Hey everyone! Old school Motown music maker here. My name is Vic Johnson, from Highland Park, Michigan-class of 70′. Wow, that seems to be a long time ago, but to me, it seems like yesterday. My memory goes back to my father, who learned to play piano from his father, teaching me how to play the piano, trumpet and sing. That’s three generations of teaching-and by ear-even though I did have formal teaching on all via the Highland Park School system and private instruction.
That was a great time in my life, and I learned so much! I would like to share some of this knowledge with anyone who is interested. I learned a lot of technical and computer stuff including music production of a song concept to a finished album, or CD today. I have my own history which includes such names as Ray Parker of Ghost Busters music, and Byron Miller-bad bass player for Luther, Roy Ayers, George Duke and many other music artists. Also mention Greg Phillingaines, from Detroit, who played with Quincy and Michael Jackson and last I checked, was touring the world with ABBA. This brother is a true to form master keyboardist. His mom was my boss at Highland Park General Hospital when I was working as an orderly.
I must also give respect and love for my deceased friend and original Meditation Band leader and bass player Ted Waterhouse. His mother, Mrs. Waterhouse was our band manager and 2nd mother, as we were young teens at the time we started performing. I remember playing for the City of Detroit on one of those portable stages that would be set up in different locations during the summer month’s entertainment for the inner city communities. That was when I first met Ray Parker. He had this big beautiful fro’ that was perfectly maintained. The brother could play even back then and he was only about fifteen. Detroit, musically, really had it going on, and everyone who had any musical talent wanted to be a part of that flow that was pouring out of Motown.
Vic, thank you for Vic’s Music Cafe. It’s so great to hear how all of Highland Park’s finest musicians are making it in the music world. My music consists of choir directing and a little old-style gospel piano. Post a schedule of your gigs and we might swing by and check you out. Maybe even sit in at the mic…. Love you my Brother!
Thanks Flee! I am not giging any longer, but I am working in the studio producing, arranging and recording and then on to the business end of what we love! Bless you and your family. I know you are sharing your knowledge that we all gained from HP- spread the knowledge and the love as it will help make the world a better place for the babies.