The Hits, The Memories & John Elefante
The Hits, The Memories and John Elefante
We’ve been featuring the Ellicottville Summer Music Festival for a few weeks now, talking with Lou Gramm formerly of Foreigner, John Payne featuring Asia, and this week John Elefante formerly of Kansas. All three will be together at the Summer Music Festival for their show on Saturday, July 2nd.
Elefante, formerly of the popular band Kansas, is looking forward to being part of a show that includes two of his favorite singers saying, “I’m a fan of both of these guys and to be able to be in the same show with them is one of the highlights of my career.”
The singer/songwriter auditioned for the lead vocalist and keyboard player for Kansas in 1981 and was accepted to the group that went on to be a great success. Not only was Kansas known for their different sound, but also for the songwriting with hits like “Carry on Wayward Son”, “Dust In The Wind” and “Play The Game Tonight”.
Working closely with his brother, Dino, the two went on to produce albums for other artists that number well over 100 … including the soundtrack of the movie, St. Elmo’s Fire.
Earning multiple GMA Dove Awards, four Grammy Awards and 10 Grammy Nominations, Elefante would add record label chief to his list of accomplishments, build a recording studio in Nashville with his brother called Sound Kitchen, which saw an impressive list of artists that recorded there including Bruce Springsteen, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and Buddy Guy as well as moving on with a successful solo career.
I spoke with Elefante recently and we talked about his upcoming show in Ellicottville, our admiration for Lou Gramm and what’s next for the singer/songwriter and producer. As busy and as complicated as his career is, he describes for me his very simple perfect day and has a message for his fans coming out to see him at Summer Music Fest, which you can read about in the following conversation.
This is going to be one fun show … get your tickets today!
For more information on Elefante visit johnelefante.com. For ticket information to the Summer Music Festival concert visit ellicottvilleny.com.
A CONVERSATION WITH JOHN ELEFANTE
HULICK: I spoke with Lou Gramm and John Payne earlier today and they are excited that the three of you are doing this show together.
ELEFANTE: That’s good company to be in.
HULICK: You got your start in music at an early age in your family’s band. Have you always wanted a career in music?
ELEFANTE: I’ve never had any other job. I was playing Disneyland in California when I was 15 years old.
HULICK: You’ve done a lot of calibrations producing albums over the years. Have you lost count as to how many you’ve produced so far?
ELEFANTE: (laughs) I probably have lost count. I know it’s been well over 100.
HULICK: You are a singer, songwriter and producer. Is there anything you would like to do that you haven’t yet?
ELEFANTE: Not really. I’ve played almost every instrument ... I sing, write and produce. I think I’ve covered all the bases. I’m pretty happy with what I’ve done. I can’t think of anything I’d rather do.
HULICK: Lou and I were talking about how you can tell if an artist on the stage really enjoys what they’re doing and is still at the top of their game. Artists from decades ago still have strong voices and you can see and feel the love they have for their craft.
ELEFANTE: Let’s face it … Lou’s one of the best rock and roll singers that’s ever lived. When that guy sings he’s full of passion. There’s nothing fake about it. To tell you the truth, he’s one of the reasons I wanted to sing.
HULICK: I like the fact that there are not only large venues you can play but also smaller venues that really enhance the performance. All of you guys can sing live and really well. I saw Lou in 2012 at a venue of just over 400 seats and when he opened his mouth to sing he filled every bit of that room. I’ve never heard anything like that before. It was insane. So thanks to you and all these other artists for giving us an evening of great memories and great singing.
ELEFANTE: We’re all enjoying these shows so much.
HULICK: Putting multiple artists from the same decade into one show is genius.
ELEFANTE: It’s becoming very popular. I think that’s because Lou (Gramm) can do Foreigner hits, I can do Kansas hits and John (Payne) can do Asia hits. You get a pretty widely covered variety of stuff we all grew up with, and sometimes it’s more exciting to see that than say a band that’s had maybe one or two hits then the rest of the time they’re playing songs you haven’t heard before.
HULICK: You recently released your newest album, “The Amazing Grace”, April 22nd.
ELEFANTE: Well it came out in Europe then, but it was held up a few days in the U.S. because I went in and redid a couple things I wasn’t happy with. Once it goes on record you can’t go back and change it and it was going to bug me the rest of my life. (laughs)
HULICK: When you were with Kansas did you write or co-write most of the songs?
ELEFANTE: I had a chance to write a good amount of songs on those records. I was very fortunate to not only sing those songs, but also chip in on the writing. That was a real honor to me. Especially co-writing something with Kerry Livgren (co-founder of Kansas) was super.
HULICK: Who were your musical influences growing up, besides your family?
ELEFANTE: I was all over the board Melanie. I grew up listening to the Jackson 5, Chicago, Beatles, Genesis, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Elton John, Billy Joel … anyone that had great melodies I was attracted to.
HULICK: Can you think of one time in your life that somebody gave you advice and you took it and were glad you did?
ELEFANTE: Man … that’s a difficult question. I’ve probably had a lot of them but they don’t come to mind right now. Kerry Livgren would always throw tid-bits out to me … he’s very profound. He said write from the heart … write what’s genuine, don’t necessarily worry about if it’s going to be a hit.
HULICK: What’s next for you?
ELEFANTE: Well I’m doing a ton of interviews for this new album all over Europe, South America and the U.S. We’re going to be talking about the possibility of a tour, depending on how the record is doing. I’ll continue doing shows like the one I’m coming to your town to do.
HULICK: Describe your perfect day.
ELEFANTE: Having a really fun day with my family and my grand kids … appreciating life and what God has given me.
HULICK: Do you have a message for your fans on your upcoming show?
ELEFANTE: I think they’re really going to like it. It’s high octane and they’re going to be hearing hits all night long. You know I can always tell how a show is going to go the minute I step on the stage and start singing … if I start seeing a bunch of smiles then I feed off that.