill, the Heidelberg basketball standout, borrowed and gave a listen to my “Mellow Yellow” album – and frankly didn’t like it. I thought that was funny, too. But everybody has their musical preferences.

Donovan is not Becca’s favorite recording artist (Elvis is), but she does not find the Scot’s music objectionable. She’s kind of partial to his “Happiness Runs” song.

As for Blamo, I think he was just along for the ride. LOL. Speaking of which, after the concert, Blamo was supposed to do the driving back to Tiffin. Problem was, though, he’d never driven a stick before. So, guess who got the honors – again.

Since that first time, I’ve seen Donovan in concert two more times, and both were at the Newport Music Hall in Columbus. In the last appearance in 1986, I hung out at the finish, got a handshake, and was honored to have a picture taken with him.

Oh, by the way, Donovan wasn’t in a “gown” then. He wore regular slacks.

Posted in March 2021