Comments on: Johnny Downer (1971-2009)

By: Bob Santucci

Bob Santucci — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 01:30:14 +0000

Free Peoples music is like blood to me. I was blessed to see them many times and when I took friends to see them it was like joining the tribe. Billy Cobham may have described Johnny style the best, “life is but a spectrum and what else is music but life itself.” Johnny, a great man, artist and the epitomy of what you can be if you get real quiet and hear what god wants you to do. Let us be sad but rejoice to know we heard the purest sounds to ever.

By: Colleen Dawn

Colleen Dawn — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:29:41 +0000

I met Johnny when I was 15. Sweet soulful mischiefmaker. He would say so much with only smiling eyes and a song. It has been over ten years since I saw Johnny but still think of him. Dancing at the Santana show at the Bullring in Mexico (20 years ago now) is only one of many memories of Johnny that I will continue to cherish. What is amazing is that it seems Johnny made an impression like this on so many. Gone too soon. Love and Peace to all he touched.

By: Brendan M

Brendan M — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:19:54 +0000

Anyone who knew Johnny for even an hour knows what a great loss this world just took!
Truly one of the greatest people of all time this man was so thoughtful and sweet…also one of the greatest artists in the world…sonoma countys eyes are crying! We miss you so much!!

By: Josh K

Josh K — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:04:58 +0000

I have known Johnny for 20+ years. I still remember the first time that I met him at his parents house when he was 18. I was just learning to play guitar and hey already was a master. He played a few songs and I was just blown away. What a great friend. He always looked past things and seemed to have a maturity beyond his years that others just gravitated to! Fantastic artist and person. He will be missed greatly

By: Matt Thompson

Matt Thompson — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:33:22 +0000

I met John Downer one day at his house in Sebastopol. It was 2004. I was with some friends of his tripping up and down the west coast and they decided to stop in and see Johnny and his girlfriend. In that three hours he played every guitar that we had brought with us in the van and he played them all beautifully. He made an impression on me in 2004 for three short hours that I will never forget. He was a kindred spirit and a brother in music and life. My deepest respects and regards go out to his family and friends. Free Peoples Forever. Rest in Peace Johnny Downer.