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John Thomsen’s Humor And Folk Songs Provide Timeless Entertainment
By Dianna Troyer For legendary folk singer John Thomsen, music and humor have always been as natural and life-sustaining as breathing. Since childhood, he has been playing musical instruments and singing.
“I’ve always had a need to sing,” says the 77-year-old Idaho City resident. For more than five decades, he has performed for folk festivals, school presentations, political rallies, community gatherings, and other activities. “I just happen to have a natural ability to remember a lot of songs in my head that I heard decades ago.” Growing up in rural Minnesota, his family sang regularly and invited relatives, friends, and neighbors to join them. “We’d gather around the pump organ as Mom played. I picked up the harmonica when I was 7 or 8. I’d listen to the radio, memorize the song lyrics, and dream about playing with the big boys at the Grand Ole Opry. I learned to socialize through music with like-minded peo-
ple. It’s been a way of life.” Since then he has toured the West, singing, writing humorous protest songs, performing with a band, and sharing his musical insights as a speaker for the Idaho Humanities Council while also working as a carpenter, cabinetmaker, and U.S. Forest Service lookout. “I’ve slowed down and don’t have a performing schedule anymore – except for every St. Patrick’s Day in Idaho City,” he says. “I still play for pleasure and socializing – nothing formal. I really enjoy watching new talent emerge and playing with beginners and young musicians. I don’t teach lessons but help by encouragement.” With his humble beginnings in mind, John often tells young musicians to never feel discouraged about learning and refining their musical talent. He began playing guitar at age 21 after he was discharged from the Navy. “My brother had an old caved-in guitar, and I found a book of old folk songs and cowboy tunes that were familiar. The book had words and pictures to show how to play the chords. All winter long – and for all my life thereafter – I’ve been learning how to (Continued on page 39)