ing with Wyker had given me the opportunity to learn the necessary skills to push a rock and roll band around the country. An effort closely related to herding cats, and collecting the money earned with threats and intimida- tions. The consummate showman Wyker could
charm anyone, and his advice was always right on the money. The best he ever gave me was, "Always make friends with the arresting officer." In the late 70s, he lucked into an opportu-
nity for us to make a shrewd investment, and so we bought into a drug store. As he said, "They tell you to buy a piece of the rock." As a songwriter, Wyker wrote for a variety
of his bands in the late 60s and early 70's with songs such as "Let Love Come Between Us." "Motorcycle Mama," and "Baby Ruth." But he alienated many of his band mates with his wild antics, so other than a few short lived groups like Tomato Jelly, which performed a single show in 1975, and a few appearances with Eddie Hinton, Wyker's stage career was over in 1972. His songs, however, still were in demand.
Delbert McClinton recorded "Baby Ruth" on his Jealous Kind album, while John Prine put it on his Storm Windows album, and Mavis Staples cut "Let Love Come Between Us" on Tonight I Feel Like Dancing. As the 80s rolled around, Johnny found
Eddie Hinton in dire straits and enlisted my aid in helping him. Johnny nurtured him through some hard times, and provided the necessities of life for the talented singer-song- writer for most of that decade, creating The Mighty Field of Vision, and producing the Letters From Mississippi album He also helped him return to his mother's care. Were it not for Wyker's efforts the world would have missed much of Hinton's talent and songs. In recent years Johnny began to suffer
many health related issues, and his musical output began to diminish. The various mo-
torcycle accidents, and over-indulgencies slowed his body, but never dampened his spirits. Although he rarely left his home in De-
catur, he was known for his constant stream of telephone calls encouraging young talent and rehashing good times with old friends. Even though I was often ready and willing to just kill him, I miss him daily. Life just isn't the same now that Johnny is gone.
Microwave Dave Gallaher “Johnny Wyker was one of the most engaging humans I've ever encountered.”
Mick Hubbard “Johnny was more than my best friend. He was a teacher of the highest caliber. Though his passing first left us with a hole in our daily lives his legacy fills that hole to overflow with wonderful memories of great art, music and just plain old good times. Rest well by dear brother.”
Kahuna (Kevin Plemmons) “Years ago, I went by Wyker's house. When he came to the door, his hair was spiked up and painted red, yellow, blue and green. He had shaved one of his eyebrows and his eye- lids were blue. I said "what's up, Johnny ?" He said that a reporter from Holland called and then stopped by, so he had to get out the "dancing chicken " for him - this was classic Wyker. Johnny said that when he started playing in his first band, he couldn't play an instrument that well. So, he danced all over the stage and the girls loved it. He became the “ultimate showman.” I'm sure that when Johnny got to the Pearly Gates, he pulled out his best dancing chicken for the Lord. Much Love, Kahuna
Mitch Lopate "John Wyker was one of the main reasons I found that sweet farm in Alabama. My whole life changed because of him." •
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