Stephen Johnson:
CLASS OF 1965
Warren High SchoolClass of 1965
Downey, CA
Stephen's Story
I started playing with local bands while I went to college in Redlands just to make some spending money. I added some music classes to my pre-law program and learned how to read notation and eventually joined Local 47 of the Musician's union in L.A.
That one move led to auditions with people who were my idols in the business, including The Eagles. They didn't hire me but thy did land me the job of bass player for Roy Orbison who was their opening act for their upcoming tour. I can't describe the experience of becoming friends with a music legend but I remained in his band until his death.
I was now "in the loop" and g...Expand for more
ot hired by the Righteous Brothers two weeks later. What followed was a fun-filled four years but it too was cut short by the death of Bobby Hatfield in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
After all the touring and living in hotels I bought a home in the high desert near Palm Springs where other refugees from Hollywood had gone before. I still play often in small clubs and occasionally jam with fading stars like Eric Burdon, Chris McGuin, Donovan and Leon Russell who all have temporary or permanent places here also.
Memories of my friends grow more important as each year goes by. I'd love to communicate with any of them.
Stephen
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