Johnny 'V' was just thirteen when he got his union card to play music professionally. Thirteen! There seemed to be little doubt on his direction in life. His father and uncle both played music and the Vernazza's were living in the Bay Area…it was the early 1960s. Johnny would begin his journey by playing every teen center and Moose Lodge that would have him. By the late 60s he would be on stage at some of the most legendary venues of that era; Winterland, Golden Gate Park, the Carousel, the Fillmore and Wumper's Old Man. His musical runnin' buddies included some the best that ever were; names like Elvin Bishop, Toy Caldwell, Jerry Garcia, Norton Buffalo and Janis Joplin.

They say one of the only activities that can activate and stimulate the use of the entire brain…is music. If that is indeed true; my nomination for their blues poster child is Laurie Morvan. I have my reasons. Whether you're a left-brain analytical and methodical person or a right-brain creative and artistic individual; everyone has their comfort zones. Not Laurie Morvan, she taps the intellect of both sides and she does it all the time.