Johnny Mystery is no mystery around Albany, N.Y. Maybe his dark sunglasses and black pants and jacket “hide” his outside appearance, but they certainly don’t hide his passion and talent for music.
Johnny is a fifty one-year-old man who loves music with a passion. “Johnny Mystery”--his stage name from his friends--first began his music career at thirteen after he picked up a bass guitar. The band he was in had no bass player, so he decided to get a few lessons and teach himself. He and his first band played at clubs around Albany, N.Y. His favorite club to play was The Shelter in Cohoes, N.Y. He also rehearsed there, too. Mystery and his band strictly played rock-‘n-roll. “ I never inspired to be a classical musician, and never wanted to be one.” Explained Mystery. He believes rock-‘n-roll isn’t being portrayed in a good light. “It’s supposed to be raw, it’s supposed to be dirty, and have a deep bass, heavy beat and not clean-sounding.” Mystery said.
Mystery didn’t only take up bass guitar, but also guitar and keyboard, which was self-taught. He began writing lyrics, too. Mystery explains his lyrics just “pop into” his head and many things around him inspire him. Mystery’s lyrics were also inspired by his favorite musicians such as: Iggy and the Stooges, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones. The most important influence to Mystery were the New York Dolls, the Velvet Underground and beat poet Alan Ginsberg. “Ginsberg showed me that you could write about anything.” He enjoyed the Beatles and the Rolling Stones because they were rhythm and blues based, one of his favorite musical genres.
In addition to his knowledge of various musical instruments, Mystery learned the science of recording. “I asked a lot of questions and paid attention to the engineers in the studio.” Mystery said. In the past ten years, Mystery has released 5 or 6 CDs—all of the rock-‘n-roll genre.
The most important role that Mystery plays is a friend to his fans. He is loyal and dedicated, always. In fact, Mystery prefers small clubs because it gives him and his fans a more personal experience. “I’ve played with crowds in front of 8 people and 80,000 people (at Lark Fest in Albany, N.Y.).” Mystery said.
Johnny Mystery is NO Mystery to his friends, and fans. He has a passion for his music, and continues to release it and embrace it until he can’t anymore. [When I play music] “I feel like I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.” Said Mystery. “I have a lot of songs and ideas.” Said Mystery. And fame for Mystery? “ I think it would be great. That means that people are listening to your music.” Mystery is still around and is excited to release more music with his garage band, The Mysteios. “I wanna kill disbelievers [of rock-‘n’roll] with my guitar.” Mystery said.
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