Emerging?
No, I'm not. Not in this weather!
It’s not without a degree of curiosity, and even some slight alarm, that I learn today that I’m ‘emerging’.
Just to set the record straight, the last thing you want to do in New Orleans right now - if you have an air-conditioning unit that works - is to ‘emerge’. It’s too bloody hot outside. I will only emerge from the cool comfort of the red room in my house if there’s a life threatening emergency or if my manager Reed calls and invites me to join him for a cold Guinness in the equally cool environs of Markey’s Bar on Royal Street.
Editor’s note: Reed will call.
So, you can imagine my surprise on discovering today that Mark Zuckerberg has announced to the world that:
1) I am apparently a ‘talent’. This is very flattering, Mark. Thank you for the kindly compliment.
2) That I am ‘emerging’. A blatant untruth.
All this, and the further bombshell that Mr Zuckerberg, in his infinite kindness, wisdom and good taste, is awarding me a special ‘badge’. A badge! I do hope that it’s an especially big and shiny one.
I started playing music when I was 5, started playing in public when was 11, started getting paid for gigs when I was 14 and now, at the age, of 63, apparently it’s official, I’m finally emerging.
Mark, I know you’re a clever chap, and I hate to disappoint you, especially after the nice badge and everything, but, honestly, trust me, I’m not emerging, I’m staying indoors as much as possible, here on the couch, where it’s nice and cool. I’m not going anywhere (except perhaps the afore-mentioned Markey’s. Reed?)
Editor’s note #2: As you may have heard, Jon has a new album coming out in October— Live at the Royal Albert Hall. It’s a full live recording of his 2025 solo performance on London’s grandest stage. You can pre-order your copy right now at the FunkMart.
We are offering a deluxe edition that includes an archival quality print of Jon’s original cover artwork, signed by Jon himself. Once the pre-order period finishes (at the end of September), these will never be printed again… so if you want one, get it!
Happy Birthday, Maestro! Can’t wait for the next time I see / hear you and all the Monster Gentlemen in concert.
Well, I'm no Mark Zuckerberg, but you've always been a talent in my book. In case you haven't seen it, I've created a website dedicated to promoting the music and musicians of New Orleans, called nolamusic.net. I sent this to your management some time ago, but the message may not have gotten through. Needless to say, you have an artist page there (https://nolamusic.net/artists/artist-john-cleary.html). I also started a new area on the home page to list various types of events, and I added the release of your new album there, with a link directly to pre-order the record. Let's hope we generate some sales!