Johnny Foodstamp at WKU's Java City

 How many of us out in Southern Kentucky today have ever heard 1930s ragtime music?  How many have ever heard the plucky tones of a Banjo ukulele?   Probably not too many of us have heard this type of music which is why we booked Nashville performer and song stylist, Johnny Foodstamp for Java City Noontime Concert series.  Johnny, originally from New Jersey moved to Nashville almost two decades ago and fell in love with the music scene there.   Not content to join the endless ranks of guitar wizards however, he has struck out on his own to present an old, but new sound which is both interesting and fun.  Accompanied by his trusty banjo ukulele, Johnny rolled through such tunes as “Motel Heaven, “Mr. Wu’s a Window Cleaner Now and the hilarious “I Only Say I Love You When I’m Naked”  with its wicked kazoo solo.   Accompanied by local, promoter Franne Jennings,   Johnny is also scheduled to meet with D93’s Tommy Starr for an interview soon that is sure to be memorable.  

Johnny thanks so much for playing at Java City.  Your sound is unique and yet compelling.  How would you describe your sound?

I describe it as Olde Tyme Music from the future. It’s happy music for the repression era.

Can you tell us a bit about your personal and musical history?  

I’ve played the Ukulele since Middle School (age 13) and was ostracized from conventional “bands” for my instrument choice and eccentric lyrics. I also play upright bass, concertina, guitar and kazoo.

Where did you get the stage name Johnny Foodstamp?

It’s my given Christian name.  Son of a waitress and a railroad worker.

I heard you playing a George Formby tune.  Was he one of your inspirations?

George Formby has been a great inspiration to me and is my favorite artist all-time.  I also admire Roy Smeck (another ukulele wizard form the 1930s) I also admire James Brown and many early soul/R&B artists for their vocal styles. (Editor’s note: check out George Formby and Roy Smeck along with Johnny Foodstamp on YouTube.)

What attracted you to old time music and ragtime?

Mainly, my love of the ukulele.  The 20s-30s were a hot time for the ukulele and a lot of the best uke music comes from that era.

For those of us who may not know, tell us about the banjo uke?

The banjo ukulele was invented in 1911.  Concert hall music was huge and wooden ukes weren’t loud enough.

Do you have a CD available?

Yes, entitled “Motel Heaven” just came out on February 17th and is available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, CDBaby and Rhapsody.

Where do you want to go with Johnny Foodstamp professionally?

My goal is to be an ambassador for the ukulele.  Through comedy and technical skill, I will give the banjo uke a good name.  

Thanks for taking time to talk to us Johnny.  We would love to see you back in Bowling Green very soon.

Thank you very much!

About the author: Jack Montgomery is a librarian, author and Professor at Western Kentucky University where he handles bookings for musical acts in University Libraries, Java City coffeehouse. Jack has also been a professional musician since 1969 and performs with a celtic quartet called Watersprite. Visit him at MySpace/shadowdancerjack or on Facebook.