Born in Winnipeg but raised in T’cona.
Went to TCI where I was a sort of a loner.
Wearing shades in the classroom while writing tunes
Appears to have gone over like big lead balloons.
Played a little football for the Transcona Nationals
But me turning Pro sounded slightly irrational
But had do something cause my grades were low
Hey becoming a Rock Star may be the way to go
Bought a Fender Strat and put it in tune.
Started singin’ with The Devines the next afternoon.
Talked my friend Termite into playing Bass
Added Pete Fade and Gordy to pick up the pace.
Became Shayne and The Rebel Raiders a cool rockin’ band.
Morphed to The Phantoms which gave us more fans.
Played lots of gigs but partied too much.
The Phantoms were soon over and a way outta touch.
The times were a changin’ it was plain to see
So I got Bruce Ray and Terry to join Rolly and me.
Becoming The Jury and changing our sound.
Led to hit records and touring more towns
With our number one record still on the charts
My new baby girl Candis got a hold of my heart.
Time to grow up and be a man
But I still sorta miss being a kid in a band.
I guess I was destined to be a radio guy.
Learned a lotta what I do at old CKY
Had a boss named Jimmy who just let me run
And to this day … I’m still having fun!
Packed up my family for Saskatoon.
Promised them all we’d be back home soon.
Realized on arriving I would need my own team
If this move was destined to become part of my dream.
My first Radio hire was a hippie named Gar
He helped me a lot as we gathered our Stars
Sebastian Gil and Woody became part of the gang.
We added Dylan and Alfie and came on with a Bang!
Headed for Sudbury which was a 4 month stand
Ottawa came calling which changed my plans
Learned to get ratings which we had in abundance.
Up until then I was just out to lunch.
Ted Rogers showed up and lured me away.
I had no real interest but he doubled my pay.
CFTR Toronto became my new home.
They made me the Manager to slow down my roam
Created a new format which became the new way
Turned out so good I still use it today.
Brought Roger Sharon and Keith along.
But alas too soon twas the end of that song.
Headed to Indy for a brand new life
None of this was popular with Lana my Wife.
Crossing the border was a real scary thing
But there’s no turning back so this cant be no fling.
What a great trip Indy turned out to be
Now its just part of Fulton’s documentary
10-70 and The Buzzard were great back then.
Wish me and Moto could just do it again.
Hung out with Chapman at K-V-I-L
We terrorized Dallas and gave ‘em all hell.
Kay-Ville went on to be the best in the nation.
Now that it’s “Lite” there’s room for more stations.
Had some real fun at F 1-0-5
Austin in Boston made the town come alive.
Show us a sign ya want some free money
RKO went talk … They ain’t no dummies!
Launched our new station in beautiful Palm Beach
Monster signal with a hell of a reach.
Morley and his crew showed no fear.
Number one in South Florida in less than a year
Had a bunch of successes and was living well
But approaching 40 started ringing my bell
California Dreaming was the flame in my game
Had no idea it would lead to some fame.
Celebrated my 40th at the Polo Lounge
Lots of far away friends all came round.
Even my Wife Lana decided to show
But her moving to Cali was still a no go.
The Shadeks gave me an office at K-O-G-O
Where they helped me live large in San Diego
Met my new Ops guy by the name of Reid Reker
Jack McCoy had hipped me ” He was keeper ”
Me and Reid went looking for muses
In Dark dingy bars filled with losers
Reid was my guy, hey he even took notes
Maybe he’ll be allowed on one of Jack’s boats.
Living in Coronado which I did with “CLASS”
Soon there were 40 and they all came with cash.
Time to buy stations and be “The Man”
Sure a long way from being part of a band.
Partnered with my Brother and accountant Bill Yde
We raised a bunch of money but it sure wasn’t free
Bought us a station called K 1-0-3.
And before you knew it we bought number three.
Travel more travel not sure how I feel.
As I sit high above Wall Street doing a huge deal.
Decided to run for it aboard the Orient Express
When I got back it was all in a mess.
No company, no marriage, just me on my own
Never been happier although I’m alone.
Did some more time in Boston Mass.
Ran a lot by the Charles and soon was real fast.
Had some good times with Bobby and Tim
And the best news of all I was back with Jim
The next thing I knew I met a girl
And that was the end of my New England World.
She lived in Florida so it’s where I must be
Jim had a station there … So lucky me!
Things heated up and we got a little crazy
Wouldn’t you know it we soon had a baby.
We didn’t get married wasn’t meant to be
But 16 years later Cami’s still worth it to me
She’s a beautiful young lady whom I see all the time.
We travel we laugh and I’m so proud she’s mine
Its been a strange long trip that’s gone by too fast.
I’m hoping these words will help make it last.
I’m not done yet more chapters to go.
And now I’ve a Grandson … Hey Nathaniel, ya just never know! (to be continued)
GEORGE A. JOHNS