Concrete Blonde Interview, A Life in ROCK!

[@The1WhoKnowsTheTruth]

The most underrated female vocalist to ever walk within this 3rd dimension. Johnette deserved so much more than she got from the business.

[@nowthenzen]

don't we (almost) all

[@tomk4590]

@Cobb Knobbler Sad but true. So why do so many of us feel "privileged," as if the universe "owes" us something? If we could get over this nonsense, I'd think we'd be more content. Instead, we complain: "Life's not fair!" Where did we get the idea that it's supposed to be?

[@spleefboy]

Where's MY stuff??!

[@OfftoShambala]

She is appreciated by everyone who hears her / the bands music. But, yeah the biz at the time wanted to play it safe, for lack of a better way of putting it. But, I have a feeling they appreciated her ... they were more blinded by science.

[@crash8563]

Johnette has always been one of my favourite vocalists

[@-FreudiansLip]

Easily- one of the most underrated vocalists; EVER.

[@catinthehat906]

Goodness what opportunities this interviewer had, Johnette says at 2:38 "...choosing what not to care about, what doesn't affect me, what I don't want to be influenced by...." that's a gift to any interviewer and we want to know, but sadly he never asked. EMI sounds very dodgy though, luckily she's savvy and can read a contract.

[@mothsnail816]

Just found out about this band. This lady is dope.

[@timlamb6196]

Agreed. She has a rich beautiful voice.

[@-WhizzBang-]

Nah, she is OK, but she is certainly not a Beyonce, Celine Dion, Mariah Carrey or Lady Gaga!

[@IfUfindthisURlost]

@@-WhizzBang- Thank goodness she is NOT! Johnette is above Janis Joplin!

[@jamesianp]

Johnette Napolitano is a force of nature. Taken as a whole, her body of work with Concrete Blonde is, IMO, the fulfillment of Rock & Roll's potential as an Art-form. She has drawn a road-map for how to live a creative life with integrity and passion. Respect.

[@amyray63]

@@AF-dn2bzWhy Do You Say She’s Juvenile? Particularly Considering She Pushing 70 Years Old? She Can Get Angry But She’s Extremely Grateful For Her Fans And She Has Been Amongst Them For Decades Now!

[@amyray63]

@jamesianp What Does Your Post Mean? I’m Not Being Sarcastic I’m Just Old. What’s IMO? Concrete Blonde Has Been Johnette Napolitano and Jim Mankey Since The 1980s.

[@jamesianp]

IMO means "In My Opinion". My post was to express my admiration for Johnette & Jim as true Artists - not just as entertainers riding a wave . . . Eg. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJ_Ff2qDnLBnfpI

[@brenandbruiser9885]

@@amyray63IMO means in my opinion, I see this was 2 months ago so sorry if I’m too late! I’m old too, and usually google all the acronyms and slang I don’t understand.

[@amyray63]

@@brenandbruiser9885 LOL..Then We’re Both Too Old!? But, Once A Pedophile, Always a Pedophile!!

[@fifty6wild]

Most under-rated singer/songstress, and band, in my lifetime.

[@chokkan7]

This woman is a tremendous role model to anyone who cares to take a look.

[@TheArtofGuitar]

She just dropped like 50 gems in this video. Thank you for your honesty. We need more of that in the world.

[@robertogvg]

I grew up listening to Concrete Blonde since I was 15 years old. Haunted by Johnette's voice and the bands music and lyrics. 43 now and still she makes me feel as so few artists. I just love her and she gets to me everytime. Greetings from Lima, Peru. They came and I saw them live at the beggining of the century as in the lyrics it was like a million stars and blew everyone away... until the end of the line!! I will always love you and be grateful to you Johnette (and of course Harry and Jim) for keeping me company through the years

[@collinhudson1332]

Johnette is one badass woman!

[@brookespears2266]

I saw her live at Park Tavern in Atlanta a few years ago. Just being chill with real fans. Real down to earth gal. My bf didn't know her...I'm like....honestly let's go buy her a drink and say hello. She was so gracious about being considered to be thought of as a quiet legend and impact on not only music and how others processed life. So humble and kind

[@kikistorrer]

I'm one of those fans that absolutely love Concrete Blonde and the Person Johnette!!! My 13 yo. daughter grew up listening Concrete Blonde with me... so I'm happy to hear that! She has a really particular taste for music that is definitely NOT what the other girl around her age are into! I'm proud of that and she is thankful!!

[@jonblake9163]

Both Mother and Sibling with great taste..well done

[@kasandrabailey4476]

My mom gave me their cd when I was in middle school! I can't imagine the last 15 years without their music! I really hope young people are finding it now!

[@johnturtle6649]

She's short :) My ex gf had a girl crush on her and we got to meet her briefly a long time ago, during the bloodletting tour. Great, and I mean GREAT concert.

[@cybervision_1]

Johnette you kick ass, we all love you.

[@scottstaley2349]

One of the most graceful, gracious, down to earth and UNDERRATED vocalists and bands..ever.

[@TheSpruiell]

I'm 53. Concrete Blonde has been the soundtrack for my life with my wife. I had just discovered Concrete Blonde when I went on my first date with my wife. I found the new music as exciting as this beautiful new girl in my life at the time. Now we have an 18 year old daughter that is starting to get into Concrete Blonde. My daughter reminds me a lot of Johnette in interviews when we have conversations. An emotional roller coaster that is both exhausting and energizing at the same time. Just like Johnette's music. My favorite concert ever was seeing Johnette as the lead singer for The Heads on tour in Austin. Thanks for all the great musical art and memories.

[@christopherellis5193]

Absolutely an underrated band...nd Miss Napolitano TOO!...she is the BEST

[@sparkyguitar0058]

I got my MOM into C B and she ended up buying 2 albums b4 she passed. She loved this woman's spirit. Saw them back in the day also. Loved that concert.

[@stardaddyo9]

I love this woman!

[@jamesr6497]

Johnette... a true no B.S.... no holds barred... no compromising musician. She hasn't just grown older; she's grown wiser. She is aware of the industry control, while acknowledging there's new voices to be heard. Its the wisdom that pours forth like a old fountain that still produces cool water that is both refreshing and invigorating. She doesn't try to act cool, yet... she is.

[@jasonnewstead3174]

Yeh... actually could not have put that better myself

[@yadabotbingo]

Some people are talented, some are beautiful, some are artists, some people may be some of all of those things, but Jonette is all that and more, a beautiful talented artist gifted to an extreme and a good human inspite of it all.

[@jeffrogers3782]

Well said !

[@gfcancio]

My "teenage summer" was "Bloodletting", great soundtrack to my summer

[@ACrackInTheWall2006]

Love her! I met her once and got her to sign my Group Therapy cd cover. She real very nice.

[@Tonetwisters]

Her "Joey" is an absolute classic. What a voice and what power and what emotion.

[@keithdelellis6378]

I love her! I would love to hear an album of her covering the Stones, Janis, the Doors and all the classic rock. She's an amazing performer, a great voice, under the radar but world class!

[@littleogeechee223]

The Absolute Queen! Joey was my first introduction to Johnette and CB, and then I promptly went out and bought everything I could find.

[@cgavin1]

Intelligent. Eloquent. Respect. She's really speaking so much wisdom. The bit about choosing what not to be influenced or affected by is something a lot of kids should take seriously. 24/7 media overload and malaise just leads to you getting angry about stuff or emotionally invested in things that are none of your business or concern and will distract you from achieving your dreams.

[@MrBrownestonee]

I really DIG her laugh

[@chriscollins570]

Very revealing and so relaxed. A brilliant and very musically talented icon!

[@fifty6wild]

I loved the video. I think Johnette and Concrete Blonde are incredibly under-rated talents. Understanding what appeals to the masses, that don't bother me, at all. I love her voice, and appreciate her insight, she's a credit to her craft.

[@chrisbradford22]

Her voice is husky enough to pull a sled!! But I love her and this band!!

[@vcp93]

One of the great (and sadly overlooked) vocalists in Rock. Such an amazing artist.

[@nevar23]

She is such an inspiration. Amazing talent.

[@Boon-dang]

she's incredibly talented......

[@SpookyLizzy]

Love this!! Johnette you rock!!! I am so grateful to have you as a role model. While being a singer is a secret dream of mine, your strength, your spirit, and your depth give me power in my life. Jenny I Read is my favorite then Mexican Moon. Thank you for being who you are : )

[@EricSalasBackStagePass]

After the show many people came up to me and wanted me to share that they LOVE CONCRETE BLONDE!

[@metalguru67]

My favorite songwriter of her generation and I love this woman, thank you for posting this video

[@GenovevaRossi]

So honest and real. Always an interesting person. Her lyrics and voice are moving.

[@williamcampbell2656]

Caroline was such a great song !

[@timothytessier2702]

Absolutely LOVE this band. My still "go to" is Bloodletting. I always loved the great guitar tones and melodic writing. And of course Johnette's just piercing vocals!! I think the band enjoyed being an Underground band versus mainstream (Top 40), Kind if in the same vein as The Cure.....

[@KimberlyCovell]

Yes hell indeed

[@darkChristian]

my twin sister, love her and James Mankey is one of the best guitarist of them all. amen

[@martinwaite8820]

Awesome vocalist that squeezes every ounce of her God given talent. I admire people that use every bit of their gift. Her vocal range is magnificent.

[@RexHrothgar1]

I’d say she shares the God(dess) within her as it couldn’t be denied.

[@tamaking2374]

Yes , she's so enjoyable to just soak up !

[@hazor777]

They really don't have any bad albums,...some are better than others ...but everything they did was good ...

[@vonijoe]

I bought some on cassette first, then again on compact disc.

[@pessimystica]

Wow, I didn't think I could like Johnette even more! I've been a fan of CB since the early 90s & have seen em play a couple of times. She was always spot on vocally. Yes, I always thought she was underrated too, but also glad she didn't get too mainstream. I think she was talented enough to enjoy the musical life & then enjoy life instead of being ruined by the industry like so many do. She seems really cool & chill, & also loves animals, which is a plus for me 😻

[@NatureJunkieHere]

HORSE RESCUE! Heaven bless the people with the land and means and the love to do that. One more reason for me to love Johnette Napolitano.

[@nbmooselovers]

Yes..as most of the comments here agree. Absolutely "Underrated" in their peek time. But thankfully now with all of the exposure your videos are getting in venues like here on KZbin, you are finally getting the extra exposure that will ensure your music reaches "new" fans. "Music is Forever". "Thank You" Johnette for the countless hours of your magnificent voice, music and talent that accompanied my life. I just recently turned sixty. And my wife and I have had our lives enriched so much with your company. "Stay healthy".

[@barbarahallowell2613]

The Blonde.Ahhh. I'm 49, 50 in June. I listen to new music every day, love discovering new sounds. Yet, as the most brilliant Johnette said, once you have a kid, you have them for life. I was cleaning house tonight and my phone just decided I needed to be thrown back in time. It was good, so dann good. My son is the same age as I was when I saw Concrete Blonde live for the first time. (Blissed out memories) So, yeah, I was scrubbing the "then singing so dann loud, and it was good, so good. * The first dance at my wedding in 1992 was the Blondes cover of Little Wing.* I love you then, and now. You've always been a hero, for doing YOU like YOU. It taught me, as I grew up, to do ME like ME. *Bonus points, my voice is in your register, so I can just belt that shot out!*

[@brubakersflatcakes9755]

Good shit! I love her.

[@karlsand9377]

Live in Brazil 2004 The best road trip music.

[@niroshanfernando4784]

Johnette Napolitano's voice echoes the BEST of her (I'm guessing, supposed) influences Billie Holliday, Janis Joplin & Grace Slick. I hear even her fellow peers (ie. Chrissie Hynde & Deborah Harry) in her voice for certain songs. She definitely shaped the way for her protegés like Linda Perry & many talented younger artists that would follow. Yet clearly, she does her OWN thing & does it DAMN WELL! ROCK JOHNETTE & CONCRETE BLONDE! 👊😎🎤

[@heatnationwpb]

Johnette has the greatest laugh! LOVE her!!

[@katkal3]

the real queen of rock n roll

[@Basic_Blue]

Here we are... 2021 :)

[@denisgagne7572]

Loved her from the first time I heard her sing, still love her.

[@williesnyder2899]

Yep, “A LOT of BASS!!” and A LOT of VOICE, VIEWPOINTS, FEELINGS and INTENSE EXPRESSION!!! I saw Concrete Blond live once, and Johnette live once. TRULY…life-changing . . . Thanks!!

[@jimmyjoeh2o]

Johnette was part of my "teenage summers", man those days, those daze.

[@markwinter5655]

I love the way she laughs! Saw them live in 1987. One of my favorite bands since. Love her cover of Everybody Knows.

[@DeLaFey1777]

I can never get enough of Johnette or CB. Thanks for posting.

[@TechNoir1970]

She is the real amazing, ass kicking thing. I have so much respect for this woman and this band.

[@IzzyPresley101]

Great job....great band...Just saw the show tonight in Minneapolis...wow...just wow.

[@thomascaddy4529]

I first discovered Concrete in 1986 when I first saw the Still in Hollywood video on MTV. They are still on my playlist today, especially the debut album.

[@prettylagoon]

me2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@janetcraft]

Truly inspirational.

[@wendymitchell5354]

My main gal Johnette for many many years & still today... respect from lil ol new zealand =love

[@dkpqzm]

I always look outside the box to find the hidden gems in music.

[@KatoandSara]

thank you for posting. man, she is and that is all

[@Frankenador]

God i love her and the band so much!!!!!!!

[@JohnEuliss]

Definitely one of my favorite vocalists. Down to Earth and articulate. I love her.

[@MemphiStig]

Only got to see them once, in the 90s, when they played the New Daisy, with The Oblivious opening for them. Amazing. Bloodletting literally changed my life, and when I heard her on MTV singing Everybody Knows, it introduced me to Cohen. I didn't get my teen years til my 20's, but they were a huge part of it. And she's an incredible musician who probably never gets the attention she deserves. Magnificent beyond words.

[@FraterSolzai]

Groovey.. She still fcking rocks

[@mtmccornack]

I moved on to EDM in the mid nineties, and with the exception of concrete blonde, i never looked back..... this womans voice sends shivers down my spine and reminds me what real passion in life feels like.

[@thomasdillman1816]

She is one of the good guys.

[@tommys1747]

i love her laughter

[@jsoo67]

Concrete Blonde such a great band. It's the type of band that I can put their albums on and just let it play without skipping a song.

[@Ord-yc6ww]

I’m 15 and I discovered Concrete Blonde a few weeks ago and I’m very much hyperfixated on this band

[@69robotech]

u go girl love your music Vancouver BC

[@idavreeland7920]

I love her so much. Real rock. Awesome personality. Real, beautiful always. So many awesome nights in New Orleans to her music. So many special times.

[@loveconcreteblonde12]

we absolutely love u still

[@justmissjamey]

This woman is fabulous

[@MOWoods33]

So sharp & measured with lots of common sense. I could talk to her all day. Her voice has a raspy tone but more baritone unlike most female singers w/ a high tenor.

[@baddhorsie8318]

Her life on her terms. Her music produced on her terms, and not being manipulated by some Smiley glad hand corporate suits. In a world of so much mediocre auto tuned garbage a few rise above the noise. much respect Johnette

[@Razmyth1000]

My family knows to play "True" at my funeral❤️🦋 love you Johnette

[@thomasanderson3459]

Trouble is people spend way too much time "texting" each other with worthless crap and not explore for music, art or anything else...Thank you !!

[@ModMokkaMatti]

I don't have any real "friends" to text with constantly (that seems so pointless, anyhow), so I am always spending my time engaged in virtual crate-digging - since I learned years ago that the real-world form will quickly drive me ever closer towards bankruptcy. Oh well. At least I have a rather well-rounded appreciation for a myriad genres, unlike the texting-mad simpletons.

[@martincisneros2958]

SHE MAKES ME ABSOLUTELY.. BREATHLESS!.. IN BETWEEN THE TEARS OF AMAZEMENT!.. ALWAYS & FOREVER.. THE SOUL OF MUSIC, PROPER!.. bt

[@ClaudiaClouds-xj9xr]

My father put on Concrete Blonde’s Still in Hollywood album for us for our entire childhoods. I’ll always love the music, and I’ll always love my dad. I miss him.

[@planet6393]

My brother turned me on to this band for which iam grateful! I lost my brother May 1st of this year. Thanks Todd you were a wonderful brother and I miss you dearly. I will bring “Blood letting “ when I come up there to be with you.

[@elizabethmanning679]

I'm so sorry about your brother! My brother introduced me to concrete blonde and we have so many memories with their music running through them. ❤

[@davidkosa]

So many years ago I saw Concrete Blonde's last live show at the Wiltern before they disbanded. What a memory. Roland Orzabal was there as a fan!

[@CaringOwl]

This Bands music is amazing & timeless.

[@juliemolthop8980]

She's a Goddess!! GREAT band, GREAT music!! Timeless...

[@WickedPrince3D]

Wonderful interview; it's interesting to learn this much about Johnette. Keep that wonderful voice going Johnette!

[@jamesbond4633]

Interesting lady. I love what she said about success. What's the point if it isn't your face...your clothes...your music....essentially she is saying if your music or art is not coming from a genuine real place it's not really you. Having success on someone else's terms is a good way of getting you on a therapist's couch ...funny!!!! Jim Morrison sang it in Riders On The Storm ...like an actor out on loan!! Lot's of musician's and entertainers walking around needing therapy. Listening to her songs and how she speaks they are real and she is authentic ....even her funny laugh. I am glad she is happy in her personal life and has found balance. Her songs are so poignant and moving and uplifting dealing in places few venture to go. Thanks for this very candid and inspiring interview!!!!

[@berklymiller919]

Concrete Blond was SOOO underrated, I've always been amazed they didn't make it bigger than they did!? First heard of them when I watched the movie "the Hidden" and heard "Still In Hollywood" loved them ever since!

[@frednouvertne4216]

Ive been amazed by Johnette since Bloodletting

[@AshHaze27]

What a great interview. Nice update on what's going on the the band. She has a cool background on their history

[@markschroeder5559]

One of my very faves. Thank you. Also, a big Thanks to the Letterman Show for having Concrete Blonde on so many times.

[@cynthiafischer5733]

You've got a faithful follower here! Love your alls music... it's always what I need at the moment. I used to have Morgan horses, a mare and her foal she delivered on a Mother's Day...what a gift! Enjoy them, they're good for you!!

[@danveneziano565]

I was lucky enough to get to see her in a small club on a solo tour and a few years later on I got to see concrete blonde in a 1500 seat club. They played 2 sets the first one 1 hour, a 30 minutes break and came back to play for another hour and a half. They were just awsome. It makes me sad that they weren't bigger. They are such a massively talented band.

[@sandraleigh4023]

I am obsessed with Walking in London, and listen to it a lot! She's so amazing.

[@theoldbankfisherman]

Bravo, bravo Bella 💯❤️👍

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

What a voice!

[@TheMaidensTrooper]

Johnette Napolitano and Peter Steele still continue you influence my writing, like she said she has nothing to lose. I've loved all the Concrete Blonde releases. I enjoy what I do. I'm not into this for likes on FB or IG its my music if you like it great, if you don't great. So lost in all the Bullshit of music today. True artist who actually play instruments, write put in the grind. This is sadly what is missing in music today...people wanna hear He diddy bah and a hiddy diddy hey and a doh da dee da day......

[@lowbudget1661]

i just discovered this band,sshes now loaded on my 1992 jukebox and on constant play

[@Staylogical]

Love to see her and James together again.They were so good.

[@kikistorrer]

I love her sudden laughs!! so funny!!! ahahah

[@GenovevaRossi]

Great laughter

[@circleofstone3114]

Been stuck on this awesome lady’s tunes since 88! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 heard her voice more than my own family 🥰