Tweet I thought hed taken offense, then he laughed. In addition to a new version of "Sleepwalk" Johnny summons up some . And it was an honor that they used our song. Johnny Farina currently operates the official Santo And Johnny worldwide website, which includes current tour dates, discography, biography, trivia and new merchandise Farina also currently operates the official Johnny MySpace page, which includes current tour dates, discography, biography, and audio samples from his new solo albums. (Photo: Johnny and Bo Diddley). They did their own thing on it. The guy would actually blow a smoke ring across Broadway. We lived in an Italian neighborhood. I dont know if you ever heard of him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6nPJcvJ3vQ Johnny Farina was 16, when he and his brother, Santo, released the all-time classic instrumental, "Sleep Walk." The two brothers wrote it one night, when they couldn't sleep after playing a gig, and started jamming. www.santoandjohnny.com. "Sleep Walk" continues to be popular due to consistent radio airplay as well as its usage in commercials, television shows, and movies. You dont remember me from last night? [Both Laughing]. The Farina brothers, Santo & Johnny, were born in Brooklyn, New York. Ive never stopped playing. They received a Gold Record for it in Italy and were inducted into the Hall of Fame in Italy as well.Santo & Johnnywere nowInternational artists. More than six decades after its release, the enduring popularity of Sleep Walkis remarkable, especially given that it was the pairs only top 10 hit, but Johnnys take on their lightning in a bottle moment is typically humble. That was good. 911 followers. Guitar International Magazine Santo & Johnny were now International artists. I was 16, and I told my Dad I was quitting school. Santo and Johnny had a few more hits, such as Tear Drop, Caravan, and All Night Diner. Its for any time. Johnny Farina of Santo & Johnny. Do you recall what guitar you used on the recording? I am launchina webiste and I will do some teasers at my local station I just knew that we were going to be famous. Youre right, the first part. Rick:When I was listening to Sleep Walk yesterday I know that its been in several movie scores it caught my attention that the song can be either very romantic and the same song can also be very haunting. This is the first time we start to talk and I actually met him. 1999 was a great year for "Sleep Walk", it earned BMI's Millionaires Award symbolizing 2 million airplays on the radio. I was totally taken by so many steel guitar players, one after another, would just come up and just play. It was Tony Farina who introduced the steel guitar to his sons, Santo and Johnny. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rwfqsjimRM Johnny Farina and his brother would build long lasting music careers that would endure for decades. Ill just try to remember some of the movies that go from one end of the spectrum to the other, like Eddie and the Cruisers or from a 50s movie to a futuristic like 12 Monkeys. Feel free to contribute! By 1960 Id been playing guitar for about four years, and I learned Sleep Walkby ear from listening to the radio and I continued to perform it through my teenage years playing the club circuit.. But Carltons 1982 version, Sleepwalkis one of the most beloved. Dating & Relationship status He is currently single. The Farina brothers, Santo & Johnny, were born in Brooklyn, New York. When I play, I like to hold off of those notes as long as possible. Im proud to say my version was a top ten hit and now my catalogue is forever identified with it Im honoured and congratulate Santo and Johnny for writing such a classic.. When Johnny turned 16, he told their father that they would be quitting school to pursue a career as "rock stars", to which their father responded "The only stars are in the sky."[7]. In 1973, Santo & Johnny recorded the theme to the movie The Godfather, which went to #1 in Italy and stayed at that spot for 21 weeks. We will update Johnny Farina's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible. Its the steel guitar that gives the song a magical quality, Johnny believes. (1959 Coney Island, New York) Because thats where I heard Sleep Walk on the radio for the first time. Wed fool around with melodies. Johnny Farina: Yes, I believe that very strongly. The Farina brothers began to gather fans from Brooklyn to Long Island. Sleep Walkwas later leased to the Canadian-American label, and before they knew it, Santo & Johnny were on their way to the top of the charts and a gold disc for their first ever recording! Rick: A lot of people didn't do that. the Amazon Associates Program via amazon.com. Affiliate programs and How did you and Santo come to write Sleep Walk? It was just a natural thing that happened to us. Sleep Walk reached #1 on the charts and earned them a Gold Record. Alvino Rey, and my father was also inspired by the background players of Hank Williams. Heres a man who came from Italy when he was nine. Johnny made the rounds of the New York record companies. When he returned from the war they searched out to a man who could get them started with the steel. Which meetings have been the most important experiences for you? I must play every day. Alan loved the song, Johnny said. He is not dating anyone. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the release of "Sleep Walk," the classic steel guitar instrumental from Brooklyn brothers Santo and Johnny Farina, who recorded under the name Santo & Johnny. "Sleep Walk" also plays a role in the 1995 Terry Gilliam sci-fi film, 12 Monkeys. Sleep Walk reached #1 on the charts and earned them a Gold Record. In 1964, they released an album of The Beatles covers; "And I Love Her" hit #1 in Mexico and held the spot for 21 weeks. We were inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame about 10 years ago and I was down in St. Louis. 3/25/01. April 30, 1941 - Rock and roller Johnny Farina (of Santo and Johnny) was born "John Steven Farina" in Brooklyn, New York. The second part, to play well, it has a feel to it. They recorded a demo which they circulated to local New York record companies.In 1958, Mike Dee & The Mello Tones (Santo Farina, steel guitar; Johnny Farina, guitar and their uncle Mike Dee, drums) recorded a self-penned instrumental which they called "Deep Sleep". 7 talking about this. In Italy in 2012, performing The Godfather (Ill Padrino) with a 23 piece orchestra, live. Are there any versions that you particularly enjoy? In no time, TV shows clamoured for their appearances as Santo and Johnny became stars on American Bandstandand The Perry Como Show. Im playing a 1956 Fender double-neck eight-string through a Fender Twin Reverb, he explains. Were gonna be really famous. My brother gave me a look like he always would, Yeah, yeah.. I think they were thinking that its a big instrumental. When Johnny reached the age of twelve, he began to play accompaniment to Santo on a standard electric guitar. They know when to take a breath. His place was the Gibson place where you would go. In a Letter to the Editor, a Villager says that restaurants should not allow smoking in outdoor areas. When I went onstage to play with him, he made the announcement. Santo and Johnny Farina were born in Brooklyn, New York; Santo on October 24, 1937 and Johnny on April 30, 1941. [2], They are known best for their instrumental melody "Sleep Walk", one of the biggest hits of the golden age of rock 'n' roll, which became a regional success and eventually scored the top of the Billboard pop chart when it was released nationally during 1959. This is an UnsteadyCam Production. Johnny's performance is an energy packed show with great memories guaranteed! That tune, in turn, then influenced the Beatles on their own "Sun King.". Santo, October 24, 1937 and Johnny, April 30, 1941. [12], For the band's self-titled debut album, see, Santo & Johnny, guests of the television program "Tutto pop", Turin, 1972, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Johnny Farina bringing musical talent to 'Original Lead Singers' show", "The Steel Guitar Hall of Fame (list of inductees)", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Santo_%26_Johnny&oldid=1149134047, Produttori Associati/Canadian-American 7054, This page was last edited on 10 April 2023, at 11:29. [6][10] The follow-up single "Tear Drop" (spelled "Teardrop" on the album Encore)[11] was also successful, though their long-playing (LP) record Santo & Johnny was less successful in the United States. Sleep Walk brought them to Europe. "Sleep Walk" was used throughout the 1992 Stephen King film, Sleepwalkers. Some of the people stood up. Johnny Farina:The Iridiums kind of small, and he had a small dressing room. A Village of Silver Lake resident contends a bag drop is sorely needed at the Southern Oaks golf course. Hed get up late. Johnny Farina: Out of all the people who sang it, she captured it. This was an early call. The best time of my career is when I heard Sleep Walk on the radio for the first time. "[7] The song was "Sleep Walk" and during September 1959 it scored at the top of the American charts. Hes also moving a new album for the holidays, Christmas Mine. this can result in this site earning a commission. He loved country and western. He used to listen to country and western. There are several covers of Sleep Walk by rock groups. His name was Ed Burton. Our dad, Tony Farina, came home from work one day and said to Santo and me as we were practicing, Play that song that you played the other day. We didn't remember the song he wanted to hear! Sgt. Its been in at least 30 movies. Teenage girls would come to our house and hang out outside. It was crazy, Johnny said. Facebook, 2023 Created by Michael Limnios Blues Network. Sleep Walk has been a hugely enduring song, and over 100 artists have covered it over the years, including Chet Atkins, The Ventures, Les Paul, Danny Gatton, Hank Marvin, Brian Setzer and Jeff Beck. 1, he said. Their father was drafted into the Army while they were children and was stationed for some time in Oklahoma. Additionally, Johnny sat down with Guitar World to talk about the iconic song and its enduring influence. Id get the brush and just dip it in the paint. Was that out of the blue? It was in a movie called All I Want for Christmas, with Cher, A Smile Like Yours, The Locust, Mermaids. That was it. Couldnt sleep one night after a gig, and came up with the melody. Johnny made the rounds of the New York record companies. In celebration of the songs 60thanniversary, Johnny Farina is performing a special show at New York Citys the Cutting Room on April 20. But, when I hear the 1959 Santo and Johnny Farina #1 hit instrumental, Sleep Walk, it always stops me in my tracks. God gave my brother and I a special gift, he reflects. It's sometimes reported that their mother or sister helped, but this is apparently false.) Johnny Farina: Yeah, it was called Sleepwalkers. He was four years older than me. Remember in 1929 you were on the running board of a Model T Ford and you had a stop clock in your hand and you wanted to see who had the faster car? He said, You know, Johnny, I remember that day. The brothers werent satisfied to rest on their laurels and would release duet and solo albums to keep the flame alive. Santo, October 24, 1937 and Johnny, April 30, 1941. In 2002 Santo & Johnny were inducted into the International Steel Guitar Hall of Fame. If I dont play every day, there is something not right about the day for me. We used to do cover songs and after awhile of playing cover songs, we would jump into jamming a little. Which is the most interesting period in your life? What are you waiting for. Im sitting with Les. They released 9 albums on the Canadian American label and than in 1966 they were on United Artist Records, then in 1967 they released 4 albums on the Imperial label. "I hope people start to get back into songs that have strong melodies, and great chord changes. Years later, they formed a band, playing at church dances, weddings and clubs. Bath How was the famous steel guitar melody devised? Hurry and lock in your price now before rates increase in 2023! Johnny has kept the magical steel guitar sound alive performing as a solo artist all over the country since the early 70's. This allowed him to experiment even further, and he tried different tunings until he found ones that appealed to him.When Johnny reached the age of twelve, he began to play accompaniment to Santo on a standard electric guitar. Still touring and keeping Sleep Walk alive! We recorded The Godfather because of the excitement of such a film coming out, knowing it would be such a success, and then hearing the theme, it was just a great piece of music to record. Bo Diddley, playing a violin backstage in his shorts at The Alan Freed Show in Brooklyn, New York. With their unmistakable sound, they appeared on all the top music shows, "The Alan Freed Show", "Dick Clarks American Bandstand", "The Perry Como Show" etc.Their fame spreadto other countriesand they were booked on tours in Australia, Mexico and Europe. But despite this lack of wider acclaim, Johnny Farina is still going strong to this day, and despite his brother retiring nearly 50 years ago, the 80-year-old still travelling around the world wowing fans (pandemic permitting) with the chops he and his brother first learned at his fathers behest. What do you miss most nowadays from the past? Rick: Sometimes the silence between notes is as important as the notes. I'm still here! He had good ears. When it was used in La Bamba, it was such an important part of that movie, just to see the funeral cars coming down and know that my song was used and connected to the three legends. With Sleep Walk, the harmonic line was recordedfirst, then we went back and put on some melody, listened, and kept changing the melody until it happenedmagic. He would always hold the note and he would never sing like right on the beat. It reached Billboard magazine's No. As their popularity grew locally they recorded a couple of demo tapes. People are more educated today. Johnny continues to perform all over the world! But, it never really took off. Until, Sleep Walk, the steel guitar was mostly used in country music, and some blues. I have a group of movies that Sleep Walk was actually used in. Do you remember me?, There were a few other names on the note that were signed. It was recorded at Trinity Records in Manhattan. Sleep Walk also keeps popping up in movies, and has been used in about 40 films, Farina said. Johnny Farina: I dont think so. As a subscriber enjoy big savings off the shop price! Johnny Jett is one of the original main cast members of 'Barnwood Builders.' Jett has been appearing on the series since the very first season, having made his debut in the premiere episode where he worked with the rest of the craftsmen to salvage a barn built by Abraham Lincoln's uncle. Thats what I got from that, when people ask how I wrote the song. Please check your browser settings or contact your system administrator. He told us: that song will last forever. "Sleep Walk" entered Billboard's 'Top 40' on August 17, 1959. Johnny Farinas income source is mostly from being a successful Soundtrack. A Village of McClure resident, in a Letter to the Editor, says residents of The Villages south of State Road 44 are being shortchanged when it comes to golf. As Im speaking to him, he gets a note. [4] [5] Their father was drafted into the Army while they were children and was stationed for some time in Oklahoma. Eventually, dad bought a tape recorder and encouraged us to record whenever we rehearsed or played. The dreamy tune evokes feelings of sweet romance that are rooted deep within all of us. The boys were young when their Dad was drafted into the Army and stationed in Oklahoma. Santo & Johnny is an American rock and roll instrumental duo of Italian descent from Brooklyn, New York, composed of brothers Santo Farina (born October 24, 1937) and Johnny Farina (born April 30, 1941). The feel, they dont have it. They also had their own TV Show in Italy.Johnny has kept the magical steel guitar sound alive performing as a solo artist all over the country since the early 70's.Appearances include The Greek Theater in California, The Paramount Theater in NYC, They Hollywood Casino in Mississippi, Ruth Echard Hall in Florida, The Continental Arena/The Meadowlands in New Jersey, The Philharmonic Center in Naples, Florida, The Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut, Madison Square Garden in NYC, Harrahs in Las Vegas, etc.1999 was a great year for "Sleep Walk", it earned BMI's Millionaires Award symbolizing 2 million airplays on the radio. Its so special to me, because Sleep Walk became my life, and to know it was never an oldie, or doo-wop, and can connect with any time. This was the signature song for SANTO & JOHNNY. I was producing an artist for Lorimar Records, and the vice president Jay Levy was hanging out at my studio, Carlton continues. Santo & Johnny. In time they would pull together a piece called Sleep Walk so named because when they couldnt sleep they would stay up playing and recording. Still touring and keeping Sleep Walk alive! According to our Database, He has no children. The follow-up song "Tear Drop" was also a hit, though their LP Santo & Johnny was less successful in the United States.After touring Europe, Mexico, and Australia, Santo & Johnny signed to an Italian record label and had several hits in Europe that included "Sleep Walk", "Love Story", "Maria Elena", "Ebb Tide", "Love is Blue", "Enchanted Sea", and others. Or Brian Setzer the way he did it. How do you describe Johnny Farina sound and progress, what characterize your music philosophy? affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network, and It was he who suggested I recorded a cover of Sleep Walk. Recently there was a movie that might be coming out called The Conjuring. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). I believed in that song, Johnny, who will appear in The Villages on Thursday, said in a recent telephone interview. Upon its original release, the song hit Number One on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned the brothers a gold record award. SLEEP WALK was the last (number 1) intrumental of the 50;s and earned them a Gold Record. They did the Alan Freed shows in Brooklyn, and appeared on his TV show several times, along with Dick Clarks American Bandstand, and The Perry Como Show. Diana Ross actually sang it. Its easy to play. Which was the best and worst moment of your career? Its a small musical miracle that emotionally resonates to this day. Johnny Farina plays Savannah Center Thursday with Rocky and the Rollers. Johnny Farina was born on 30 April, 1941 in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA, is a Rock duo. Santo, October 24, 1937 and Johnny, April 30, 1941. Years ago, I actually did a version of Sleep Walk operatic style. Their father was drafted into the Army while they were children and was stationed for some time in Oklahoma. I actually thought if they came out with a vocal version, who knows, maybe Lady Gaga might do it. It held the #1 spot for them in Italy for 26 weeks which broke all records in Italy. Johnny Farina of Santo & Johnny (Two brothers from Brooklyn) Sleep Walk hit the airwaves in 1959, and added a new sound to Rock 'n' Roll, a steel guitar as the lead instrument, unheard of at that time, an instrument associated with country and Hawaiian music used in the background. I like to go boating, but the instrument, I always thought that was part of it. [4], Santo Anthony Farina and John Steven Farina were born in Brooklyn, New York, to Anthony and Josephine Farina: Santo on October 24, 1937, and Johnny on April 30, 1941. He didnt believe me. Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. It made me laugh a lot because he was a guitar player, and him walking around with the violin in his shorts was something to see. Johnny Farina. Santo and Johnny are inductees into the Italy Music Hall of Fame and the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame. It really keeps you young. It was only my fathers insight. 2023 Guitar.com is part of NME Networks. People kept sending little notes back to his dressing room. Still touring and keeping Sleep Walk alive! New York, composed of brothers Santo Farina (born October . All we kept hearing was mandolins, accordions and acoustic guitar. Do you know what Im saying? My first manager said, Always be early and prepared to give a great performance, no matter what the conditions are, and never leave the venue until after the performance. They are best known for their instrumental "Sleep Walk", which became a regional hit and eventually reached the top of the Billboard pop chart when it was released nationally in 1959.At present, Santo is semi-retired and Johnny tours and records new material with his own band. They received a gold record in Italy and were inducted into the Italian Music Hall of Fame. Currently, Santo has retired from touring, while Johnny Farina is still on the road with his own band. I told him, Dad, you dont understand. He was a genius. Johnny Farina of Santo & Johnny fame keeps the legendary instrumental Sleep Walk alive, 60+ years after it was recorded. The Strange Dave Show made me laugh. Hanging proudly on his wall, Johnny has 2 Gold Records, one for "Sleep Walk" and on for "The Godfather".Because of constant radio airplay and play in numerous TV shows and commercials, "Sleep Walk" continues to be one of the most popular and quickly recognized instrumentals of the 20th century. The Farina brothers, Santo & Johnny, were born in Brooklyn, New York. During the conversation, he said, When youre tickets up, youre tickets up. I laughed at that, and he looked at me and said, Thats not funny. Then he just looked at me. Its real.". He was like a crackerjack. Sleep Walk has been in over 28 movies, including La Bamba the day the music NOW Sleep Walk celebrates its 60th Anniversary and is stronger than ever, with its latest use being in Martin Scorseses The Irishman. Upon its original release, the song hit Number One on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned the brothers a gold record award. It had a magnetic appeal during a time when there began a tectonic shift from the sax to the guitar as the solo instrument of choice for a new generation of musicians. The two brothers wrote it one night, when they couldnt sleep after playing a gig, and started jamming. Santo Farina 1959 What tuning did santo farina use on sleepwalk? He had no musical knowledge of any sort. Yeah, I do remember that.. They also had their own TV Show in Italy. I would have liked that very much. Hailing from Brooklyn, the Farina brothers made 30+ albums before disbanding in the late '70s. But nothing could match Sleep Walk. 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