I went to a Chicago radio station early one morning in 1993 because there was a rumor Pete Townshend might show up to do an interview. I was hoping I could meet Pete. I shared an elevator with a man carrying a guitar so I introduced myself. It was Jerry Jeff Walker.
He was doing an interview at the same station. I was honest with him about why I was there. JJW said “Oh yeah - Pete’s great. Say, why don’t you pretend to be my assistant so you can come into the station with me. You’ll have a better chance at meeting Mr. Townshend that way”
I accepted his offer and was excited to get into a little harmless mischief with a legend like him. I stood in the control room while JJW was interviewed. A station employee asked me, “Does Mr. Walker need anything?” I looked up and said “What?” I’d already forgotten my role.
After the interview, we walked down the hallway along with station staff members and JJW smiled and said very loudly “Nice to meet you, Jason!” The staff looked at me, confused. He was really having fun now and I was on my own. I could no longer hang out waiting for Pete.
So I jumped in the elevator to get a couple more mins w/ Jerry Jeff Walker. I was 22 and starting to get a little attention from the “music industry”. I told him ASCAP wanted to sign me & asked him if BMI was better. He got off the elevator & before the doors closed he said...
My wife just told me she’s never heard this story #marriage
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
