The first 63 years of my life I had at least one wonderful woman to honor and celebrate on Mother’s Day. The first 12 years it was my beautiful Mom who later became Dottie LaGant. Then, my Stepmom Marga Schaefer stepped in to give my brother Mike and I another layer of love and support, and another brother, James Martin “Marty” Schaefer. This is the first year of my life that neither Mom is in physical form to love and celebrate. But each has made an indelible impression on my life that I experience every day. I’m so grateful for the influence they continue to have on me and the love they instilled in me- a love for others, a love for life, a love for God, a love for music, and a love of myself. I continue to honor and celebrate them, even as they will now receive that in a different way. I know that they still do.
I also appreciate the motherly influence many on this mailing list have been in my life. I’ve talked and sung about many brilliant women over the years. The Energy of Motherhood lives in each of us and is always yearning to express itself. I’m grateful to each person reading this who has mothered me at any time, in any way. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is that energy that will save the world now.
A wonderful Mother-Daughter duo who have generously brought me under their wing with that very energy are Nancy J Reid and Lisa Smith of Big Blend Radio and Magazines. They had me on their podcast years ago and have expanded our relationship as their reach continues to grow. I always feel “at home” with Nancy and Lisa and they have come up with a very cool concept to help visitors to their website navigate the diverse collection of experts and topics they cover every day in the BigBlend Media House. As part of the rollout, they are featuring each member of the Big Blend Radio Family in special segments and a Q & A online. So, instead of special guests this month the topic is…me. Lisa came up with a list of questions to help people get to know me better. While all of you do know me pretty well, there’s probably something in the Q&A that will be new, or even a surprise. You can read my Getting to Know Johnny Schaefer answers and also find a link to the podcastwhere I elaborated on them and answered some new ones here. As we move forward, I will be focusing more on these newsletters and blog and less on the morass of social media as it becomes overtaken by AI slop. So, if you know someone who would appreciate my music I hope you’ll forward this email and ask them to sign up for my newsletter. As always, all my links can be found at hearjohnny.com
A good companion piece for this is this recent Shout Out So Cal article was posted with similar, yet different questions about my life and career. It’s beautiful how the universe shows up with opportunities for artists like me to tell our stories.
I had the privilege of sharing a milestone birthday celebration with Melissa Manchester a few months ago. The image that stuck with me is of her holding her newborn granddaughter as she schmoozed with guests at the party. The light in her eyes and joy in her face reminded my of this beautiful song by Alanis Morissette, “Ablaze”, which perfectly expresses the Energy of Motherhood.
God nurtures us through the Energy of Motherhood. May it enrich and sustain you, help you grow until your last day, and bring you joy. It’s an energy that infuses every note of good music.
Much love,
Johnny Schaefer