Interviewed by Jenica Schoolcraft,

Native Digest Correspondent

What does it mean to think "flute outside the box?" Jonny Lipford takes an age old instrument and uses it to create not only the traditional sounds, but also sounds that are new and not commonly linked to the Native American style flute- a voice all his own.  In every song you hear, you'll experience the unbridled passion of an individual who has experienced far more than many people his age. Jonny's innate sense of composition and mature understanding of melody touches the soul. Jonny's hands play out melodies that are uniquely pure, envoking a variety of emotions that will warm your heart and leave you astonished at his musical technique. Whether it be a jazzy beat, spirited tune or a heartfelt ballad that you desire, you will surely be satisfied

Today Jonny Lipford, who started his musical journey at the young age of 13, continues to shares his music with audiences across the United States and broadcasts world wide.  Lipford has been featured on NativeRadio.com, the worlds largest collection of broadcasted Native music, as Spotlight Artist with the debut of his first release. As a composer of his own original music, Jonny has been recognized as a two time NAMA Nominee, ISMA and JPF Nominee and NEMA Winner. Along his journey, he has shared the stage with many notable musicians including Mary Youngblood, Mark Holland, Jeff Ball, Arvel Bird and Michael DeMaria.  Most will find it hard to believe that one so young could have mastered the flute so perfectly. With a love and respect for all types of music, Jonny awakens these genres, making him a true virtuoso in this industry.

Flautist Jonny Lipford, grew up in Greenwood, Florida fighting for his life.  At 20 years old, and recently signed with Spirit Wind Records, Jonny has accomplished and experienced more than most of us will in our lifetime.  Further, Jonny helps make the flutes that are sold from his website (jonnylipford.com), conducts private lessons and workshops, and helps  Mr. Grady design jewelry.

Jonny Lipford is a humble, eloquent young man who is energized to share his story, his music and his craft with the world.  

Having had the ‘super bug’ from the early 1990’s, Jonny’s “feet, hands, immune system and intestinal difficulties were among the issues. Chronic ear related difficulties being the main concern…”  At the age of 13, he heard his first flute and knew immediately, that it was calling his name. Being in and out of the hospital for a year, he longed for the company of his flute, but was unable to play, though he was encouraged.  

Whilst in the hospital, much to Jonny’s surprise, Mary Youngblood invited him to play on stage with her and thus changed his life:

Click to listen to Two Feathers

JS: Where are you from and what tribe or nation are you connected to?
 

Jonny: I'm originally from a very rural town in northern Florida called "Greenwood", it's located right in the tri-state area of FL, GA and AL.  Recently I moved to Ft. Walton Beach, FL, a place that I've always been drawn to.  I am trying to uncover my heritage - I do know there is Cherokee and I'm doing further investigation as we speak. Missing links in my family tree are discouraging, but I'm doing whatever it takes - not only for me, but for my present and even future family.

JS: Your biography states: In every song you hear, you'll experience the unbridled passion of an individual who has experienced far more than many people his age.  Could you elaborate on what it means, for you, to have experience far more than many people your age?  I suppose I should preface this, too, by asking your age.  How old are you?

This is a deep question for me, I'm glad that you have asked it though. I was born with many complications which made my childhood a struggle, not only for me, but for my entire family. To keep it vague, feet, hands, immune system and intestinal difficulties were among the issues. Chronic ear related difficulties being the main concern. I spent the majority of my early childhood constantly in and out of the hospital. Finally there was a breakthrough and about the age of 9, things really started to lift - I was becoming a normal, healthy kid! Over the next few years I enjoyed being a kid, though any thing water related was all together out of the question, or closely monitored.
 
 Four years later (at 13 y.o.) is when I heard my first flute. I was watching cartoons and this character appeared playing a brown colored flute. What I was actually hearing was a south american pan flute, however, it was being portrayed as an endblown flute, much like the Native American flutes. I was intrigued! Having basic computer knowledge, I immediately leaped to the computer and searched, "wooden flute". Soon I found myself amongst an instrument that would change my life forever...
 
 

JS: You said "To keep it vague, feet, hands, immune system and intestinal difficulties were among the issues. Chronic ear related difficulties being the main concern..."  If you are able, can you tell our readers what specifically ailed you?  In other words, perhaps, what is it called and what does it do to the body?

Jonny: The earlier ear episodes were related to the "super bug". That's what they had named it, I was the first of it's kind back in the early 90's. All the other complications were due to my mom having cancer while she was pregnant with me. The doctors told her to abort me because she was risking both our lives. My mom, stubborn as ever, disagreed completely. In all honesty ... I shouldn't be here today.
 
So I managed to get through my earlier childhood when the ear troubles started again - once more I was in the face of death (I had explained in earlier messages) - It was scary. I look back at all those experiences and to be quite honest, I'm thankful for them. They have made me a stronger, more lively person. I walked away from all those horrible experiences with only having about 50% hearing loss in my right ear. Much better than it was a couple of years ago. Maybe it's getting better - or maybe I'm just adapting to the way I hear things. I learned to take care of my body and be proactive about illnesses. I've learned to never take a single day for granted.
 
  

Click to listen to Vanilla Skies

JS: In your comments, you state, basically, that the wooden flute was love at first sight.  Can you explain what was so inspiring and intriguing about the flute?  What was it that drew you to it (or it to you).

Jonny:  The flute: You know, I have no idea what drew me into it. When I first heard/saw it, I knew I had to have one. It was almost as if I was recalling a memory I've never had, or hardly remember having. The bottom line, It spoke to me. There was music coming from it, but I heard a voice. Strange, I know, but it's the truth.
 
JS: In conjunction with the previous question, what do you feel when you play the flute, and what are you conveying to your audience?

Jonny: What do I feel when I play the flute? I feel like I'm telling a story, conveying a message. If I'm playing a song I previously wrote or just noodling around on the flute; I feel that it's my heart and soul's voice being put into frequencies/notes and breathed out over the audience.
 
JS: Considering your experience, what advice can you give to the struggling individual searching for their niche?

Jonny: Advice: There's really only one thing that comes to mind to share with others about trying to find their own niche.
- Play from your heart - don’t try to sound like anyone. Relax and be yourself! Look at other artists as a map. Not a "point 'A' to point 'B' map", but rather a map of their path and a map of yours. Don't follow theirs ... carve your own ... I am.
 
 

Click to listen to A Little more Time

JS: Do you have any new projects coming up?  If so, what are they? 

Jonny: I do have new projects coming up. As an artist, I think (at least hope) that I always will. There's actually three projects coming up, two being within the next year and then one that might take some extra time and effort. The first project is an evolution of my music based more on piano work. I think people that know me have seen something like this coming for a while. There will be three key components to this project, two that will remain a secret until April when I release them all together. That's the plan anyways. What I can tell you is that it's a projects revolving around the four elements.
 
The second and third projects are something that I've wanted to do since I first started with the flute. However, it's so early in the works that I will refrain from saying anything in particular about them. The best way for folks to keep up with these happenings is to sign up for my monthly e-newsletters. At the beginning of every month I send out fun newsletters chocked full of information and happenings. This can be found on my homepage just below the video.
 
Home Page: www.jonnylipford.com
MySpace: www.myspace.com/jonny_lipford
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jonnylipford

NativeDigest would like to thank Jonny Lipford for contributing his time and words to the website and wish him continued success and fruition.

During this time I was an active member on a Yahoo Group based on Mary Youngblood and her music. One day out of the blue Mary pops on and asks if I would lke to perform on stage with her. My jaw dropped to the ground! I didn't know what to say! The excited part of me wanted to say "you bet!" ... the realistic (shy at the time) part of me wanted to say "umm....".

I had a great deal of support from the folks in the Yahoo Group that pushed me forward, they encouraged me like no other. So, I agreed to duet with her the following Spring - hoping that I would be out of the hospital of course.  Sure enough, March rolled around and I was released from the hospital and had my heart set on performing with Mary Youngblood in April.

That was the very first time I ever played on stage. After that night, my heart was singing - I knew that this is what I was supposed to be doing. Fast forward 5 years from then (currently 20 years old), I have released 3 albums and performed with many artists that I've admired from the beginning. It's been an amazing ride so far. I'm looking to the future with my eyes, arms and heart wide open.

 I received my very first (bamboo) Native American flute that Christmas. I was thrilled! It was magic as soon as I played it. I knew that this was it - this filled a void deep inside.
 
 The next summer, a dark shadow was about to reveal itself. Once again, ear complications landed me in the hospital(s). This dragged on for nearly a year. While in the hospital, I never brought my flute to play. Several folks, including the nurses, knew that I played the flute and even encouraged me to bring it in. I never did. Being away from something for so long helps you realize how much love and respect you really have for it when you are finally able to return to it.