I remember the first time I met Jonny.  He was about 15.  Beverly introduced me to him backstage at a festival that we were playing in Louisville, KY in 1996.  This was when I was in Storyville.  I thought he was a really nice kid.   He seems talented. (But after all he was just a kid.)

I was talking to some people outside by the stage when he started playing.  Suddenly I heard that voice - I couldn’t believe it; it was like the exorcist!  Out of that nice kid came a voice so powerful, I was literally stunned.  I looked to see if someone else was singing - someone a lot older.  But no, it was Jonny.

Every since that day, I have loved him.  Not just as a musician, but as a person. He is intelligent,  talented, and one of the nicest people I have ever met.  I think he is an old soul.  I am happy for his success, and grateful for his friendship.  Go Jonny, Go!

Photos:   Beverly Howell