Johnny Hawthorn Interview: 10 Albums That Changed My Life

KP and Johnny Hawthorn have carved out notable careers in the music scenes of LA, distinguishing themselves in the realms of singer-songwriters and Alternative Country. Collectively, they boast an extensive catalog of tracks featured across various television networks, cable channels, and movie soundtracks. KP is recognized for co-founding the LA-based band CALICO, while Johnny has led his own musical projects and contributed to renowned groups such as Toad the Wet Sprocket and Everclear. Their collaboration is a fusion of their artistic talents, resulting in a synergy that surpasses their individual contributions, marked by their deft songcraft, harmonious vocals, and compelling guitar performances.

This spring, The HawtThorns will embark on a musical journey akin to an interstellar superhighway, traversing the starscapes of Americana, Alt-Country, and Rock ‘n’ Roll, propelling them into a state of ‘Zero Gravity.’

The new album Zero Gravity will be released on April 5, 2024

During a break, Johnny Hawthorn dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. Are any of these your favorites, too?

Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin (1969)

This is one of those records where you remember the time and place you first heard it. I was 13, and a friend had brought over the cassette tape, and the “Dazed and Confused” solo section came on, and I was like, “What the heck is that!” It was mostly recorded with a Fender Telecaster, which remains my favorite guitar due to its simplicity and tone! This record also exposed me to blues, leading me to go back and discover the genre’s originators.

Highway to Hell – AC/DC (1979)

My older brother, who was in the Navy, would come home with a bunch of records and tapes. This one blew me away, as every song (from start to finish) is a sonic feast! The guitar tones are fat and chewy, with the perfect mix of drums and bass. I still jam to this record to tighten up my rhythm playing. Bon Scott’s vocals and lyrics perfectly fit the Young Brothers’ tight songs.

The Yes Album – Yes (1971)

I became a big Yes fan, loving all their records, but this one brought me into the fold: the somewhat complex (but yet) not too complex song arrangements and wonderful melodies and singing. Of course, Steve Howe played outstandingly, and although my personal guitar style is different, his wide mosaic of styles pushed me to explore many different players in other genres.

Fair Warning – Van Halen (1981)

I was a late bloomer with the first Van Halen records until this one came out, and then I went back and did my due diligence! What I love about this record is the guitar tone, which is so warm and crunchy. Eddie’s playing is phenomenal, and the rhythm guitar and songwriting are so interesting. He reached guitar tone perfection on this album.

Gretchen Goes to Nebraska – Kings X (1989)

This album was one of those “listen to it from back to forth all summer” types of records. Great singing, songwriting, harmonies, and music. This record showed me that you need to develop your own “sound” to stand out among the masses. You can visualize the music in your head as you hear it in the headphones.

Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd (1975)

Tone and taste are the flavors of this record! I listened to the solos on “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” and realized the key to writing good solos is to play with feeling. Be expressive and play what is really inside your soul; if you do this, (hopefully) the audience will experience it too!

Couldn’t Stand the Weather – Stevie Ray Vaughan (1984)

Once again, I remember the time and place when I first heard “Scuttle Buttin'” and lost my mind! That perfect Strat tone and sonic quality of the songs and mix are just great! This album was a big influence as far as tone and Stevie’s playing and continues to be to this day.

Grace – Jeff Buckley (1994)

I was late to the party when this came out, but I finally discovered it! The guitar work is super creative and interesting and showed that you could push the boundaries of melodies and chords to write interesting songs and arrangements. Great production, as well!

Frampton Comes Alive! – Peter Frampton (1976)

I was the youngest of six kids, so my older brothers and sister were way older than me! I remember being a little kid hearing the record for what seemed like two years in our house! When I started playing guitar, I went back to this record and learned most of the songs. The phrasing and tone of the solos is spectacular. It was my first time hearing the “Leslie” effect used in a live setting, and I still use a similar sound today in my effects rig.

Damn the Torpedoes – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (1979)

Perfect songs but also perfect solos. This record showed me the importance of crafting a guitar solo that supports the song and doesn’t distract from it. Additionally, you need to craft guitar parts that help the song along. This record is a great study of songs, arrangements, production, guitar parts, and tones.

Johnny Hawthorn Interview: 10 Albums That Changed My Life article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024