Ragtime Millionaires
Ragtime Millionaires began when John Sheehan and Gus Cannon met at an open mic. I had the pleasure to speak with the two bandmates one morning before they were to set out together fishing. There’s a beauty in friends that find each other and connect on multiple levels. When they’re not fishing, they can be found in Sheehan’s driveway playing tunes as neighbors walk by, and stop to listen or say hello.
Ragtime Millionaires is born
The two met at Black Rock Tavern during an open mic Sheehan was hosting and they became fast friends. For most of his career, Sheehan had been finger picking and playing solo and in bands, but playing with Gus Cannon offered him the opportunity to try his hand at other instruments such as the banjo and mandolin. Gus Cannon always thought that humor had a place in music, and he really appreciates the light-hearted, up-beat vibe of a jug band. Sheehan, on the other hand, really admired how easily he went on stage to play some lesser-known tunes.
“It’s a privilege to play with John and we both educate each other musically,” Gus Cannon said. “I think we have done so over the past few years, and that’s very gratifying.”
Although Sheehan still has solo gigs at restaurants and bars, he appreciates the opportunity to share his love of roots Americana (including blues and oldtime country from the 1920s and 30s) that speaks to the early days of the first vinyl recordings in Ragtime Millionaires.
Venues such as the Farmers Market and The Vreeland Store offer the perfect backdrop for these period pieces. Although the music isn’t truly ragtime, they coined the name for the band from an old song. The duo appreciates the irony inherent in the name, as well as the upbeat and humorous music of the time. They play everything from turn of the century tunes to acoustic versions of classic rock favorites.
About the bandmates
Sheehan has been playing professionally for 40 years. He has produced several albums, and Gus Cannon, who plays rhythm guitar and washboard, appears with him on some of those.
“I really enjoy the fact that I can play the banjo with Gus’ accompaniment,” Sheehan said. “We make up old-time banjo tunes that are really new songs, but in the style of old time banjo.”
Gus Cannon is actually a stage name (for those of you who don’t recognize the 1930s performer). Gus cites American jazz pianist, one of his influences, saying “never give your real name,” as part of the reason he chose a stage name. Both performers actually share the same first name, so the differentiation probably doesn’t hurt either.
As a child, Gus Cannon listened to rock and roll. His father had a pile of old jazz records he was going to throw away, so he took and kept them and began to develop an appreciation for jazz. He was also drawn to jug bands and homemade instruments, as well as the banjo. But his real love of playing didn’t begin until he was in his 30s and 40s.
His favorite part of playing is when someone comes up to him afterward and lets him know they had never heard a song before that they really liked. If you hear one at the market this week, be sure to say hi and let them know!
Find Ragtime Millionaires at the market on June 14, or visit www.johnsheehan.net to discover their other shows at the Vreeland Store and around town.