Amazing songwriter/performer John Gorka chats with Crow Johnson Evans about becoming a songwriter, a mentor, a co-conspirator with other players, and a family man happy in his own skin. Give yourself twenty minutes to get to know the kind, humorous, and wise John Gorka.
Thank you for this wonderful conversation, Crow. I’ve been a fan of John’s for decades and have enjoyed the gift of his live performances many times. I had the great honor to meet him when he performed with Michael in Zumbrota, MN in 2014. Thanks again!
Teri, So glad you know John’s work and have met him. I bet the show with Michael was spectacular. Thanks for giving a listen and commenting.
I, too, have been listening to John for decades, and have had the pleasure of seeing him perform many times in and around the Twin Cities. One of the first times I heard him perform was at a folk festival arranged by the late Bob Feldman from Red House Records, somewhere near Hastings if I remember correctly. Must have been in the mid 80s is my guess. I have heard him many times since. I consider it a gift to live in an area with so much local talent (I count John among that talents though I know he’s from New Jersey), and I encourage everyone I know to support live music. Thanks for this excellent interview.
Spectacular voice and wonderful song writer.
Thank you, Crow
Thank you so much for this wonderful conversation with one of my favorite storytellers. My husband and I have followed John since 1993 when we were stationed in Germany when AFN played his video of “Good Noise.” Whenever he plays in Colorado we make sure to be there!
Dear Crow,
Thank You for the great interview!!
Anytime I can have the chance to listen to John Gorka speak…I take it!
He is a wonderful, talented humble artist that has gotten me through so many tough times in my life by his words in his music. I have seen him in concert many times and I have 3 pairs of boots that he graciously autographed for me that I wear proudly!
I also own all of his music!! There isn’t a day that goes by that I haven’t listened to him sing. He is an inspiration!! I am hoping he’ll make it to Northern Arizona again soon!!
I’m in Prescott AZ now….so hopefully he’ll get this way!!
I love the lyrics he wrote…”Words are shapes that let the feelings through”
Take Care John and keep letting your feelings through!! OXO
First met John his 2nd time at Kerrville. He won the year before, along with my late best friend of 50 years, Lu Mitchell. (Both from PA!)
I think he helped Lu get a song in Sing Out? I remember her almost dancing into the room at a Dallas Folk Music Society Hootenanny, waving some papers. Sing Out at that time was just a few stapled pages as it was being reborn. She was So excited, sa ying “Sing Out printed my song❣️” and then she told us she’d quit her job to do more music☺️. Some time in the 90s, I got to go see her at Bethlehem PA’s MusikFest (her home town) She took me to Godfrey Daniels and we saw John Gorka❣️ I got to see him many more times whenever he came to Texas, at Poor David’s Pub, at Uncle Calvin’s, and in Fort Worth.
I played him often on my radio show, Cathy’s PotLuck on KNON.
His voice and songs are distinctive, ranging from poignant to fervent to funny.
Thank you so much for this interview, Crow❣️
Love this, Crow. The first time I saw John was on that tour where nobody came. A friend and I went to hear him in Tucson at Cushing Street bar on Convent St. Out on the patio. There were only four other people there, and it was like having a private concert around a table. I’ll never forget it.
The world needs more John Gorka in it!
Thank you for this conversation. I’ve been a fan since I first heard John on a Fast Folk album back in the ’80s. Love his voice and songs. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing him several times when he’s played in NJ. I also lived for many years in Colonia, John’s home town, but not when John lived there. Of course, “I’m From NJ” is a favorite!
Thank you posting this conversation I have been a fan of John’s music for about 7 years now and had the pleasure of seeing him in perform in Arden, DE in 2017. Meeting him that night was a special addition to the evening, he is a warm and kind man….his humor and humility are genuine and his songs are pure and beautifully written.
Thank you for these precious moments with John Gorka, one of my favorite singer/songwriters. I love seeing him live when he’s in Oregon! ❤