Gregg Rolie's Brush With Fame
So, pictured above is Gregg Rolie. He's the singer for The Gregg Rolie band. Met him in the airport. He was gracious enough to shake my hand, and pose for a picture or two. His website is here.
Our conversation:
"I hear you're playing a show at the State Fair in Fairbanks."
"Two" holding up two fingers "shows." He sounded, really, ecstatic (I'm serious. He sounded happy and excited). "How big is Fairbanks?"
"Small. Like Waco."
"Mind if I take your picture?"
"No problem."
"Can I post it on the Internet? It's not a porn site or anything."
"Sure. Wouldn't be the worst picture of me posted on the Internet."
For the record, I do not want to see those pictures.
For the life of me, though, I couldn't remember his name when I met him. I knew he was coming to town to sing at the state fair. The local paper, the News-Miner (link at left) had his picture in it, so I recognized him. All I could remember is that he was the guy who sang "Black Magic Woman" with Santana. Now, Santana, his name I could remember. Gregg Rolie was making me draw a blank. So, not wanting to call him "Black Magic Woman Singing Guy," or "Guy Who Sang For Journey Before Steve Perry," I made a hasty retreat. Gregg Rolie seemed like a genuinely nice guy.
I got home and mentioned this to The Mrs. She said, "Oh, that's Gregg Rolie."
"Ah, Greg Rollie."
"No," she corrected,"Gregg Rolie."
How she can correct my spelling when I speak is beyond me. Anyway, I went on and described my airport encounter. This was my sixth such encounter, also having met John Goodman (Friggin' HUGE), Ronnie Milsap, two congressman (watch your wallets!!), and Benjamin Franklin in airports.
"You know," continued The Mrs., "He should probably blog about how he met you. I mean, your website is kinda famous now. He's just the guy who met Santana's cousin once while in middle school." The Mrs. is not easily impressed. She's met everyone from Gene Simmons to Gwen Stefani. So, if there is a rock star with a first name that starts with G and a last name that starts with S, The Mrs. has it covered. Do NOT engage in music trivia with her. You will lose, shredded into tatters.
Gregg Rolie did, for the record, sing at Woodstock. I think I was just there as a naked infant. Who remembers the 60's anyway . . .?
Well, I doubt that Gregg Rolie will remember me or be blogging about me. He's a better dresser. I'm not on Tour, and never have been. We both flew coach. That's okay. I just wish I could get the song "Black Magic Woman" out of my skull.
posted by John | 11:16 PM
12 Comments:
I went on his web site and he really didn't say anything about meeting you. He doesn't know what he's missing. He should put a sticker on his next CD: "As seen on the 'Life in Alaska' blog" He could easily go platinum with that.
Luckily for me, I can't remember what "Black Magic Woman" sounds like it.
I was a fetus inside my mother at a Janis Joplin concert not long before she died (Jopin, not my mother). I don't remember it either.
He's doing a spoken word tour this month and a reunion show with Black Flag in Feb.
Well, I've learned the name of the man who sang Black Magic Woman, but now that song's going to follow me around all day. Thanks. And I can't even remember all the words.
woof,
He is missing quite an opportunity. Silly Gregg Rolie.
brock,
Yeah. The next guy chatted with him for quite a few minutes. I'm thinking he had the name thing down. BTW, Thanks!!
(artist formerly known as popup)bonhomme,
You are lucky. A good song, but one that just pounds away.
witch,
now that you mention it, I haven't seen Gregg Rolie and Henry Rollins together . . . suspicious.
garry,
sorry. at least there are now two of us. so we can do it in stereo. Not like there are many words. I just stick with five "You're a black magic woman . . . black magic woman . . You're a black magic woman something something something some-thing . . ."
That's pretty cool. We have to take what little celebrety we can get up here. I read somewhere that you now you're an Alaskan if you've only seen bands at least 5 years before they become famous, or 5 years after. Something like that.
That picture makes the airport look a lot bigger than it really is. Or is it that Greg has a really small head?
liz,
yeah. it's nice that way.
coldfoot,
tiny head. like a golf ball.
As a keyboard guy myself, I think Greg Rolie has incredible talent and love the tonal qualities he produces. He was no doubt half the driving force of Santana...
I met him a couple days ago at the Santa Clara County Fair. Really nice fellow. Very centered. Said he lives in Texas now. Love the original Journey. Though he's focusing on his Santana roots. C'est la vie
I must admit, he does look pretty darn good for his age. He is, I believe, 61. I dated him many years ago when he was still with Santana. I met him at a concert in Sacramento, Ca. at Cal-Expo. That was back in 1970..Boy, the good old days..Hope he brings his new band around here soon..(In Coarsegold, near Yosemtie National Park..Great blog! Judy
Great keyboard works with his Hammond.Man with outstretched hand & Abraxas album.Can really tame ur nerve & system!
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