Johnnie Lawson
BENT WHISKERS
“ I got one lazy eye and a lazier disposition "
" and a voice that goes from mellow to a whisper "
" short gray hair atop my skull and with the mustache, beard and all "
" folks ‘round here just tend to call me old Bent Whiskers "
Johhnie Lawson is old "Bent Whiskers" and has retired the Pack River Band and gone on as a solo artist/songwriter.
The Pack River Band got it’s start back in 1981 as the “house band” at the ever popular club, Bert’s Place, in Sandpoint, Idaho. They drew people from all over the Northwest and Canada. With their release of “ She’ll Prob’ly Come Back (and break my heart) “ and “ Just a little Misunderstood “ in 1982, everyone was eager to become one of the many Fans-of-the-Band !
Charlie Packlard helped name the band. In 1980 I was looking for a name and Charlie told me he always wanted a band called “Charlie Packard and the Pack River Flats Band”. He said, “why don’t you go ahead and use it? and I said, “do you mind if I drop the Charlie Packard part? And the rest is history.....
I retired the Pack River Band on December 31, 2007 with the final four being Ron Spears on lead guitar and vocals, David Evans on rhythm and vocals and Lonnie Chase on drums. I became “Bent Whiskers” as a solo artist and songwriter and perform with my background music programmed and computerized and am having a ball performing at clubs, cafes, farmer’s markets, weddings and private parties. It’s really great being able to do my ORIGINALS and get great feedback from the fans !! Check out the songs on my website JohnnieLawson.com (or BentWhiskers.com or PackRiverBand.com; they’re all the same).
Over the past twenty-seven years, the Pack River Band has been home to more than 40 musicians traveling through Idaho:
In 1980 the original band started as the Pack River Flats Band with Johnnie, Peter Lucht, Carrie Winthers and a beat box named ‘Sidney’. in 1981 Ralph Alderman, Gene Vanhorn and Tommy (Dunn) Harroun took over the band and became ‘The Pack River Band. Tommy was killed in a car wreck in ’81 and David Evans joined the band along with Ron Spears on lead guitar. Over the years Ron and Johnnie played music together for at least 17 of those years and either David played in my band or I played in his band (Faded Moon) for probably 15 years off and on. Some others who have played as members are Rick Steiner, Mark Cagwin, Mike Myers, Shelly Bell, Rosie Ward, Tom Newbill, Al Meyers, Lonnie Chase, Steve Wallace, Barry Wallace, Mark Evans, Bob Evans, Chuck Bell, Charlie Bell, Paco Bell, Debbie Bell, Christy Evans, Mike Turnbull, Dave Gunter, Johnny Knapp, Dave Sommers, Nick Farrell, Andy Strickland, Vic Ford, Billie Knight, Kim Severson, Byron (Doc) Neil, Shane Smith and honorary members who have jammed with us so many times over the years; Bill Selmer, Rick & Phyllis Cooper (of Hickory Wind), Jerry Jones, Bernie Byers (of the Barnyard Critters), Sandy Gibbs, Sandy Smith, Sterling Rink, Mark Johnson, Reno Snyder, Karen & Debbie Wilson, even my mom, Bert Lawson, sang with us once to help raise money for a benefit! Bev Metcalf played one song on piano with us shortly before she passed away so we could name her an Honorary Member too. She was always proud of that !!
We performed original country songs by Johnnie and many cover songs by Merle Haggard, George Strait, Hank Williams I & II, Conway Twitty, T.G. Sheppard, Willie Nelson, etc. We also covered the Eagles, Lynard Skynard, Bob Seger, Santana and Pearl Jam, along with many old tyme rock’n’roll classics from the 50’s and 60’s.
I'm still doing the great old songs and my Originals. Whenever you’re in the Panhandle, give Johnnie a call at (208) 946-8144 to find out the band's schedule. Visit our beautiful Lake Pend O’rielle and come listen to some of the best country music this side of heaven !!!
The current CD “Down at the Outlaw” was performed by Johnnie and Ron, with Dave Sommers on Keyboard and Synthesizer.
You Touch is a smooth come-from-the-heart song of love. Bad Attitude is a bluegrass style song of love gone wrong. Did You Just Say Goodbye is a waltz rendered with tearful doubts about the breakup of Johnnie and his wife, Sue. Turn on the Light was written after we got back together and Thank You Thank You 'cause we're still together and love is strong ! Too Early (this morning) was written as an expression of forgiveness and perseverance.
All of the songs on this CD are rooted in memories and heartaches from Johnnie’s life. Share a little of the memories and live a part of his life … it’s been a ride !!!
New songs are being added to the website such as "Take My Advice" about a girl soldier coming home, "Wishing Star" about an old cowboy who is called upon to play for a small boy's wish, "Help Us Find a Cure" about a man down on his luck and feeling sorry for himself until he meets a boy with cancer. He gets a whole new perspective on life ! "Stupid Me", Help Me Make a Cloud", "Life of Crime", "Testing the Water", "I Like Drinking", and "I Want It" are all fun songs written with Johnnie's unforgettable sense of humor!
you can contact me at jalvoice@hotmail.com