Walt Whitman High School Alumni
Bethesda, Maryland (MD)
John Ticktin
Walt Whitman High School
Class of 1974
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JOHN'S PROFILE
| First Name | John |
| Last Name | Ticktin |
| Graduation Year | Class of 1974 |
| Gender | Male |
| Hometown | Bethesda, Maryland |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| About Me | CD's are available on cdbaby.com Johnny and the Headhunters have been performing authentic soul full Blues and roots rock n roll music for 3 decades. Just Gotta Dance is an original song written by former Headhunter Michael Maye who wrote many songs before his passing in 1998. The instrumental version of Funky Hideaway is known regularly as the pickup song for Radio station WPFW picked up by Elliott for his show. Paying his dues for 25 years Ticktin was fortunate enough to pay many of these dues with scores of blues legends that influenced him. Lightening Hopkins, Albert Collins,James Cotton, Buddy Guy, Louisana Red, Pinetop perkins, Big Walter, Mama Thornton, Eddie Taylor, Danny Gatton, Duke Robillard, Steppenwolf, Aretha, and many others. The story of nobody's children: Over the course of his travels, Johnny became friendly with harmonica player Larry Wise. Larry was known for touring with famous Blues men and introduced Johnny to Louisana Red. The three became known as "Nobodys Children" and began a whirlwind tour of the United States and Canada. With hit records such as "Reds dream" and "Sweet bloodcall" legendary Red enabled Johnny to play with many other Blues Musicians.Nobody's Children toured and played festivals and shared the stage with greats such as Sonny Terry and Brownie Mcgee, Taj mahal, Luther Allison, Nina simone, and Lightening Hopkins. Adding Big Moose Walker on piano. Johnny stayed some time with Sunniland Slim Muddy Waters Piano Player on South Halstead street in Chicago. He became friendly with Lurie Bell son of Carey Bell. The two would sit in at clubs on the north side of Chicago. One night they went to see Big Walter playing with Eddie Taylor. Outside the club they met Steve Guyger and Eddie taking a band break. Steve was an up and coming harmonica player from Philadelphia. The Boys got to play with the band featuring Odie Payne Louis Myers and Walter. Upon coming home in 1982, Johnny was asked to replace the guitarist in Guygers band "the Excellos". Johnny had already been player for the legendary Delaware Rockett 88 band. It was with the culmination of all these experiences the knowledge he learned, Johnny moved back to Washington to form Johnny and the Headhunters which is now a trio with Guitar Bass and drums. The Headhunters have performed for 30 years in and around the Washington DC area, along the coast and in Manhattan at places like "Manny's car wash" a favorite upper east side hot spot. The band has played many shows with Pete Ragusa drummer and grammy nominated producer for the internationally acclaimed Nighthawks. Pete has played on several of Johnny's albums and produced t...(read more) |
Class of 1974 Alumni
→ Reunite with 69 class of 1974 alumni that have joined.
Tom Baughan
Class of 1972
Daniel Swerdlow
Class of 1979
Bryce Quayle
Class of 1983
Ken Becker
Class of 1968
David Fyock
Class of 1994
Juan Juan Montoya
Class of 2010
Scott Harper
Class of 1976
Juno Diventura
Class of 1975
Deborah Robinson
Class of 1970
Laurie Solomon
Class of 1977
Leah Apple
Class of 1968
Cathy Lee
Class of 1999
Paula Paula Routly
Class of 1978
Andrea Miller
Class of 1977
Josh Levitsky
Class of 1990
Tommy Lebeau
Class of 1967
William Kelly
Class of 1975
Maya Caceres
Class of 2018
Recent Class of 1974 Reunions
Plan a Class of 1974 Reunion for Free
Walt Whitman class of 1974 40th Reunion
Invited Classes: 1974
Date: Jul 03, 2014
Description: Dress casual for outdoor fun. There will be additional activities throughout the weekend including tours of the art coll...(read more)
Class of '68 " When I'm 64"
Invited Classes: All Classes
Date: Jun 07, 2014
Description: This is the date. We will have our own private room and the band will be the one that played at our 60th, Bruce Moyer an...(read more)