Jan finally meets Johnny!

     As a child I had been in Johnny's fan club. I put together a scrapbook of my many treasures during that period. I enjoyed watching Johnny in "The Rifleman." It was a show with family values and a close relationship of father and son. I was very disappointed when the show ended. I began watching reruns on various networks. Later, I enjoyed going to the theater to see Johnny in various movies (such as "The Restless Ones", "El Dorado", "The Great Texas Dynamite Chase", just to name a few) and guest appearances in various TV shows ("Branded", "The Big Valley", "Hawaii Five-O", "Little House on the Prairie", etc.). I later purchased the videos and DVDs of yesteryears television shows and movies. Now I can watch Johnny whenever I want. I don't have to wait for the networks to run the reruns. I have his records and CDs and have always enjoyed his music. And for whatever reason (a big fan, as well as I too had a childhood crush) I wanted to someday meet Johnny in person. As I got older, I began to wonder if that dream would ever come true.
     In the nineties, after learning to use a computer, I decided to do a yahoo search to see if anything was available about Johnny. To my surprise, I learned that Johnny has his own website, as well as other fans having websites about him. I was like a kid in a candy shop. I registered on Johnny's website to receive emails about Johnny's appearances and updates. I also found Mary's "Out of the Night" website. I enjoyed all that she had posted and left a message in her guestbook. I also found "The Rifleman" site and enjoyed visiting and reminiscing of days gone by. And of course, I discovered Ebay. I began adding treasures to my scrapbook that I have kept through the years. And I began sending Johnny cards and family/friends newsletters including pictures of our family through the years. It was a treat to be in contact with Johnny again.
     In recent years Johnny added "Myspace" to his website. I registered so that I could from time to time look at photos that he had added to his page. I did not request to be a friend until just recently as I had been receiving an occasional email with updates and appearances through his Vintage Band website. I checked his myspace page from time to time to see what comments had been posted and where he would be appearing with the hopes that one day I would be able to attend an appearance or show. I did not go to the first "True Grit" days in Colorado, but via the internet I did purchase a poster and T-shirt.
     Thanks to the internet, this website and Johnny's "Myspace", I learned that Johnny was going to be in Danville, Kentucky for one performance with his vintage band on June 29th. I printed the information off and told my husband that I had a huge favor to ask of him. To my surprise he agreed to go with me to the show. We also decided to take in the play the night before. I made reservations at the Pioneer Playhouse for dinner and a play on Saturday night and Johnny Crawford Vintage Band on Sunday night. I did not know at the time, but found out later on that Johnny was going to be in the play on Saturday night as well. So my long awaited journey to meet Johnny got even better with two nights of performances with Johnny! I also requested to be a friend on Johnny's "Myspace" because I wanted to let him know that I had purchased tickets and would be among those in the audience.
     I actually purchased two new dresses for the occasion. I did a fashion show for my  husband and he did not like either of the two dresses I had purchased. After trying on several more dresses for my husband that I pulled out of the closet, I decided to wear a vintage inspired 1920's dress on Saturday night and a 1930's vintage inspired dress, that I had purchased for my daughter's rehearsal dinner, for Sunday night. I selected a pearl and rhinestone necklace to wear along with the diamond tennis bracelet that my husband had given me for Christmas. My big mistake was that I wore a new pair of shoes that were killing my feet. Thank goodness most of the evening was spent sitting down.
     The big day arrived and off we headed for Kentucky. At dinner my husband noticed that I did not take much to eat at the buffet line. I simply told him that I was not very hungry (nerves and anticipation in action). When we arrived and found our seats for the play we learned that we had wonderful seating in the 4th row in order to watch and hear the play. The play was interesting and funny and Johnny had a part in the play that involved playing a guitar and singing as well as some very funny punch lines.
     After the play ended, the actors lined up in a receiving line to shake hands and greet the guests. By this time I was very nervous and forgot to take the camera out for photos. My husband and I were near the end of the long line along with two fans/friends that I had met. We talked as we inched our way up to the receiving line. We shook hands with a couple of the actors and commented on the play, and then it was my turn to shake Johnny's hand. As I did I also introduced my husband and told him where we were from. He said, "Say that again, where you are from." and I did. He got so excited and told the folks around him that he knew us, that we send him cards and letters. We began to talk. Time flew by and we began holding up the line, so we were moved to the end of the line to allow my time to visit. Johnny mentioned his "myspace" and I should join. I told him that I had done so in the last several weeks. He apologized for not answering letters and cards, but said he does read his mail. I said that it was ok. I know that he receives a lot of fan mail and answering each and every letter is impossible.
     Johnny autographed my program for me, gave me a gentle kiss on the cheek, and it was time to move along. I stood and watched for a few minutes as he mingled with others, talking and taking pictures with them. You could tell he was really enjoying visiting with the many guests. Before I left I told him that we would be back on Sunday night for the Vintage Band performance and would also like to take a photo of him then if it was ok.
     We returned on Sunday night and found seats with a good view of the band. Johnny's band began to come out and take their places. A few minutes later Johnny and his band were introduced and then Johnny appeared. Wow! Two nights close to the stage with Johnny. We enjoyed listening to the band play and Johnny singing songs from yester year. Johnny also danced during some of the songs. He is a wonderful dancer. He moved around the stage gracefully and full of energy. My husband and I took advantage of the dance floor and danced three dances together. One of the dances was the last dance of the evening and for some reason it was very special to me. Johnny's love of music was apparent. Before songs were played, he gave a little history about the music and lyrics. His gift of preserving the past and sharing his knowledge was wonderful. His love of music was ever apparent! I also had the opportunity to purchase autographed copies of Johnny's new CD "Sweeping the Clouds Away". And as always, I purchased two, one for the house and one for the car. After the performance ended, we patiently waited our turn to let him know how much we enjoyed the music and to have an opportunity to take a photo with him. As we were waiting, I said to a friend we should tell Johnny that his giddy fan club is here to take a photo. But being the shy person that I am, did not mention it. When it was my turn, Johnny rushed over and gave me a gentle kiss on the cheek. We exchanged a few words about being in Muriel's fan club in the sixties. (Muriel was president of Johnny and Bobby's fan club). I mentioned that I had been around a while and he said, "So have I." And I said, "Yes you have." My husband began snapping pictures, but the flash did not go off. It was apparent that he wanted my photo to be perfect. My husband checked the camera and the photos were there, and hopefully would turn out fine.
     It is a weekend that I will never forget. It had only taken me thirty some years to talk my husband into this venture. The gifts and special touches that Johnny gives his fans and audiences are phenomenal. And for Johnny I wish him the very best!

Long time fan in Virginia,
Jan