Whatever Happened to Santo Farina ? : The Steel Guitar Forum It was recorded at Trinity Records in Manhattan. It was just a natural thing that happened to us. How do you describe Johnny Farina sound and progress, what characterize your music philosophy? Santo Farina (Santo & Johnny) RIP | Steve Hoffman Music Forums i suggest Johnny was using an A 6. That was good. Santo Farina 1959 What tuning did santo farina use on sleepwalk? (10 years ago), Robert You can e-mail Johnny at: zzzwalk@optonline.net Best Regards, Rick. The dreamy tune . Johnny is also president of a record company called Aniraf, Inc (yep, that's "Farina" spelled backwards). Theyre like a monument, like the Colosseum. He had a Who cares? attitude. Its real.". I have no problem with that. 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. He was clever. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. It could be anything. Juan Raoul Davis "Johnny" Rodriguez (born December 10, 1951) is an American country music singer. Ive never stopped playing. Its easy to play. In 2002 Santo & Johnny were inducted into the International Steel Guitar Hall of Fame. 'Sleep Walk' never became an . But with Sleep Walk, it could be La Bamba or Eddie and the Cruisers. Internet Explorer is no longer supported on Last.fm. Bath The Farina brothers, Santo & Johnny, were born in Brooklyn, New York. www.santoandjohnny.com. Its like so many people when I hear them singing a song, either they have it or they dont have it. Peter Green from Fleetwood Mac was inspired by Sleep Walk to write Albatross. This was the signature song for SANTO & JOHNNY. They actually want to use the vocal version which I was really surprised at. The brothers soon formed a duo and became rather popular in school, eventually performing at events in the New York boroughs. Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. Report an Issue | It could be 12 Monkeys. He was 17 when killed in a 1959 airplane crash with Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper. Some of the people stood up. Santo & Johnny hometown, lineup, biography | Last.fm The dreamy tune evokes feelings of sweet romance that are rooted deep within all of us. He was like a crackerjack. Which memory from the late Bo Diddley makes you smile? Bio - Santo & Johnny Couldnt sleep one night after a gig, and came up with the melody. I must play every day. I think theres such magic in music. I had an idea to do it operatic style. I listened to vocalist Betty Anne Steeles version of it, which I thought was really good. What I noticed about them, they had a lot of speed. New York, composed of brothers Santo Farina (born October . Country and Western stars and musicians of the South Pacific held their ground with the same instrument combination. 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. Thank you for reading 5 articles this month*, US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year, UK pricing 2.99 per month or 29.00 per year, Europe pricing 3.49 per month or 34.00 per year, *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription. Johnny has kept the magical steel guitar sound alive performing as a solo artist all over the country since the early 70's. Also in 1999 a version of "Sleep Walk" by Brian Setzer earned the song a Grammy Award for best instrumental of 1999. Gary James' Interview With Johnny Farina - classicbands.com "Sleep Walk" was used throughout the 1992 Stephen King film, Sleepwalkers. Thats the way you sing. What a compliment that was. Larry Carlton and Johnny Farina on how Santo & Johnny changed - guitar Just before my father died, he told me: Johnny, never stop playing that steel guitar. [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. The first time it impacted me was as a 12-year-old attending local dances like all kids did. 1 position for two weeks during September 1959,[3] and earned a Gold record for Santo & Johnny. This is an UnsteadyCam Production. 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. Next thing you know, Sleep Walk, went to No. Heres a man who came from Italy when he was nine. tours and records new material with his own band. My Grandfather, Joe, used to talk to Santo all the time on the phone when he was still alive and I was young. [2] When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, They worked these 14 years playing clubs and casinos all over Europe. I've written a movie script and a soundtrack for it, just shopping it around. 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. They also had their own TV Show in Italy. Johnny Farina took that advice to heart. Santo, October 24, 1937 and Johnny, April 30, 1941. It held the #1 spot for them in Italy for 26 weeks which broke all records in Italy. Rick: A lot of people didn't do that. As Im speaking to him, he gets a note. I was totally taken by so many steel guitar players, one after another, would just come up and just play. I was talking to some of them and said, You know, you guys play more notes in one song than I play all year. [Laughing]. But, when I hear the 1959 Santo and Johnny Farina #1 hit instrumental, "Sleep Walk", it always stops me in my tracks. We never heard a steel guitar. "And I Love Her" hit the #1 spot and held it for 21 weeks in Mexicoandthey received The Golden Kangaroo Award for it in Mexico. Years later, they formed a band, playing at church dances, weddings and clubs. Santo & Johnny were inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in 2002. Johnny Farina: Yes, in 28 years it reverted back. It is also played in the end scene of "La Bamba" after protagonist Ritchie Valens dies. The worlds leading authority and resource for all things guitar. Powered by, Badges | Their first release, "Sleep Walk", was composed by the two brothers. Thats the feeling I have with Sleep Walk. What do you miss most nowadays from the past? (1959 Coney Island, New York) Because thats where I heard Sleep Walk on the radio for the first time. Santo would play steel guitar with Johnny accompanying him on traditional six-string, and that tape deck enabled the brothers to keep track of their compositions. Santo & Johnny were an Italian-American rock and roll duo from Brooklyn, New York, comprising brothers Santo and Johnny Farina. Hurry and lock in your price now before rates increase in 2023! And for us, Santo & Johnny it reached #1 and held that position for 26 weeks on the Italian Hit Parade. For more information and to purchase tickets, head here. No secret, we played it from our heart, not from a book or music lessons. Once this was discovered, many postings were retracted, citing the misunderstanding and emphasizing that the steel guitarist is indeed still alive although his whereabouts are currently unknown. Johnny continues to perform all over the world! The boys were young when their Dad was drafted into the Army and stationed in Oklahoma. I have changed my name from Farina to Rompe, but I was still bourne a Farina . "I hope people start to get back into songs that have strong melodies, and great chord changes. The first guitar my father bought was a Gibson lap steel. Its going to be a good show and Rocky has a great band., Here is how Santo and Johnny looked playing Sleep Walk on the Dick Clark nighttime show. For Those of You Who Enjoy Johnny Farina look------- : The Steel Guitar 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. I like Larry Carlton's version of Sleep Walk, as his version took it to a bluesy jazz style, but kept the feel of the song. 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). It was in a movie called All I Want for Christmas, with Cher, A Smile Like Yours, The Locust, Mermaids. It was crazy, Johnny said. They recorded a demonstration record that they circulated to local New York record companies. While Santo & Johnny wrote lyrics for "Sleep Walk", they never recorded a lyrical version, but Betsy Brye's version included these lyrics. Johnny Farina: He was. 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 had recorded and released over 40 albums worldwide. The early years when Sleep Walk became #1. Sleep Walk reached #1 on the charts and earned them a Gold Record. I really enjoyed this interview. 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. It was a painting and when the paintings painted, its painted. The next morning, I get a phone call. The brothers eventually came to the attention of a music publishing company and signed a songwriter's contract and eventually landed a recording contract with Canadian-American Records. My favorite was La Bamba (The Ritchie Valens Story, 1987), he added. Still writing, performing, and running my publishing company. The brothers soon formed a duo and became rather popular in school, eventually performing at events in the New York boroughs. Sleep Walk migrated the sound to the pop and early rock genre of the day, and in its own way, introduced the sound to a budding audience of young listeners and guitar players. This trio appeared at local dances and parties, performing both original compositions and some Hawaiian standards. He also named the album Sleep Walk, and had a successful jazz album with it. Guitar International Magazine Years later, they formed a band, playing at church dances, weddings and clubs. But, it can be used for any time. Facebook, 2023 Created by Michael Limnios Blues Network. Johnny Farina: When I looked at Lesthere are certain people that you look at and you just look at them like theyll always be around. Alvino Rey, and my father was also inspired by the background players of Hank Williams. Johnny Farina: No, a lot of people when they signed, they also signed that into effect, that there's no renewal that will apply to them. A version by Brian Setzer received a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance of 1998. 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. Wed love to stay in touch, sign up for The Pick team to contact you with great news, content and offers. [3], At present,[when?] Interview: Johnny Farina on 60 Years of the Iconic - guitarworld The Farina brothers, Santo & Johnny, were born in Brooklyn, New York. My first meeting, when I brought a demo of Sleep Walk around, and found someone to finally listen to it, and he really thought it was a great record and would be a big hit. Johnny Farina: Yes, you have to feel it. I hear a lot of steel guys playing it and they just play it. That scene always gets to me, because I loved Ritchies music, Farina said. Facebook How does it feel to have a song you wrote and recorded 60 years ago still be so well known and beloved today? Get the latest and greatest Guitar news with one of our guitar magazine subscriptions. The brothers eventually came to the attention of a music publishing company and signed a song writer's contract and eventually a contract with Canadian-American Records. Accept. "Sleep Walk" continues to be popular due to consistent radio airplay as well as its usage in commercials, television shows, and movies. We were excited to be involved with record industry people, and to make a real record with professional musicians. For those who don't know, Peter Green was inspired by this tune to write his worldwide it "ALBATROSS". "It's a song that won't die. Theres not much more for me to learn, I want to be a rock star. Do you recall what guitar you used on the recording? Rick: Sometimes the silence between notes is as important as the notes. It is part of my life. He wanted us to play it. [1] 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. [6], Upon returning from World War II, the boys' father found a music teacher who gave the boys steel guitar lessons. They didnt try to copy the original. Johnny Farina and his brother would build long lasting music careers that would endure for decades. I never thought about a number one record. There are several covers of Sleep Walk by rock groups. What are the secrets of sound of the steel guitar? Steel Guitarist, Johnny Farina, Talks About Sleep Walk, Les Paul, The Beatles, and Santo and Johnny (PART ONE), An Interview with India's Slide Guitar Ambassador Debashish Bhattacharya, Eric Johnson Interview: Austin, Strats and Standel Amps, Teddy Richards Talks About Songwriting, Developing As An Artist and Working With The Aretha Franklin Band, Shop our popular Accessory products at the new Brookstone.com. He was a genius. I havent been touched by anybody. Johnny Farina of Santo & Johnny. It has been covered multiple times by such artists as Jeff Beck, Chet Atkins, Joe Satriani, Les Paul, the Ventures, Brian Setzer and Larry Carlton. Johnny Farina of Santo & Johnny. I was 16, and I told my Dad I was quitting school. [9] Are there any versions that you particularly enjoy? 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. Can you tell our readers what you are up to musically these days? Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? The song sleepwalk artist? He said, Well, listen. I want you to hear something.. Re: Santo and Johnny Farina - Genealogy.com Tim Kring's 'Heroes' which aired on NBC also featured "Sleep Walk" playing on a record in a diner, from the episode '1961'.Santo & Johnny were inducted into The Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in 2002. Its been in at least 30 movies. It rose to the No. ABOUT LONG ISLAND; For Johnny Maestro, the Music Never Stopped I hope people start to get back into songs that have strong melodies, and great chord changes. I call it my Christmas feel. I was 16 when Sleep Walk hit No. We stopped there on one of our trips and he said, Oh, listen. When Sleep Walk was released it was a strange brew of steel guitar and six-string, not because the two instruments were never entwined before. Rick, could you help me directing me on hot to go about obtaining permission to use sleepwalk (Santo and Johnny) for a TV ad? 911 followers. 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. Read his Letter to the Editor. Rick:I hadnt realized until yesterday really that Sleep Walk actually had lyrics. I love reading about the inspiration of instrumental songs. With money Santo made from these performances, he bought a Fender steel guitar, one with three necks, each with eight strings. Johnny Farina: Because Sleep Walk can actually be for any timeit was written in one of the newspapers when Celine Dion sang the song from Titanic, you visualize the ship going down. george nadara, Jun 8, 2016 #2 I apparently can't post links yet, but that page tells how their father, in the Army at the time, wanted the boys to learn how to play steel. Father bought us a six-string Gibson lap steel along with a small Gibson amplifier so we took a few lessons then started to learn and write our own songs too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rwfqsjimRM Santo & Johnny were an American rock and roll music duo from Brooklyn, New York, comprising brothers Santo and Johnny Farina.They are known best for their in. The song is played at the start and also near the end of the film, during a funeral for Valens. 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. After I finished playing, he actually said, Listen, are you gonna play here? I said, Yeah, sure. He said, Sometimes when I have people up onstage and I want them to go, I say Theres a phone call for you. I said, Les, when you want to get rid of me, just tell me Theres a phone call for you. He said, No, that phones not gonna ring for you. Turn on your computer and see whats on the screen. He sent me a picture of him and me hugging. Johnny apparently has a Website, santoandjohnny.com, but there seems to be scant mention of Santo (by name) on there, including the "bio" page. Years ago, I actually did a version of Sleep Walk operatic style. Rick: Very appropriate too. Terms of Service. 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. Santo & Johnny's career was without a doubt . The whole chord structure is changed and everything. I had a girl sing it and it was really good. When he returned from the war they searched out to a man who could get them started with the steel. I can fish. Which was the best and worst moment of your career? He was four years older than me. Santo and I were on the road and when we came back to the office a lot of times we would stop at the office instead of going home we would see what was going on with our manager. In 1973 they recorded "The Godfather" movie theme. 21 following. What are some of the most memorable gigs you've had? There have also been so many covers of Sleep Walk, from artists ranging from Brian Setzer to Eric Clapton to Jeff Beck. We were inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame about 10 years ago and I was down in St. Louis. Dad was in the army and he heard what he thought was Hawaiian or steel guitars on the radio and loved that sound, Johnny says, So he wrote home to our mother saying hed like the boys to learn to play. Indie group Modest Mouse also covered the song with lyrics and entitled their version "Sleepwalkin'". And its stature has only grown over the years. I am hoping to find some other links to the Farinas that I am involved with. 7 talking about this. He was drafted into the army. You can stay as long as you want. I said, Wow, thats so sweet., I did a few numbers with him. Johnny Farina Santo Farina Santo & Johnny were an American rock and roll duo from Brooklyn, New York. I was producing an artist for Lorimar Records, and the vice president Jay Levy was hanging out at my studio, Carlton continues. Johnny Farina was 16, when he and his brother, Santo, released the all-time classic instrumental, Sleep Walk. 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. I have a group of movies that Sleep Walk was actually used in. He had good ears. The song changed his life in many ways. He used to listen to country and western. 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. When Santo was a teenager, he was able to get a local music store to modify an acoustic guitar, allowing him to play it like a steel guitar.Within two years, Santo was performing in amateur shows on a new Gibson six-string steel guitar and had started receiving lessons from a steel guitar teacher who had studied in Hawaii. 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. I actually thought if they came out with a vocal version, who knows, maybe Lady Gaga might do it. We have estimated They also had their own TV Show in Italy. His place was the Gibson place where you would go. I told him, Dad, you dont understand. Diana Ross actually sang it. Johnny Farina Biography, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, Family Bo Diddley, playing a violin backstage in his shorts at The Alan Freed Show in Brooklyn, New York. 62 years ago, guitar players around the world were mesmerised by the new sound coming from a New York duo Sleep Walk by Santo & Johnny. I dont know if you ever heard of him. the Amazon Associates Program via amazon.com. How did you and Santo come to write Sleep Walk? I spoke with Johnny about the song, The Beatles, Carlos Santana, and other things musical, just before he was headed out to the U.K. for a gig.