Hugh Hefner on the "Blue Moon" album he produced for me with the Don Costa Orchestra:

"Johnny is a rare kid.  He's both a fine musician and a dramatic performer."




The great songwriter Don Robertson (I Really Don't Want To Know, Ringo, Please Help Me I'm Falling, Anything That's Part Of You) sent me this email in 2006... I recorded some of Don's songs for Fred Foster on Monument Records




"I just now got on the computer, and am playing your attachment. GORGEOUS!!! If I had known you played like this I probably would still be in Nashville. I thought I was all alone in my love for this kind of music. I've always liked your singing, but I didn't know you were a SUPERB player, too. I haven't finished listening to your attachment, got as far as This Time and had to stop and write to you. Song is great, too... some really classic lines...

"I don't care if you recorded it on a hand held recorder or on Pro Tools in the best studio in town... If it were me, I would have a great sound lab master it and keep it for your next release. The PERFORMANCE is everything. The sound quality is just frosting on the cake as far as I'm concerned.

"The sound comes out beautifully on my computer with its THX system and bass boost. I like your voice even better now. So rich.

"You know how it goes: you could go into the best studio in town and make 85 takes and not top this one. Your choice of chord sequences and voicing and your velvet touch are JUST RIGHT. You are one fine musician. Joey and Jack Clement and Doug Merrick are going to love you."

"As ever, your friend and fan, Don"

"P.S. Can I forward this attachment to Doug Merrick?"

"Yes, please use the quote [on your website]. It is an honor!"


March 9, 2007

"I just finished listening to my LP of "Once in a Blue Moon."  These are my thoughts on what I'd say to a person if they asked me what does he sound like:  When you listen to Johnny Janis, you'll hear a singer who feels and phrases each and every line and note of the song that he sings. His voice is an honest voice, it's his voice, he's not trying to be someone else.  Just thought I'd share that with you..."       Don Behrendt