I would have to say Larry Carlton is my favorite cover of Sleep Walk. actually, can you recommend any? He said, Well, listen. The Farina brothers, Santo & Johnny, were born in Brooklyn, New York. Johnny Farina. That scene always gets to me, because I loved Ritchies music, Farina said. "Sleep Walk" entered Billboard's 'Top 40' on August 17, 1959. Santo & Johnny were an Italian-American rock and roll duo from Brooklyn, New York, comprising brothers Santo and Johnny Farina. I was 16, and I told my Dad I was quitting school. Its sort of like a scary movie because thats the trend today. Great interview/er. They had their own TV show in Italy, covered all the James Bond movie music, were awarded a Gold Record for the Godfather Theme, and inducted into the Hall of Fame in Italy. They even ended up with their own TV show in Italy and went on to earn another gold record for their version of the theme from the movie The Godfather. Thats the feeling I have with Sleep Walk. Hanging proudly on his wall, Johnny has 2 Gold Records, one for "Sleep Walk" and on for "The Godfather". The Farina brothers began to gather fans from Brooklyn to Long Island.As their popularity grew locally they recorded a couple of demo tapes. He kept saying, You guys are writing songs. He bought us a Webcor tape recorder and said, I want you to tape everything you think you like to play, and he was right. Initially Sleep Walk was met with rejections as the hitmakers were only interested in doo-wop music at this point, but they eventually scored success with a publisher instead, Trinity Music. As their popularity grew locally they recorded a couple of demo tapes. Somehow the future of music seems to be in a total different direction where the melody is very hard to find.". My Grandfather, Joe, used to talk to Santo all the time on the phone when he was still alive and I was young. Want all the latest news from The Villages delivered directly to your email inbox? 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. How do you describe Johnny Farina sound and progress, what characterize your music philosophy? And we both played steel guitar on it. Its been in at least 30 movies. According to our Database, He has no children. Sleep Walkhas twice had an impact on my life, says Larry Carlton the session legend would go on to be heavily associated with the song, having recorded a hugely popular version of it himself in the 80s. This was an early call. They actually want to use the vocal version which I was really surprised at. After many, many years, I got my publishing back. I was 16 when Sleep Walk hit No. 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]. Santo & Johnny were now International artists. In addition to being featured extensively in movies, television and commercials, Sleep Walk has also been covered by everyone from Jeff Beck, Brian Setzer (who won a Grammy for his version in 1998) and Larry Carlton to Derek Trucks, Chet Atkins and even the Deftones. Port Isabel Texas. [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. Heres a man who came from Italy when he was nine. Johnny apparently has a Website, santoandjohnny.com, but there seems to be scant mention of Santo (by name) on there, including the "bio" page. It was the last #1 instrumental of the 50's and earned them a Gold Record. The best time of my career is when I heard Sleep Walk on the radio for the first time. A Village of Tamarind Grove resident, in a Letter to the Editor, contends Florida needs driving tests which are more stringent for senior citizens. Johnny Farina: Its like anything else. 1, he said. "Sleep Walk" continues to be popular due to consistent radio airplay as well as its usage in commercials, television shows, and movies. We have a different style of playing and phrasing developed through years of playing the steel guitar, an instrument that was primarily used for country and Hawaiian music, mostly in the background, until Santo and I brought it into Rock n' Roll in the 50s in our own style as the lead instrument. Guitar great Carlton on how a 60-year-old song, Sleep Walkchanged his life twice, and why Johnny Farina is still playing this timeless classic that influenced everyone from Peter Green to John Lennon. All rights reserved. How does it feel to have a song you wrote and recorded 60 years ago still be so well known and beloved today? For those who don't know, Peter Green was inspired by this tune to write his worldwide it "ALBATROSS". The Farina brothers, Santo & Johnny, were born in Brooklyn, New York. 1999 was a great year for "Sleep Walk", it earned BMI's Millionaires Award symbolizing 2 million airplays on the radio. 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. Its like play it or PLAY it. Johnny Farina: Yes, I believe that very strongly. Hohnny of Santo & Johnny keep his magical steel guitar sound alive performing as a solo artist throughout the country. The brothers werent satisfied to rest on their laurels and would release duet and solo albums to keep the flame alive. Heres how it works. Santo & Johnny's career was without a doubt . "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. 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. Some music diminishes over time and fades away as new sounds and trends emerge that capture new generations with faddish sound effects, speed or unheard of complexity. Connect your Spotify account to your Last.fm account and scrobble everything you listen to, from any Spotify app on any device or platform. After hearing a steel guitar by radio, he wrote to his wife, "I'd like the boys to learn to play this instrument". They also had their own TV Show in Italy. The early years when Sleep Walk became #1. I havent been touched by anybody. [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. The brothers wrote a song one night when they "couldn't sleep after playing a gig, and started jamming. But, when I hear the 1959 Santo and Johnny Farina #1 hit instrumental, "Sleep Walk", it always stops me in my tracks. Its also the song that inspired Peter Green to compose his masterwork, Albatross, and John Lennon to write Free As A Bird. But, when I hear the 1959 Santo and Johnny Farina #1 hit instrumental, Sleep Walk, it always stops me in my tracks. Johnny Farina and his brother would build long lasting music careers that would endure for decades. Within two years, Santo was performing in amateur shows using a new Gibson six-string steel guitar and had started receiving lessons from a steel guitar teacher who had studied in Hawaii. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6nPJcvJ3vQ I recorded this at The Cutting Room June 8 2013 (NYC). We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged. Santo Farina is 73 years old (birthdate: October 24, 1937). Sleep Walk, is one of those songs that will never die. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rwfqsjimRM What are some of the most memorable gigs you've had? the Amazon Associates Program via amazon.com. Also in 1999 a version of "Sleep Walk" by Brian Setzer earned the song a Grammy Award for best instrumental of 1999. Which was the best and worst moment of your career? Its a total different instrument. When Johnny reached the age of twelve, he began to play accompaniment to Santo on a standard electric guitar. One day Johnny decided to try a music publishing company and there is where the history of "Sleep Walk" started, they signed a song writer's contracts which later on lead them to Canadian American Records. Rick: In trying to cover a classic, its really difficult to get the feel of the original, I think, in many cases. Were gonna be really famous. My brother gave me a look like he always would, Yeah, yeah.. I have changed my name from Farina to Rompe, but I was still bourne a Farina . That was good. 1 position for two weeks in September (the 21st and the 28th) and remained in the 'Top 40' list until November 9. Thats one movie that Ill never forget how it was used. Johnny Farina took that advice to heart. 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. Also learn how He earned most of networth at the age of 80 years old? He is from USA. Rick: Yeah, he had a great sense of timing. Do you remember me?, There were a few other names on the note that were signed. 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. Guitar International Magazine You can stay as long as you want. I said, Wow, thats so sweet., I did a few numbers with him. 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. Mike Perlowin From: Los Angeles CA Posted 8 Jun 2016 8:16 pm The first time ev ever saw a steel guitar was when Santo and Johnny played Sleepwalk on American Bandstand. The popularity of the song and of these guitar-playing brothers soon caught the eye of Fender, who featured the Farina brothers on the front covers of their catalogues with Jazzmaster and Stringmaster steel guitars in their hands. Johnny Farina: Ironically, when I was a kid, I never forgot that my father bought us a guitar, a steel guitar. Thank you so very much. There on the radio he heard this beautiful music, it was the sound of the steel guitar. Are there any versions that you particularly enjoy? Johnny is also the president of Aniraf, Inc., an international record company based in New York City. 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. This is the first time we start to talk and I actually met him. Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. Also in 1999 a version of "Sleep Walk" by Brian Setzer earned the song a Grammy Award for best instrumental of 1999. He loved country and western. 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Here is Carlton playing with Johnny on steel guitar: 1 hit single by Santo & Johnny is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary and the song's legacy continues to grow. He had no musical knowledge of any sort. That was it. Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck put the style on Sleep Walk that they're known forheavy. 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. Years later, they formed a band, playing at church dances, weddings and clubs. Bo Diddley, playing a violin backstage in his shorts at The Alan Freed Show in Brooklyn, New York. Johnny Farinas income source is mostly from being a successful Soundtrack. When I play the steel guitar, it becomes part of me, and I become part of the instrument, Johnny said. Johnny Farina: Yes, you have to feel it. It was such a touching, moving thing. He is currently single. 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. [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. Even though Catarina Valente, who was an international singer, she sang it. I can fish. 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. Sleep Walk has been recorded by over 100 artists. A version by Brian Setzer received a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance of 1998. And although the success of Sleep Walk may overshadow their many accomplishments over the years, the song has served as a formidable calling card in an industry that demands talent, tenacity and resilience. Im not sure why we started talking about it. What are you waiting for. Hed wait. Let's take a trip with a time machine, so where and why would you really wanna go for a whole day ..? We have estimated My brotherand I brought the steel guitar into rock and roll, Johnny said. 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 of Santo & Johnny fame keeps the legendary instrumental Sleep Walk alive, 60+ years after it was recorded. 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. But, it can be used for any time. Rich is the co-author of the best-selling Nthin' But a Good Time: The Uncensored History of the '80s Hard Rock Explosion. Which memory from the late Bo Diddley makes you smile? With money Santo made from these performances, he bought a Fender steel guitar, one with three necks, each with eight strings. New York, composed of brothers Santo Farina (born October . 11 guitarists who shaped Derek Trucks' sound, Joe Bonamassa plays AC/DCs Back in Black like youve never heard it before in this soulful rhythm n blues reimagining, How Jeff Beck passed the Telecaster torch to Jimmy Page and changed the course of rock history, Nuno Bettencourt says Prince once called him one of the top three guitar players in the world, Watch two bassists shred-off using Tosin Abasi's selective picking technique. They received a gold record in Italy and were inducted into the Italian Music Hall of Fame. 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. I was never a fast player. Rick: Sometimes the silence between notes is as important as the notes. When I went onstage to play with him, he made the announcement. Its real. I hope people start to get back into songs that have strong melodies, and great chord changes. And its stature has only grown over the years. 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. Rick: A lot of people didn't do that. They also did all the cover records for the James Bond films.In 1965 they released an LP of Beatles songs. In 2002 Santo & Johnny were inducted into the International Steel Guitar Hall of Fame. I know how to do other things. They worked these 14 years playing clubs and casinos all over Europe. He heard this beautiful-sounding instrument and thats what turned him on to the steel guitar. Johnny has kept the magical steel guitar sound alive performing as a solo artist all over the country since the early 70's. It is part of my life. Until, Sleep Walk, the steel guitar was mostly used in country music, and some blues. This allowed him to experiment even more, and he tried different tunings until he found ones that appealed to him. Sleep Walk has become such a classic, and was said to have inspired both Fleetwood Macs Albatross and, indirectly, the Beatles Sun King. Over the years did you ever hear from any of the artists who were inspired by your song? Somehow the future of music seems to be in a total different direction where the melody is very hard to find. "I hope people start to get back into songs that have strong melodies, and great chord changes. 'Sleep Walk' never became an . Playing the steel is like singing. Nowadays, Johnny flies solo, however, and its changed his approach. Johnny Farina of Santo & Johnny (Two brothers from Brooklyn). They put the 45 on and its Betsy Brice singing Sleep Walk. This is an UnsteadyCam Production. The steel guitarist of the duo, Johnny Farina keeps the retro guitar vibe of Santo & Johnny alive and well with his 2006 solo CD Pure Steel Vol. I'm still here! By the age of fourteen, Santo was composing songs, and formed an instrumental trio with a guitarist and drummer. Rick, could you help me directing me on hot to go about obtaining permission to use sleepwalk (Santo and Johnny) for a TV ad? He wrote home to his wife and said "I'd like the boys to learn to play this instrument". Furthermore, the song has been credited as an influence on Peter Green when composing Fleetwood Mac's legendary instrumental, "Albatross." For more information and to purchase tickets, head here. 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. 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! Tweet He used to listen to country and western. Johnny Farina: Yeah, it was called Sleepwalkers. They know when to take a breath. Powered by, Badges | Alan loved the song, Johnny said. They appeared on American Bandstand, The Perry Como Show, The Alan Freed Show. When he returned from the war they searched out to a man who could get them started with the steel. Affiliate programs and Santo and Johnny Farina were the 45th induction into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in 2002. But Carltons 1982 version, Sleepwalkis one of the most beloved. Facebook We were inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame about 10 years ago and I was down in St. Louis. In 1959, Santo & Johnny hit the charts with the most unique guitar instrumental of all time. Couldnt sleep one night after a gig, and came up with the melody. Santo and Johnny split up the act during the mid-1970s. (1959 Coney Island, New York) Because thats where I heard Sleep Walk on the radio for the first time. 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. Facebook, 2023 Created by Michael Limnios Blues Network. What are the differences from the normal slide guitar? Rick: The song came out in 59, right? When people ask me a question, How did you feel when that song was created? or What made you guys write that song? The best way I feel I can describe it is, if I were to be painting a portrait. 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 wanted to get it to, at the time, Pavarotti. 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. "Sleep Walk" was recorded at Trinity Records in Manhattan. He looks at this note and shows it to me and it said, Hi, Les. Not playing on it, but playing in it. my knowledge other than that one is pretty poor. He said no. Report an Issue | He was a genius. 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. They play it note for note. The dreamy tune . Its for any time. It was only my fathers insight. If Johnny is still alive, there could be children, even grandchildren. Their first release, "Sleep Walk", was composed by the two brothers. It was the last #1 instrumental of the 50's and earned them a Gold Record. God gave my brother and I a special gift, he reflects. This wasnt easy growing up in an Italian/Irish neighbourhood everyone was either playing an accordion or a mandolin! Currently, Santo has retired from touring, while Johnny Farina is still on the road with his own band. They recorded a demonstration record that they circulated to local New York record companies. We lived in an Italian neighborhood. At the beginning of our conversation, I asked if hed ever met Les Paul, who had covered Sleep Walk and our conversation turned to the interview. Santo and Johnny are known best for. 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. He has authored several additional books, among them Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck, the companion to the documentary of the same name. The first guitar my father bought was a Gibson lap steel. I don't know how legal it was at the time or if it still holds up. Rick Landers: Yeah, he was wonderful. Ironically, we never really play country and western. It was a natural thing. They did their own thing on it. 8 talking about this. His name was Ed Burton. But with Sleep Walk, it could be La Bamba or Eddie and the Cruisers. Its like so many people when I hear them singing a song, either they have it or they dont have it. Our first record session, when we recorded Sleep Walk. You dont remember me from last night? [Both Laughing]. He had a Who cares? attitude. It was recorded at Trinity Records in Manhattan. We wrote and recorded so many songs. Santo and Johnny Farina are brothers. We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged. "Sleep Walk" also plays a role in the 1995 Terry Gilliam sci-fi film, 12 Monkeys. With money Santo made from these performances, he bought a Fender steel guitar, one with three necks, each with eight strings. 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. For me, the most important thing is the music. He had that feel about him. Dating & Relationship status He is currently single. Peter Green from Fleetwood Mac was inspired by Sleep Walk to write Albatross. 1 in 1959 and remains one of the most iconic songs of all-time. We will update Johnny Farina's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible. MySpace He owned Trinity Music and became our manager. Johnny Farina Interview: PART TWO. I never forgot the day that my brother and I were walking in front of our parents. Sleep Walk reached #1 on the charts and earned them a Gold Record. Theres not much more for me to learn, I want to be a rock star. Feature Other Events July 27-29, 2023 - Towne Square Community Center, Winchester, IN September 21-23, 2023 - Odd Fellows Lodge, Cupertino, CA In Italy in 2012, performing The Godfather (Ill Padrino) with a 23 piece orchestra, live. We looked at him and didnt understand it. Get the latest and greatest Guitar news with one of our guitar magazine subscriptions. It remains one of the biggest hits from rock n rolls golden era, and its no exaggeration to say that it changed the perception of instrumental music. [4][5] Santo & Johnny were an American rock and roll instrumental duo of Italian descent[1] from Brooklyn, New York, composed of brothers Santo Farina (born October 24, 1937) and Johnny Farina (born April 30, 1941). Robert. Its still gonna stand. Santo & Johnny were inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in 2002. And the first time Santo and I did the Alan Freed Show in Brooklyn, New York. Its finished. Tips still come in every year, he said, and they are . In celebration of the song's 60th anniversary, Johnny Farina is performing a special show at New York City's the Cutting Room on April 20. 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. 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. Santo, October 24, 1937 and Johnny, April 30, 1941. Still touring and keeping Sleep Walk alive! The first time it impacted me was as a 12-year-old attending local dances like all kids did. We never heard a steel guitar. As Im speaking to you, Im looking through my files. Their first release, "Sleep Walk", was credited as being composed by the two brothers plus Santo's wife, Ann,[8] although Johnny later said that her name was put on by mistake. Alvino Rey, and my father was also inspired by the background players of Hank Williams. Johnny continues to perform all over the world! The boys were young when their Dad was drafted into the Army and stationed in Oklahoma. All user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. There on the radio he heard this beautiful music, it was the sound of the steel guitar. (10 years ago), Robert You can e-mail Johnny at: zzzwalk@optonline.net Best Regards, Rick. What I noticed about them, they had a lot of speed. Recently there was a movie that might be coming out called The Conjuring. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2022-2023. We signed to Trinity Music and part of the deal was that they would get the publishing. The Farina brothers began to gather fans from Brooklyn to Long Island. Thats basically how we got introduced to a guitar.

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