| I remember as a teen record collector haunting the vinyl shops in the early 1970's always coming across Johnny's albums. Back then I thought they were a joke. They were albums of his versions of current hits, of which he had none. In the 1980's I discovered Johnny's voice and music and have since amassed over 70 of his recordings. Johnny's first recording (and hit) was in 1957 and his most recent release was in 2003 making him one of the most enduring recording artists ever. In 1978 he "jumped" on the disco bandwagon with a double-sided hit of "Begin The Beguine" and "Gone, Gone, Gone." At the time the 12" was passed over, but by 1980 it was discovered and instantly became a cult classic. And he hit disco gold again in 1984 with the shuffle-beat 12" single "Simple." But we doubt that Johnny will ever record another dance hit given the state of the current dance music scene. I, for one, cannot fathom Johnny doing trance or rap........... |
