The first time I talked with John was on the phone. Scheduled to do a telephone interview with him on a college station, to promote a concert, I rang at the appointed hour. John answered, said he was expecting the call but was in the middle of writing a pretty cool song and was afraid he'd lose it if he talked to me. Could he please call back in 20 minutes? (His dime.) He was very sincere and polite and my response was very quick and also sincere. I said, "Hang up!" He called back and we had a good time with the interview. I asked him how the song went and he replied, "I nailed it." I've always wondered what it was. Jammed with him til 3AM a few years later and I'll never forget the energy. He continues to be a strong inspiration to me.