Jeris Johnson - John (Official Video)

About “John”… This was the first song I wrote for this upcoming album. Really set the stage for the types of stories I wanted to tell. This particular story goes all the way back to when I was about 14 years old. I had been pounding away on the walmart drum set my parents bought me and they were ready get me some “real drums” because I showed so much promise and dedication. So we found my future kit on craigslist. We show up to this guys house and a nice old man answered the door. He was a Vietnam vet struggling with some physical health conditions and was looking for the right person to take his lifelong drum kit off his hands as he was unable to physically play them anymore. When I sat down to give them a test, he cried. He told me he knew I was supposed to have them, and that it was very bittersweet that he had finally found a good home for them. The whole thing really struck a chord with me and I remember driving home with my brand new drum set in the back of my dads van, filled with more complicated emotions then I was ever expecting when I first showed up. A couple months later, it was Christmas day and a mysteriously large vehicle shows up in my driveway. Out walks the nice old guy that we bought my drum kit from, and right there on the spot he gifts me the entire rest of musical collection. Drums, cymbals, books, cds, equipment… everything. That day I sat with him in my garage and he told me his entire life story front to back. I was awestruck. Him and my dad had organized the whole thing prior and I was just so insanely grateful. But like every great story, there’s always a twist. I was thinking that after a couple of very meaningful and impactful interactions I had with this man, that he would stick around and maybe become somewhat of a mentor to me. But instead, after that Christmas day, he completely disappeared without a trace. There were no more “moments”, no “drum lessons”, nothing. We tried to get ahold of him over and over again throughout the next year and with zero luck. Like an angel come to deliver a gift and a message, I watched him float away and leave me with only a memory. His name was John. So this song is for him, and for my Dad who sacrificed so much to allow me to pursue this dream.

Young kid,dad w NO money. Heard about veteran selling what son needed.Meet to be. Youngin picked up where older dude left off.. I feel your music Jeris 💖 THANK yo

we’re watching a legend grow🔥

I heard this song when my grandfather passed… it hit hard. RIP

I will 100% be honest. I’ve listened to this for the first time 3 days ago. I have now listened to this for the 1000th time

Jeris, what a truly beautiful tribute to John. I happened to hear your intro on Octane... I'm 62 yrs young and when I heard your backstory to lyrics... I fell in love with everything about you and your song. Thank you so much for sharing. I'm trying desperately to sing and play it on a 5 string bass. I will do it proud some day. Retired usaf. Scott ❤

All hail the King Arthur of Rock Music 🗡🔥🗡🔥🗡🔥

This is officially my new favorite song. Must have listened to it a hundred times now and it never gets less emotional

Listening to Jeris’s story behind him buying the drum set from that man really makes this song and video more special I have never felt so connected to a song in a long time thank you

I heard the back story of this song..before I actually heard the song. When I heard it, I got a little teary eyed. What a beautiful tribute. John would be proud of your success!

If I ever want a song sang at my funeral. This would be the first I'd want. 😢 so beautiful. So heartwarming.

My father was a Vietnam marine vet and hearing how this song was about a former Vietnam vet made me cry so much I lost him 9/11/21 and mom 4/3/22 and I swear when I heard this song it made me think of my dad instantly. He always told me it was too late for him but not for me and when I heard those words it really hit home. I've listened to your music since you've started and this is the best by far

Once again another song by Jeri’s Johnson that makes me cry and rings true for me.

This song just left me speechless and in tears. It’s so damn beautiful. I’m so filled with emotions right now that I can’t even think. Unbelievable song. Wow, I can’t stop crying.

Jeris...... you've saved this soul brother. Your Voice Your cadence every song I hear is pure gold. Truly keep up what your doing. You deserve all good things lol.

Thank you, John.

When people ask what I love about rock music this will be the song I'll point them to. Everything about this song is perfect. The lyrics, music, chorus, the video, and how you can feel it.

Swear his voice in this song gives me chills and the story about how he wrote this all just give me CHILLS JERIS YOU FOREVER HAVE MY HEART

One of the best songs ive heard in the last 15 years. It is perfection from start to finish. It goes beyond my wildest expectations for what a rock song should be and deliver. Moving and raw and utterly soul shreddingly f**king beautiful.

That drummers energy is INSANE btw that’s awesome