They were in their late 80s. 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. In no time, TV shows clamoured for their appearances as Santo and Johnny became stars on American Bandstandand The Perry Como Show. He wanted us to play it. People are more educated today. Johnny Farina Biography, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, Family Great interview/er. BA1 1UA. Santo Farina (Santo & Johnny) RIP | Steve Hoffman Music Forums Sleep Walk brought them to Europe. Santo & Johnny / Johnny Farina - Posts | Facebook I had an idea to do it operatic style. 1, released on his Aniraf label. Years later, they formed a band, playing at church dances, weddings and clubs. Santo and Johnny Farina were born in Brooklyn, New York; Santo on October 24, 1937 and Johnny on April 30, 1941. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rwfqsjimRM, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6nPJcvJ3vQ, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODIvONHPqpk. Santo & Johnny were inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in 2002. Brooklyn, New York, New York, United States. All rights reserved. Cause & Effects: Compression is it for guitarists or producers. 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. Their father was drafted into the Army while they were children and was stationed for some time in Oklahoma. Johnny Farina Santo Farina Santo & Johnny were an American rock and roll duo from Brooklyn, New York. Santo & Johnny / Johnny Farina - Facebook Johnny's performance is an energy packed show with great memories guaranteed. 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 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. Johnny Farina: Ironically, when I was a kid, I never forgot that my father bought us a guitar, a steel guitar. Santo, October 24, 1937 and Johnny, April 30, 1941. But Carltons 1982 version, Sleepwalkis one of the most beloved. It was crazy, Johnny said. I thought that was so sweet. I changed the chord structure as I did in my Christmas CD. In celebration of the songs 60thanniversary, Johnny Farina is performing a special show at New York Citys the Cutting Room on April 20. Johnny Rodriguez Occupation(s) Singer songwriter Instrument(s) Vocals guitar Years active 1972-present Labels Mercury Epic Capitol Paula . , money, salary, income, and assets. Tony Farina looked at his son and said: Johnny, the only stars are in the sky. And we both played steel guitar on it. "It's a song that won't die. Johnny Farina of Santo & Johnny. Dating & Relationship status He is currently single. Powered by, Badges | Gary James' Interview With Johnny Farina Of Santo And Johnny Their song, an instrumental song called "Sleep Walk" spent two weeks at number one on the Billboard charts in September, 1959. He is not dating anyone. There are several covers of Sleep Walk by rock groups. There have also been so many covers of Sleep Walk, from artists ranging from Brian Setzer to Eric Clapton to Jeff Beck. Image: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images. Some are: Brian Setzer, Larry Carlton, Deftones, Jeff Beck, Danny Gatton, James Burton, Joe Satriani, The Ventures, Modest Mouse, Chet Atkins, Robby Krieger, Al Caiola, Les Paul, The Supremes, Renee Olstead, Eric Clapton, Al Kooper & Carlos Santana, Some artists inspired by Sleep Walk: John Lennon was inspired by Sleep Walk to write Free As a Bird. actually, can you recommend any? It earned them a Gold Record and they went on to tour the world. Im not saying that the notes are wrong. "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. Rick: Yeah, he had a great sense of timing. Do you believe in the existence of real music nowadays? Playing the steel is like singing. It is part of my life. Years ago, I actually did a version of Sleep Walk operatic style. It was just a natural thing that happened to us. Affiliate programs and 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. This allowed him to experiment even more, and he tried different tunings until he found ones that appealed to him. For those who don't know, Peter Green was inspired by this tune to write his worldwide it "ALBATROSS". The guy was so amazing. 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. The whole chord structure is changed and everything. Rick: Very appropriate too. It was such a touching, moving thing. I want you to hear something.. 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! Johnny made the rounds of the New York record companies. There was a dealer in New York on Broadway. Sleep Walk, is one of those songs that will never die. If I dont play every day, there is something not right about the day for me. That was it. Santo & Johnny were now International artists. Santo, October 24, 1937 and Johnny, April 30, 1941. the Amazon Associates Program via amazon.com. 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. 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. 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. When Sleep Walk was a hit, we were only kids. If Johnny is still alive, there could be children, even grandchildren. This was an early call. Johnny Farina of Santo & Johnny (Two brothers from Brooklyn). Also in 1999 a version of "Sleep Walk" by Brian Setzer earned the song a Grammy Award for best instrumental of 1999. 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. 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". This trio appeared at local dances and parties, performing both original compositions and some Hawaiian standards. Couldnt sleep one night after a gig, and came up with the melody. Heres a man who came from Italy when he was nine. It lends itself to a lot of different genre of movies, dont you think? They were than signed to an Italian record label and had a string of hits in Europe starting with "Sleep Walk" followed by hit singles, Love Story, Maria Elena, Ebb Tide, Love is Blue, Enchanted Sea, etc, etc. And Ill never stop playing it., Our site uses cookies. Which was the best and worst moment of your career? They received a gold record in Italy and were inducted into the Italian Music Hall of Fame. 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. I must play every day. Santo Farina is 73 years old (birthdate: October 24, 1937). Johnny Farina:The Iridiums kind of small, and he had a small dressing room. Juan Raoul Davis "Johnny" Rodriguez (born December 10, 1951) is an American country music singer. Terms of Service. I hope people start to get back into songs that have strong melodies, and great chord changes. 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. Want all the latest news from The Villages delivered directly to your email inbox? In Italy in 2012, performing The Godfather (Ill Padrino) with a 23 piece orchestra, live. 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. He said, Well, listen. What are you waiting for. It could be anything. where steel players meet online. Unfortunately, he passed away. Robert. I was 16, and I told my Dad I was quitting school. Johnny Farina bringing musical talent to 'Original Lead Singers' show Still writing, performing, and running my publishing company. It was the last #1 instrumental of the 50's and earned them a Gold Record. How do you describe Johnny Farina sound and progress, what characterize your music philosophy? "Sleep Walk" was recorded at Trinity Records in Manhattan. Its still gonna stand. He also named the album Sleep Walk, and had a successful jazz album with it. The boys were young when their Dad was drafted into the Army and stationed in Oklahoma. Johnny is also the president of Aniraf, Inc., an international record company based in New York. 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. Santo, October 24, 1937 and Johnny, April 30, 1941. Johnny Farina of Santo & Johnny. Facebook, 2023 Created by Michael Limnios Blues Network. By the age of fourteen, Santo was composing songs, and formed an instrumental trio with a guitarist and drummer. Santo & Johnny were inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in 2002. He plays Savannah Center for two shows on Thursday at 5 and 8 p.m. Hes part of Rockys Original Lead Singers of Pop N Rock, concert. Are there any versions that you particularly enjoy? That tune, in turn, then influenced the Beatles on their own "Sun King.". 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. Indie group Modest Mouse also covered the song with lyrics and entitled their version "Sleepwalkin'". Also learn how He earned most of networth at the age of 80 years old? Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). It was only my fathers insight. Johnny Farina and his brother would build long lasting music careers that would endure for decades. I told him, Dad, you dont understand. They recorded a demonstration record that they circulated to local New York record companies. Santo & Johnny 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. We lived in an Italian neighborhood. What are the secrets of sound of the steel guitar? Rick Landers: Yeah, he was wonderful. He had good ears. george nadara, Jun 8, 2016 #2 It features Rocky and the Rollers along with: Joey Dee (Peppermint Twist); Ron Dante of the Archies (Sugar Sugar), John Claude Gummoe from The Cascades (Listen to the Rhythm of the Falling Rain) and Henry Gross, an original member of Sha Na Na. He is not dating anyone. Im playing a 1956 Fender double-neck eight-string through a Fender Twin Reverb, he explains. I hear a lot of musicians that play it. Alvino Rey, and my father was also inspired by the background players of Hank Williams. 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. They also had their own TV Show in Italy. I was talking to a guy who did some story on me in California a couple of years ago. Johnny Farina: He was. "[7] The song was "Sleep Walk" and during September 1959 it scored at the top of the American charts. affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network, and Facebook We looked at him and didnt understand it. 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. 1 position for two weeks in September (the 21st and the 28th) and remained in the 'Top 40' list until November 9. I am hoping to find some other links to the Farinas that I am involved with. Peter Green from Fleetwood Mac was inspired by Sleep Walk to write Albatross. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, By the age of fourteen, Santo was composing songs, and formed an instrumental trio with a guitarist and drummer. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Which is the most interesting period in your life? And he was a nice man. Internet Explorer is no longer supported on Last.fm. What do you miss most nowadays from the past? Johnny Farina was 16, when he and his brother, Santo, released the all-time classic instrumental, Sleep Walk. (1959 Coney Island, New York) Because thats where I heard Sleep Walk on the radio for the first time. Do you remember me?, There were a few other names on the note that were signed. Johnny Farina: Yes, I believe that very strongly. In order to have the best experience, please upgrade to a more modern browser. What has made you laugh lately and what touched (emotionally) you from the music circuits? [4][5] Thats basically how we got introduced to a guitar. 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. Rick:I hadnt realized until yesterday really that Sleep Walk actually had lyrics. 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. We signed to Trinity Music and part of the deal was that they would get the publishing. Rick: In trying to cover a classic, its really difficult to get the feel of the original, I think, in many cases. "Sleep Walk" also plays a role in the 1995 Terry Gilliam sci-fi film, 12 Monkeys. Let's take a trip with a time machine, so where and why would you really wanna go for a whole day ..? Santo Farina 1959 What tuning did santo farina use on sleepwalk? He looks at this note and shows it to me and it said, Hi, Les. Santo and Johnny Farina are brothers. Robert. "Sleep Walk" was used throughout the 1992 Stephen King film, Sleepwalkers. For Those of You Who Enjoy Johnny Farina look------- : The Steel Guitar 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 has been covered multiple times by such artists as Jeff Beck, Chet Atkins, Joe Satriani, Les Paul, the Ventures, Brian Setzer and Larry Carlton. We were inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame about 10 years ago and I was down in St. Louis. Theyre like a monument, like the Colosseum. After many, many years, I got my publishing back. We were excited to be involved with record industry people, and to make a real record with professional musicians. Sleep Walk is over 50 years old and still going strong, being used in movies, TV shows and commercials. At 82 years old, Johnny Farina height not available right now. All we kept hearing was mandolins, accordions and acoustic guitar. This is the first time we start to talk and I actually met him. this can result in this site earning a commission. Years later, they formed a band, playing at church dances, weddings and clubs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODIvONHPqpk 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. This wasnt easy growing up in an Italian/Irish neighbourhood everyone was either playing an accordion or a mandolin! Johnny Farina: I think its easy to play. Discussion in 'Music Corner' started by WayOutWardell, Jun 8, 2016. Johnny Farina was born on 30 April, 1941 in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA, is a Rock duo. Their first release, "Sleep Walk", was composed by the two brothers. [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. It just happened as we were creating original melodies. Johnny Farina: Out of all the people who sang it, she captured it. The Genius Of Below the Lights by Enslaved. The song changed his life in many ways. 8 talking about this. Johnny apparently has a Website, santoandjohnny.com, but there seems to be scant mention of Santo (by name) on there, including the "bio" page. "Deep Sleep" became "Sleep Walk" and in September 1959 it topped the American charts. 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. 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. He heard this beautiful-sounding instrument and thats what turned him on to the steel guitar. "I hope people start to get back into songs that have strong melodies, and great chord changes. 40 years later, still a mystery: Where is Johnny Gosch? 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]. I saw on FB confirmed by family that Santo Farina has passed away at 77. http://www.amazon.com/Best-Santo-Jonny&qid=1465467534&ref_=sr_1_1&s=music&sr=1-1, Forum Policies, Rules, and Terms of Service. Hohnny of Santo & Johnny keep his magical steel guitar sound alive performing as a solo artist throughout the country. 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. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. The Strange Dave Show made me laugh. Read his Letter to the Editor. Santo & Johnny hometown, lineup, biography | Last.fm