Watch the livestream video September 6th (online) of John and other great entertainers perform for this fundraiser and raffle with cash prizes. Click for more info and to register
The first time I heard the song “The Dutchman” it was a rendition by Tommy Makem. The song immediately drew me in and I wanted to know who the writer was. I soon discovered Michael Peter Smith, born in New Jersey and residing in Chicago, his songs and stories were as personal as you could get. He spoke and sang about life and he could make you feel he was talking about you. When he sang his warm and enveloping, soft and deep voice and his strong and gentle spirit came through. Somehow he managed to sing to an audience of hundreds and you felt like he was singing and speaking directly to you. He had this wonderful ability to lock eyes with all of us at once and touch our hearts with every word.
I soon became a Michael Peter Smith fan for life and asked him to tour with us. After touring with us five times in Canada and the U.S., I asked Michael if he would like to get together and make a recording. We would highlight him and his masterful songs and storytelling. He agreed. On February 11th, 2005 we performed a live show at the Glen Gould Studio in Toronto with some of the finest musicians in Canada. The evening was titled “Just Plain Folk with John McDermott and Michael Peter Smith” and the result was enough songs and stories for 2 CDs, the first of which was released in 2005 as Just Plain Folk.
Michael and I taking our bows after the concert
I recall being in Chicago for a show and I called Michael to see if we could connect. I told him my musical director Jason Fowler was a big fan of his – placed him in the same ranks as Steve Goodman and John Prine – and would he be able to meet us for a few minutes. He most graciously did and when he arrived of course he had his guitar with him. We had a wonderful visit and Jason in passing asked him about a song the “Wonderful World Of Sex”. Michael explained how he would get together with Steve Goodman every time Steve came through town and they would write together. He then played the song and followed it up with a mesmerizing piece on life’s changes called “ZIPPY”. He had such a sharp and witty mind and we were blessed to have had that time with him.
Me with Paul Langlois and Michael
On August 3rd at 4:00 p.m. Michael passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends. His impact on my life and career is immeasurable and I will be forever in his debt for the lessons he taught me. I will miss him very much and will keep him with me in my music and life.
In tribute I am putting two of the tracks from Just Plain Folk up for a free download on my website today, so you too can sample his genius.
Hello everyone – I hope you are all safe and well.
This weekend (June 20/21) I will be posting a new Father’s Day concert package. Mark, Jason and I have recorded and filmed an in-studio collection of songs to reflect and remember all our fathers. My dad passed away just over 25 years ago and there is not a day goes by that I don’t think of him, remembering what he and my mother did for me and my eleven siblings.
Mark has written a song that talks about my parents, “Somewhere in Me There is You” (it’s the title track for my upcoming recording) and in particular my dad. I was blessed with his ability to sing and I have tried to share some of him in this recording. As many of you may know I always have my father’s cap and cane on stage with me alongside one of my mother’s scarves. They bring them into my life everyday with the memories attached to them, and in every show, and on every stage they are still with me.
These songs will let you reflect and remember your Dad. If you are fortunate enough to still have him with you, then please sit and listen together to share some music, stories and memories again. Perhaps even create a few new ones to hold on to.
Along with the concert video, I’m also including for download two audio CDs “Love is A Voyage” and “When I Grow too Old to Dream”.
As we find ourselves more and more isolated in this time of COVID-19, I am so very pleased to tell you about a new project that Mark, Jason and I are working on. We will be going into the studio and local church (where we will very responsible and socially distanced as required to ensure a safe environment for each of us) and we will be recording a number of programs that will be available for viewing on my website over the coming months. We are going to offer a varied mixture of performances that hopefully will bring you some comfort, reflection and joy.
In the studio…
Our first recording is a Memorial Day Program, with songs of patriotism, of remembrance, of love and loss. We’re dedicating them to: our Veterans who serve and have served and to all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our freedoms; and to the First Responders on both sides of the border – brave men and women who are on the front lines everyday during these dangerous and trying times.
Additionally we are offering two of my albums of patriotic music, Legacy of the Patriot and Remembrance for download – all in a single package price
