Mississippi River Blues

We are thinking about those folks in the northern Gulf Coast who's lives have been turned upside down. Best wishes to all of you.



Tommy, Ray, Benny, and Johnny.

JGLB CDs: bootlegs now available! 2 for $16!

We have just received new bootleg copies of the two JGLB albums. We're having a special! Order bootleg "Give The Kid A Chance" for $10, including shipping and handling!. Order bootleg copies of "Good Cheap Rock and Roll," which has never before been available on CD, for $10, including shipping and handling. ORDER BOTH BOOTLEG CDs FOR $16*, INCLUDING SHIPPING AND HANDLING*!
to order, just e-mail me, or send a check (payable to Johnny G. Lyon) for $10 for one or $15 for two (two copies of the same CD is ok) to Johnny G Lyon, PO box 5801, Tampa, Fl. 33675-5801. It's a good idea to include your phone number with a mail order.
These CDs sound great (as good as the original), and the covers look great too! I did the artwork. If for any reason you don't like 'em, send 'em back and I'll return your check.
COVER of bootleg "Give The Kid A Chance"
insert of bootleg "Give the Kid A Chance" (INCLUDES DETAILS ABOUT THE CD)
original cover of "Give The Kid A Chance" (no longer available)**
cover of bootleg "Good Cheap Rock N Roll"
insert of bootleg "Good Cheap Rock N Roll" (includes details about the CD)
closeup crop, also original (cassette!) cover, "Good Cheap Rock N Roll" (no longer available)

*this offer expires August 31, 2005
** you may find (non-bootleg) copies of "Give The Kid A Chance" on the net... look here, here, here, here...

Slack Key West by JIM WEST aka "Kimo" West!

got an e-mail from JIM WEST! He's got a new web site... and a new CD! Order "Slack Key West" here!
Jim is a Tampa native. Before he moved to L.A. in 1981, he was in "Slaves of Rhythm," "Tons of Fun" and "Z-Boss" and other bands here in Tampa with myself and others. Out in L.A., We were both first in the "Kaywell Brothers" with Father Jerry, then we started "Johnny Lyon and the Hitmakers." Jim has gone on to do a lot of cool stuff. Perhaps most notably, he is Weird Al Yankovic's guitarist. In addition to recording and touring with Al, he writes and records a lot of TV and movie scores and soundtracks.
He's been doing Hawaiian "Slack-Key" guitar for a while now. It's pretty cool.
Jim will be touring this fall. What would be a good venue for him to perform in Tampa? Perhaps Friday Morning Musicale or someplace like that? Any suggestions appreciated, just "comment!"
Read an interview with JIM from 1999!
SEE JIM ON THE SIMPSONS HERE!
Also, when in L.A., say hi to Steve and Solly!
Here's a 2005 photo of Jim (and Max) with JGLB!

welcome to jglb.blogspot.com

Welcome to the JGLB blog.
TOP NEWS:
click here for JGLB August Schedule.
e-mail from Max?
I sing the National Anthem at BUCS game: August 5 1995
LATEST >>>NEW JGLB TRADING CARDS <<<
Garnell Wilds
Tyrone "Ty" Granderson Jones
about the band: JGLB, for those who don't know, is the Johnny G Lyon Band of Tampa, Florida. Its' members are Ray Blade AKA John Jay Friss, Ben Jammin AKA Benjamin "Benny" Sudano, Tommy Duncan, and Johnny G Lyon.
This blog features info about the band, its' members, former members, friends and associates, and any subjects that any posters feel appropriate. Posters to date include myself and Tommy. Benny and Ray have not yet posted, but I hope that they will begin posting soon. We have also invited frequent "comment" contributors, including Penny Robinson, Phil, Sir Oliver Humperdink, Will Perish, and Jefferson Dorsey to post here, but they have yet to do so. We will also consider other new posters at the appropriate time.
RECENT SUBJECTS
Latest JGLB Schedule
About Tommy's Award Winning Blog, Sticks of Fire
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp, My life as a BUCS fan part one
Decibel levels in Ybor
Kevin White (JGLB public servant of the month)
Mayor Dick Greco and his wife Linda join JGLB!
feminine-side-of-jglb
Live music for dummies part one, part two (by Tommy Duncan)
Garnell Wilds
popular pics and JGLB trading cards
USF basketball 2005-06 outlook, update on 5 players, Tony Grier, non-conference schedule
Three Stooges
Tyrone "Ty" Granderson Jones
Hurricanes Arlene, Dennis
Happy 50th birthday, ROCK and ROLL!
Just For Fun League congrats to Tommy
neat cars
Benny's dad June 6 1944
BB King Museum
proposed storyline for Blues Brothers 3000
Sir Oliver Humperdink
Why the "G?" Other "Johnny Lyon" type musicians, other entities known as JGLB
post from Tommy
message from Will Perish, regarding Will Perish's letter, potential new jglb.net home page
Savannah, Georgia building named for JGLB
other JGLB links:
(our website) http://jglb.net
our photo album / JGLB trading cards
Sticks of Fire
Blue Shark
other blogs (more coming soon):
Yoni Cohen's college basketball blog
We hope to keep this blog frequently updated. Thank you for reading our blog.
Sincerely, Johnny G Lyon

Some New JGLB Trading Cards

Blonde Tommy Duncan
King Ray Blade
latest Benny
Tyrone Granderson Jones AKA Ty Granderson Jones
Mark Sutton Boston guitarist, roommate of and bandmate of Johnny, attended Stockbridge School
Jefferson Dorsey Arizona Attorney, roommate and bandmate of Johnny, attended Stockbridge School (with Matt Lauer)
Tony Grier (former USF basketball star)
Johnny and Mike Alstott
Johnny and John Lynch
Garnell Wilds (Washington Redskins cornerback)
Rod Firestone (Rubber City Rebels guitarist/vocalist, Johnny's friend, producer and bandmate)
Skinny Dirty E
Ester (former JGLB Inc employee)
Das (former JGLB Inc employee)
Johnny sings the National Anthem at a Bucs game, Tampa Stadium, Aug 5, 1995
Father Jerry (Jerry Kaywell, Johnny's friend and bandmate)
James T Lyon (Johnny's dad)
Johnny G Lyon rookie card
Jerri Hill
Rhonda former L.A. manager
Wayne Pearsall JGLB attorney
George Wilds owner, Blue Shark
Max Van Laundromax
Suzy Martian
artists rendition of JGLB 95
original cassette cover, JGLB album "Good Cheap Rock N' Roll"

e-mail from Max?

I got an e-mail that may be from Max Van Laundromax. Yes, it's difficult to tell for sure because it's unsigned. Max or whoever says he (or she?) is enjoying the music scene in Canada. Also a request: "i need recent photos of myself uploaded on the website if possible." Hence, a new card. Hopefully further communication from Max, or whoever, will be forthcoming! Max, if you read this, write me, or "comment" and leave an e-mail address in a reply to this message so your fans, and I, can write you!

I sing the National Anthem at BUCS game: August 5, 1995

This is kind of an excerpt from my Bucs Diaries series.
TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY: I sang the National Anthem at BUCS game, 8-5-95!!!
After I came back from California in 1984, the Bucs generally sucked. Sometime around 1985 or 86, I made a statement, "If I sing the National Anthem at a BUCS game, they'll never lose again." Some DJs like Russ Albums, Charlie Logan and Ron and Ron picked up on this, as well as Tribune sportwriters like (the late great) Tom Ford, Nick Pugliesi and former Tribune writers Chris Harry and Pat (Tyji) Yasinskas along with many others. Nevertheless, all through the 80s and the early 90s, I was not asked to sing the Anthem, and the Bucs kept right on losing. From 1984 through 1994 (11 years), The Bucs were 49-126, with no playoff appearances.
Then, in 1995, the Glazer family bought the team from the Culverhouses. Something changed.
My friend, attorney Joe Frank, contacted Rich McKay. Of course, I could sing the National Anthem at a BUCS game.
The first game the BUCS played under the new ownership was August 5, 1995 preseason game against the New York Jets. Immediately prior to the game, I walked out to the middle of the Tampa Stadium field and sang the National Anthem of the United States of America. It was the biggest performance of my life. I wore a sport coat, tie and dress slacks. As advised, I wore earplugs, to block out the echo. I started LOW. The third note, "say," should be the lowest note I can sing. I sang it by the book, with no extra melisma or whatever you call it when singers embellish the Anthem. I felt confident as I sang. After I finished, the crowd roared. Thank you. People told me I was excellent. I was very appreciative of the overwhelming goodwill.
Since 1995, when I sang the National Anthem, the BUCS are 85-75, have made the playoffs 5 times, have won 5 playoff games, including Super Bowl XXXVII in Sandy Eggo.
There is something of a move afoot for an encore performance. Stay tuned!

JGLB August Schedule

see Johnny G Lyon / JGLB:

Friday-Saturday
Aug 5-6 / 9 PM
Blue Shark
1620 E Seventh Ave / Ybor City
(813) 248-3499

Friday-Saturday
Aug 12-13 / 9 PM
Blue Shark
1620 E Seventh Ave / Ybor City
(813) 248-3499

Friday-Saturday
Aug 19-20 / 9 PM
Blue Shark
1620 E Seventh Ave / Ybor City
(813) 248-3499

Friday-Saturday
Aug 26-27 / 9 PM
Blue Shark
1620 E Seventh Ave / Ybor City
(813) 248-3499

USF Men's Basketball Guards: trade, triumph, trial, tragedy... and TONY!

There are 5 current and former USF basketball guards in the news recently.
Trade: Chucky Atkins. I loved asking this trivia question during the 2004-2005 season: "Name every college ever attended by the starting guards of the Los Angeles Lakers." correct answer: USF! The starting Laker guards: Kobe and Chucky Atkins. Kobe went to the NBA straight from high school to the NBA, and Chucky played 4 years at USF! One of the best USF players ever, Chucky is by far the USF grad who has had the most success in the pros. Chucky has been traded to the Washington Wizards. Good lucky, CHUCKY! (not to be confused with Chucky, or Chick!)
Triumph!: Anddrikk Frazier, the 1994 Tampa Tribune Prep Basketball Player of the Year who played point guard at the University of South Florida, has been named head coach at Hillsborough High. Frazier, great nephew of Smokin' Joe Frazier, played 4 years (actually 3, see comments) at USF. He was a very bright guy, and a coach's favorite. I'd say he was one of the first USF hoopsters to wear dreadlocks. Sorry, but i can't find a pic of him.
TRIAL: NOT A LEGAL TRIAL, but a "trial" in the form of a huge challenge for Bradley Mosley. it ain't what you think, but it's a lot more serious then legal problems. In 2003-2004, USF basketball had a rough year. But Mosley was perhaps the best player on that team (Swift and Leather were pretty good too). We were looking forward to a great senior season from this fine young man. But then, the challenges began. Bradley Mosley is a great kid and he is gonna beat this thing. He was granted an extra year of eligibility and he will be playing this season as a senior after he heals up. Use the form at the bottom of this page to send Bradley a message.
TRAGEDY: Maurice Webster. from the Tampa Tribune: "Former USF point guard Maurice Webster, who played on the Bulls' first NCAA Tournament team in 1990, died Tuesday of an apparent heart attack. He was 36." RIP, Maurice, I remember your game and respected you as a MAN, and a good man at that. Above all, thank you for playing for USF.
and TONY GRIER! Big news for Tony: 1). his chat was awesome. read the transcript here. 2). His book is coming out soon. and 3). he has a brand new JGLB trading card!
I sit in section D, row 12 at the SunDome for ALL Bulls Basketball games.

JGLB Public Servant of the Month: Kevin White

Tommy has an excellent, award winning blog. This week, we are looking forward to big news about Tommy's blog. Please stay tuned.
Right now, we are gonna venture into Sticks of Fire's turf (local politics) just a bit... to name Tampa City Councilperson Kevin White our JGLB PUBLIC SERVANT OF THE MONTH for July.
Why? Read this article. When Councilperson White says, "I think we have put all the restrictions on Ybor nightclub owners that they can bear," I like what he's saying.
While Ybor ain't perfect, government regulation has helped... not at all. Do you agree, Tommy?
I can tell ya this: Ybor is safe, and it's still fun, as long as the JGLB is at the BLUE SHARK!