Secret Agent Man - Johnny Rivers L I V E @ VCBF 2018 - musicUcansee.com

Released as a single on Imperial Records in 1966. Performed LIVE in 2018 at the 13th Annual Ventura County Blues Festival. Secret Agent Man - Johnny Rivers
On Stage: Johnny Rivers - guitar/vocals
Skip Edwards - keys
Gerald Davis - bgv
Norm Sancho - bass/bgv
Michael Rivers - drums
Cameras: Richard 'Yogi' Heintz, Kimberly Kagy & Casey Reagan
Edit: CJ Reagan for musicUcansee.com
Live Sound & Post Audio:: Dave Grover for Mystic Mountain Sound
The Wiki:
"Secret Agent Man"
Single by Johnny Rivers
from the album ...And I Know You Wanna Dance
B-side "You Dig"
Released 1966
Format 45 rpm
Genre Rock and roll
Length 2:58
Label Imperial 66159
Songwriter(s) P. F. Sloan, Steve Barri
Producer(s) Lou Adler
"Secret Agent Man" is a song written by P. F. Sloan and Steve Barri. The most famous recording of the song was made by Johnny Rivers for the opening titles of the American broadcast of the British spy series Danger Man, which aired in the U.S. as Secret Agent from 1964 to 1966. The song itself peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. According to composer P.F. Sloan, the American television network that licensed Danger Man, CBS, solicited publishers to contribute a 15-second piece of music for the opening of the U.S. show to replace the British theme, an instrumental titled "High Wire".[1] Sloan wrote the guitar lick and the first few lines of the song, with Barri (Sloan's songwriting partner) contributing to the chorus.[1] This fragment was recorded as a demo by Sloan and Barri, submitted to CBS, and, to Sloan's surprise, picked as the show theme, which led to Sloan and Barri writing a full-length version of the song.[1] The original demo of the song used the "Danger Man" title, as shown by the surviving demo of the song, which Sloan sang.[2] When the show's title was changed, the lyrics were also changed. Ultimately, "High Wire" was also retained by CBS, as it played over the episode credits following the "Secret Agent" titles.
Sloan and Barri's publisher/producer, Lou Adler, also produced and managed Johnny Rivers, so Rivers was chosen to add the vocals for the TV show. Rivers claimed he came up with the opening guitar riff that was inspired by The James Bond Theme[3] (although that lick is clearly heard on Sloan's demo version[4]). Rivers' original recording was merely the show theme, with one verse and one chorus. Later, after the song gained in popularity, Rivers recorded it live, with two more verses, and the chorus repeated twice more. The live version was recorded in 1966 at the Whisky a Go Go, but not released until after a few studio production touchups were done by Adler shortly after. The song evokes secret agents both musically (making use of a memorable guitar riff) and through its lyrics (which describe the dangerous life of a secret agent). The lyric; "they've given you a number and taken away your name" referred to the numerical code names given to secret agents, as in "007" for James Bond, although it also acts as the (unintentional) setup to the "continuation" of Danger Man, the cult classic The Prisoner.[5]

[@MusicUCanSee]

More Johnny!: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3rLdZSkbMSHaKc

[@PUFFED.7]

It’s secret Asian man

[@li8363]

Top notch. Great upload.

[@MusicUCanSee]

Midnight Special - Johnny Rivers LIVE !! kzbin.info/www/bejne/omHQYmirfat4ia8

[@ji8044]

He never got enough credit for his guitar playing.

[@hyghacinth1632]

fax

[@glennhfriedman4571]

Who sez ?

[@bernardvasquez6254]

This Legend should be inducted to The Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame

[@hyghacinth1632]

he isn't??

[@sweetsueohio2]

Johnny you sound as good now as you did back 50+ years ago.

[@schnoz6879]

Sounds as good as ever

[@sub222marathon]

75 in this clip, and rocking like he's not even 50.

[@glennhfriedman4571]

Not true, this was over 6 years ago

[@jgsmachine1776]

Johnny doesn't hire a killer to play the signature guitar riffs for the live shows, he plays them all himself while still delivering the vocals! PROPS JOHNNY RIVERS !!

[@12sapito12]

To quote a comment here: "How is he NOT in the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame???????????" And the answer is: NOT ACCEPTABLE!!!! Johnny Rivers belongs in R&R Hall of Fame, PERIOD.

[@charlessaggio8412]

Agree. The Cure is in, had one decent song. Look at their lead versus Johnny Rivers. A girly man.

[@getube9]

Amen, long overdue!!!

[@realrobjohnston]

Like fine wine. Johnny only gets better with age.

[@maxmason6053]

Johnny Rivers turns 80 Nov-2022 and still rocking , kicking ass , and entertaining like a true legend. God bless him.

[@whatsup7253]

Easer then laying cement.

[@maxmason6053]

@@whatsup7253 ???

[@hellrose18]

Calm dude. I get he's your favorite, but lets be real, he didn't do anything ground breaking or worth writing home about with his playing or style

[@maxmason6053]

@@hellrose18 What's your problem hellrose ??

[@maxmason6053]

@@whatsup7253 " easier than "

[@edbaxa9558]

i am 70 yrs old . . . ? WTF ! this is finally the kind of flashback they promised us back in 1968 🙂

[@hyghacinth1632]

aint it always have gone that way tho since forever, man sucks

[@brianthompson2089]

My rock band played this song 53 years ago!

[@philc.9280]

Just pandemic surfing... didn't know Rivers was still around and playing this song we heard in the 60's

[@craigsmith157]

This man is 2 years shy of 80. How on Earth does he look so damn young?

[@MrEdWeirdoShow]

Sex, rock 'n' roll, without any drugs, baby!

[@kentiki646]

It's no secerete this guy still rocks go Johnny go .

[@deborahlangnese7645]

Johnny rivers might be older but he is still a great singer and guitarest

[@kpb0605]

And this man isnt in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame yet... What are they waiting on? Theres not a man more deserving of this honor than Johnny!

[@donaldauguston9740]

Sooooo cool! Sooooo HOT! Thank you, Johnny for all the years of exceptionally good music.

[@matrox]

Gotta give a thumbs up to all the old timers who are still jamming.

[@glennhfriedman4571]

thank you

[@urbanfightingsexmage7005]

I agree 👍

[@machtschnell7452]

Especially the good ones like Johnny.

[@wacoflyer]

I've aged alongside this talented man and still revel in his musical artistry as much as I did over 50 years ago!

[@dadadruma]

Nearly 80 years young and Rockin like hes in his 40s God Bless Him!!

[@robertrowland3750]

He just turned 77 a week ago November 7-2019

[@buckjohnson1119]

Robert Rowland He sure sounds great, still!!!

[@evetsnitram8866]

The song is still cool!

[@mrmisfit635]

Clean livin' right there

[@pamelajordan2890]

And might I add still sexy as ever

[@renarga6886]

He is 80 and still sounds (and looks) great! 😍💕

[@luckylady7542]

He still has it!!! And I might say....his hair looks great. You go Johnny, a great talent and so handsome.😊❤

[@marysullivan9301]

Love you Johnny Rivers keep singing ❤

[@Gunslinger1875]

My Mom said he was awesome live at the Whiskey ago go. She 77 now, and still smiles when she's talks about it. 😏

[@redpillcommando]

God bless him. Still rocking after all these years. This song was hot back when I was in the 4th grade.

[@fastsetinthewest]

WOW! I finished high school in 1966 and this was a big favorite for me. By 1968, I was a draftee in Vietnam fighting for my life. Godspeed.

[@kazitude1]

Thank you for your service👍🥲 I graduated HS in 77'👍

[@RMINTZELL]

Not bad at 76 years old!! Amazing! Go Johnny Go!

[@stephenhenry6737]

He deserves to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I always loved this song and he still sings it well

[@tommcconville4270]

Johnny Rivers is one of the all time great guitarists and singers. His voice is still amazingly good, even in his seventies. And his guitar playing here is superb.

[@travis8665]

I thought his guitar playing is that of an old man. Muted a lot of his notes and his lead breaks were awful. Good for an 80 year old. The Fender bass had a great sound.

[@tommcconville4270]

@@travis8665 Let me ask you something: are you sounding that good at 80? Listen to his catalog from the sixties, seventies, even to the eighties and nineties, and you'll be singing a different tune.

[@HomelandConspiracy]

How is he NOT in the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame???????????

[@rickydrone9274]

Because he is not in the clique. So, he is definitely a rebel and his own man

[@rickbeckman2306]

I agree....he should have been inducted years ago....

[@MrJetset2004]

GOOD QUESTION.!!!!

[@WootTootZoot]

Have you ever been to that place? It's a shit show at best, and the idea of how, and who, they nominate is a joke. I mean, they inducted Joan Jett and Patty Smith for f**k's sake. I'm sure both of those women are fine people, but, they're "one-hit wonders" at best, and yet they are in the "Hall of Fame", pffft. That's like putting Kevin Costner in the Baseball HoF because he was in a baseball movie. If I was an artist I tell the to kiss my ass if they wanted to include me in that stupidity.

[@michaelcusumano880]

same reason ELO was just recently inducted...pathetic ownership and politics..

[@noshow22]

Johnny sounds better than ever.

[@johndooley7812]

Johhny Rivers is the MAN! So under rated IMO. Great singer, guitarist, producer, writer, he has it all.

[@pumas6100]

HE'S A LEGEND, HOW IS HE NOT IN THE ROCK AND ROLL OF FAME???? WHY.

[@WootTootZoot]

Because the HoF is a joke.

[@56cadd]

Its for old loony madonna and Janet the rockstar. 😁

[@carlcurtis]

Look how long it took the Hall of Fame to induct the DC5--and, worse, the Moody Blues. Johnny's long over due.

[@winterlandboy]

pumas6100 He absolute belongs in the Rock Hall of Fame

[@steelgila]

@@carlcurtis Amen!

[@raulchavezromo315]

i love jhonyy..i was born in 66....he deserves more recognition

[@josearriola7537]

He still plays and sounds like you did in the 1960s almost 50 years ago

[@larryhinze8431]

How do you know how I sounded in the 60's?

[@josearriola7537]

@@larryhinze8431 cuz I been listening to your music for a long time

[@anneraso5621]

This song is more like 53 years old! He sounds great!

[@MrJones-ge5sl]

Holy crap... still sounds great and bringing it at 76!

[@TheTRAINOR11]

One of the biggest hits in recorded music history ! That guitar riff still rocks almost 60 years later .

[@jostinaguilar7772]

I do not care what others think but for me this is the best song that can exist

[@HankCherry]

Johnny ! Happy birthday man you’re an inspiration

[@thomasgary1219]

I usually can't watch old men playing songs they created when they were young, but I must say Mr. Rivers has the same energy here as he did when he was in his 20s. Incredible

[@toastertwo1602]

Yeah, he looks and sounds very good for his age. Especially if you think how it is hard to stay in a good shape when you're in show business.

[@jkiker3794]

He almost sounds the same.

[@nevadagrace3514]

He never lost it!

[@dougfries7759]

His voice is still like it was when he was young. And this is live!

[@janetbrowntlc]

Johnny Rivers isn't old. When he gets 90 he'll be getting old. He has and always will be pure gold.

[@katgrey6239]

My great aunt Mary turned me on to Johnny Rivers in the early 60's...loved him ever since! ❤🎵🎶

[@vickieevans9022]

Love Johnny Rivers! Always have, always will. He still great! Oh...that voice!

[@professorvargasp4861]

Johnny, you're great as ever. Time does not appear. This music it's fantastic. I see olds presentations before this but you are incredible as ever.

[@roncluney859]

He's STILL got it 52 years later! He needs to come to south Texas! :)

[@ivanildecordeiro1315]

I Love you!!!

[@bbvenusian1960]

Ron, he's coming to Houston this Nov. at the Arena, which is a cool venue!

[@Richard-zi3dy]

And north texas

[@joemysterymusic]

Consider that Johnny was born in November 7,1942! If this is really from 2018, he is well past 75 and his voice, attitude and playing remain top notch. Just incredible and a gift for sure. Awesome.

[@shirleydunbar1020]

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful video of Johnny Rivers, I think he is amazing, and thank you Johnny for your wonderful talent, always a fan

[@Kkins100]

He is still going strong! What a legendary performer!!!

[@juliawalsh7934]

I was a kid when this song appeared on the t.v. for Secret Agent. I didn't realized how many hit songs he had throughout his career! The drummer in this video looks like Johnny Rivers. Turns out, it is his son; his name appears in the ending credits.

[@JohnDgr81]

Didn't miss a note!..hall of fame NOW!.....he deserves to be in rock history!...every song he wrote was a hit!...

[@magneto7930]

I wasn't aware that he wrote any of his hits. I never thought he did, though I agree he should definitely be in the Hall of Fame.

[@bcb2555]

He has more talent in his pinky finger than anyone coming out in the so called music industry these days

[@johngiovine8792]

Seriously yes!

[@tomh6183]

I totally agree with that fact.

[@WildWing-wl7nj]

Absolutely. Johnny Rivers towers above today's punks and raps, and whatever else. Take me back to his day.

[@chainamarie03]

Yup!!

[@robertdegrandis5180]

All that today's kids have, is a beat and lots of profanity. I really feel bad for them.

[@carmenfeltz6464]

Love Johnny Rivers. Saw him while back and he sounds the same. Don't understand why he's not in the Rock Hall of Fame.

[@glennhfriedman4571]

Hall of SHAME

[@carmenfeltz6464]

@@glennhfriedman4571 There is no way for hall of shame!!! He's always been a great singer and guitarist. Perhaps you are a bit jealous.....yes???😁🙃😜

[@ronwatson4135]

One of my all time favorite memories of mine was in 1966. I walked into the kitchen and seen my mama dancing with her broom as Johnny Rivers was singing Poor Side of Town on the radio. Love you, Mama.

[@vincestaskel1393]

Happy 77th Birthday to legendary rocker Johnny Rivers on 11/7/19.

[@sofieweb]

He's still kickin' ass, his band is tight, son Michael on drums.

[@flipperdale51]

Johnny R. is not just a legend, he's also a very nice guy. Years ago, after putting on a free 4th of July concert in Calimesa Ca. he stuck around and shook a bunch of our hands, conversed with us, and signed our shirts. I've always, and always will, love his music.

[@atroise]

Great shape for a 75 years old man, still rock . I wish I could watch him live, what a legend

[@PAULPINBALL]

His voice is still unbelievable!

[@marcalmedeiros1223]

Mas alguém do Brasil que curte essas relíquias aí .se curte . parabéns . estou curtindo esse sucesso ai maravilhoso aqui em Uberlândia MG um abraço pra quem curte isso ai até hoje

[@andrebs2003]

Olha mais um aqui 😊

[@edwardbaker2192]

My lord he is good on that Gibson. He’s not in the HOF? They don’t need an HOF then. What a great talent and man.

[@drbombay91765]

He is a musical legend and treasure. I saw him last year in L.A.

[@reglow6776]

The REAL Secret Agent Man, Johnny Rivers. Fantastic musician.

[@josephkrejci2024]

He's fantastic. Recognized him on a flight years ago and I told him he was great. Sat behind me. I think he was surprised he was recognized. This was mid to late 90's.

[@matrox]

Holy Sh!t I was a kid in elementary SkOol when this came out and sang along with it on my Transister radio.

[@bettycogswell9851]

Me too

[@audieconrad8995]

Hah! For those of us who know what a transistor radio is...

[@colehara]

@@bettycogswell9851 Me three. And it was a 2 transistor radio with a speaker the size of a quarter. Still, the music was great.

[@RTS907]

Me four!

[@nolvillaroman8845]

@@RTS907 me5 , w/ telescopic antenna

[@carlaaustin6054]

I love this song 🎵 ❤️. I can't believe he's still performing. He is 👍 good. He plays that guitar excellent. 🎸

[@darlenejeanson7131]

So happy to see Johnny out there still rockin’ it & his voice is as good as he ever. Loved this guy growing up- sure brings back a lot of memories.

[@Yesica1993]

I usually cringe when I see current performances by older artists who were big in their time. They're usually a pale shadow of what they used to be. It's sad. But this was fantastic!

[@ronaldschild157]

I know, right?!? For an older performer playing a relatively modest venue, Johnny Rivers did a fantastic job! Very little to no bluster nor bravado - just pure musical omnicompetence. He really delivered for that audience.

[@bpetkus1]

Old? This is his masterpiece. He can sing it at any age. He is timeless!

[@DeborahLowe9]

Love Johnny Rivers music ❤

[@civilwildman]

Johnny Rivers probably hasn't ruined his voice (and with it, his body) with alcohol, tobacco and/or recreational drugs.

[@3melendr]

Sometimes our perceptions fade right along with them.

[@ricknbonnie]

How is Johnny not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

[@elizabethmoran7129]

He is too white!!!

[@kimberlyhardin8034]

He should be he sounds no different wow!

[@dirgramsey6132]

He's actually a rock musician they only let in rappers and hip hop artists now

[@joelow4517]

NOT GOOD ENOUGH ,SIMPLE !

[@loishill9064]

THATS THE ZILLION DOLLAR QUESTION!! HOW CAN HE NOT BE WHEN "THEY" HAVE PUT SO MANY MISTAKES IN?? WE LOVE MR J.R.HEART BOSY & SOUL.MAY HE FOREVER & EVER BE IN HIS REAL FANS HEART & SOUL.🎶😇💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@lonjanis6001]

Can't believe how amazing he sounds at his age. What a legend !!

[@nrich5127]

Man I can remember listening to this while I was doing my homework back in 1966 ... damn time goes by fast when you're having fun ... I just love all his songs and the memories of a magical time in history - the birth of Rock & Roll ...

[@kathleenmacellis7253]

It sure has gone by fast ! I mean, weren't we all just listening to this on the radio and doing our homework ? Was it really over 50 years ago ?

[@steelgila]

I sat in the 'TV' room(den) with my two brothers and watched "Secret Agent Man" on Sat nights and new it was coming on when I heard this tune playing.

[@charleskuckel3173]

Showing the young whipper snappers how rock and roll is done! This classic will never get old.

[@richardherron7670]

Excellent performance as always

[@brandahastings2464]

Love this man and his music.hes an absolute legend

[@signeericks5951]

He is my singing idol and guitar player

[@jarichards99utube]

VVVVVVerry Nice...! : )

[@scottwinfrey519]

How has his voice NOT changed after all these years!?!?

[@martydibergi5228]

Favorite song EVER 🎸🐕😍❤️😘

[@michaelbalance98]

This should be the official James Bond theme song

[@DeborahLowe9]

I agree

[@beckyboo31554]

Well duh....where you been??

[@michaelbalance98]

@@beckyboo31554 No need to be rude and blunt.

[@johndymond1518]

It's really good but not as good as the Bond theme imo

[@paulodelorios8482]

Huh huh. Dame Shirley Bassey got that cherry baby!!

[@joeshecton5698]

Sounding good. He can still play and sing.

[@kempmt1]

HE still sounds great after all these years, both in singing and the guitar

[@williammonroe7890]

Had the pleasure of meeting johnny twice. First time wasa USO show on board the USS Kitty Hawk in 1966. Second time was in Prescott AZ. great entertainer.

[@festivelady826]

LOVE JOHNNY RIVERS!!! I was SO in love with him in the '60's! Damn, he is still GORGEOUS!! xoxo from Port Arthur, TX

[@nydeco1234]

Iconic tune by the Legendary Johnny Rivers!!!

[@MariaAraujo-uy9rs]

Love this song

[@mrradio2187]

If you were in a garage band during the 60's this song was at the top of your set list!

[@janehansen3457]

Even cuter than when he was young! ♥ that song!

[@garys.8333]

Good stuff then. Brings a lot of memories back to life.

[@guntherhoffman7421]

I love Johnny Rivers music!

[@KSMvidcast]

The moment that opening riff is played, I always get psyched. Never gets old.

[@Irineu777]

Saudades de uma época que não volta mais, muito bom mesmo. Tive oportunidade de vê-lo na década de 60 no círculo militar em São Paulo. Bom demais.

[@renarga6886]

Que inveja! 🥰

[@PauloHenrique-jq4on]

Tenho 49 anos sou da década de 70 amo esse ritimo de . . . Shol

[@johnwonder8720]

Amazing. He's looks great and hasnt lost his voice. Forget TB12, I want to know Johnny Rivers secret to aging.

[@horseman528]

phenominal talent. Just as good as he was 50 years ago.

[@nrich5127]

I was 15 when this started to play on AM radio - hot then and still hot today ....

[@TINSTAAFL1]

Great voice still, the man's a legend...

[@hyghacinth1632]

what an intro this guy is a legend

[@hyghacinth1632]

This guy looks like what an actual guitar legend would look like at half his age rock the fuck on man, you are one of the greats and you're still around that makes you better than all them in a way... I Here By Apply This Adjective To Your Personhood: The Best Legendary life, Johnny - I'm blessed to have even breathed the same air all my life as those that fueled your pipes and fingers. Mad Fuckin Hella Cheers

[@larryfreda5208]

Still great. Still rocking. Way to go Johnny

[@kierondillon4458]

And he still kicks!!!!!!!!

[@davidschmidt6013]

This may sound stupid, but for some reason I thought we'd lost Johnny years ago. I'm SOOOOOOO and I MEAN SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Glad that he's still out there rockin'!!! From a kid who cut his teeth on this and his other hits, BLESS YOU JOHNNY!!!!! ROCK N' ROLL!!!!!!!!

[@jennysanchez5796]

He hasn't changed!

[@paulocouto3]

The very best Johnny Rivers eternamente.

[@MrsJonesRevenge]

We're doing this song as tribute to Johnny! We hope he'd be pleased with our effort.

[@zzzsydneyhom1379]

Wow! Johnny Rivers still sounds amazing and he plays his guitar like a monster!