John Thomas Griffith, Rock n Roll Guitarist Born in Texas, John Thomas Griffith lived in a handful of places before he landed in New Orleans. The son of an engineer, Griff fell in love with music at an early age. He was part of the 1980s punk band Red Rockers who had a hit with the single "China," before teaming up with Fred Leblanc, Paul Sanchez, and Paul Clement to form Cowboy Mouth. Today, John, Fred, Matt Jones, and Brian Broussard are Cowboy Mouth. As Fred likes to proclaim, "the name of the band is Cowboy Mouth, and we are from New Orleans, Louisiana." In this episode, Mark sits down with John Thomas Griffith (or JTG or Griff) to talk about his life in music. The two wander through an incredible history of music influences, from a man his parents invited over to dinner when Griff was a child to playing alongside Chuck Barry and Bo Diddley. Along the way, we learn about the various influences and how they affect Griff and the band today. If you are a fan of rock n roll music, you'll love this trip through history. If you love Cowboy Mouth, you'll appreciate the chance to learn about the guy who makes a living rocking out on the left side of the stage 150+ times a year. And, if you simply love New Orleans, sit back and enjoy learning about how this city and her music got into the veins of one of the best guitar players around! Note: we recorded this interview while aboard the Rock Boat, with Sister Hazel, Barenaked Ladies, Cowboy Mouth and a host of other bands and music lovers. Resources You can find John's music and information about what he is working on at his website. You can also purchase his music on iTunes. Follow Griff on Twitter (@JTGWorld), too. For all things Cowboy Mouth, head on over to their webpage. If you are a Cowboy Mouth fan, be sure to check out John's solo version of Everybody Loves Jill on his 2004 release, Apples and Onions. A completely different sound than the version you are used to hearing! Same thing with Man on the Run.   Thank You Thanks to John Thomas Griffith for taking time out of his vacation to sit down with me and talk music. It was an absolute pleasure. Special thanks to his girlfriend Kim for putting up with the two of us at the expense of enjoying a drink on the pool deck!   Want to Make Your Trip to New Orleans the Best Ever? Of course you do! If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans and want to cut through all the research we’re here to help. We offer a personalized travel consult. Here’s how it works: You complete a brief questionnaire to help us get to know you and the experience you want to have in New Orleans. Next, we set up a 20-30 minute phone or video call. During the call, we get to know you a little better. We can clarify any questions and bounce a few ideas off of you to make sure we ‘re on the right track. Finally, we prepare and deliver a pdf document with our recommendations for your trip. Depending on your needs the report will contain specific places to stay, eat and drink. It will also offer suggestions on things to do and see, all based on your budget and interests. Sound good? Just go to beyondbourbonst.com/travel for all the details and a link to order the service. Subscribe to the Podcast If you enjoy the show, please subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play Music or wherever you get your podcasts. If you do enjoy listening, please share Beyond Bourbon Street with someone who shares our love of New Orleans. Join Us on Facebook We now have a Facebook group where you can ask questions, share your New Orleans experiences and engage with others who love all things New Orleans. Join us by going to beyondbourbonst.com/facebook Contact Us Got an idea for an episode, have some feedback or just want to say hi? Leave us a message at 504-475-7632 or send an email to mark@beyondbourbonst.com Thanks for listening! Mark