Italian #2: Johnette Napolitano

I’ve been out sick obviously. I was feeling well enough last night to write down my immediate thoughts regarding the death Mr. Steve Jobs, my boss and indirectly the guy who helped me choose a more lucrative career over broadcasting. Now I need to catch up regarding Italian Heritage Month so I will probably go with these very quick, brief snippets.

Her last name may sound familiar but you’re probably thinking of former Arizona governor and current DHS head Janet Napolitano. Johnette is a singer/songwriter who has entertained many in the Alternative circles for 25-plus years. First as lead singer/bassist of Concrete Blonde. This band tends to be an on/off again thing because I went to their farewell tour in 1993 yet they’re reunited again; they’ll be playing the new Emo’s East later this year.

Most people also remember their big 1990 hit “Joey,” which is a very touching song and Johnette’s vocals are what cinched it.

Outside Concrete Blonde (a name chosen by Michael Stipe when he was the darling of IRS Records), she was in Pretty & Twisted, Vowel Movement, the touring singer for The Heads (aka Talking Heads minus David Byrne) and gone solo.

I also had the opportunity to meet her in 2007 so I can speak from experience that she isn’t related to Janet.

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