Johnnie Bolin took some time to answer some questions for the Hellion Rocks!
1. There was always music of some form in my house as I was growing up. Was there a lot of music around the Bolin household when you were a child?
#1. Music non stop, Elvis, Beatles, Wes Monk, Hendrix, and later Tommy!
2. When did you start playing music? How did you end up behind a drum kit?
#2. I was playin’ my parents chairs wearin’ them out, but 1st I got a bass,then a Danelectro long-horn, THEN Finally drums-Tommy taught me guitar.
3. Do you play any other instruments?
#3. Guitar as U know.
4. I know you started performing at a young age. What can you remember feeling during those first performances?
#4. Scared, not knowing all the responsibilities of a drummer, I could play by myself but a drummer has to carry a heavy load, in time.
5. Were you into many bands during your youth?
#5. Probably around 4 till graduation. Horn bands as a kid, then Humble Pie, Spooky Tooth, Free, The Who…
6. Did you have formal music lessons?
#6. No formal lessons, just would watch and listened to every good drummer I could.
7. How did you get involved with Black Oak Arkansas?
#7. BOA used to play in Mpls. where I lived and played for about 12 yrs. Our band backed up Black Oak and I got to know Jim Dandy pretty well and he knew Tommy, so when his drummer left I jumped aboard, 22 yrs ago!!
8. Tell me about being inducted into the South Dakota Rock and Roll Music Association’s Hall of Fame.
#8. Tommy and I are in both Iowa and South Dakota Hall of Fame. It’s great being recognized for something you’ve done all your life.
9. What would you say to young artists trying to break out into the music world?
#9. This world is different then mine. One thing still applies, practice makes perfect!
10. What are you currently listening to new or classic?
#10. I listen to the same stuff I did when I was a kid, and some newer funk, soul, dance stuff!
11. The floor is open. Tell us what ever you wish:
#11. As Edgar Winter once said, “Keep playin’ that Rock n’Roll”, thank U James!
the Hellion Rocks 