Playing for Change's Grandpa Elliott on the Power of Music

When Grammy-winning pro­ducer Mark Johnson fol­lows through on a gut feel­ing, he doesn’t just super­size it, he goes for a world­wide, grand slam swing. His idea for Playing For Change, a record and documentary film, and now even a live touring band, was formed to make a dent in the global land­scape where indifference abounds.

“The initial idea came from the question, ‘How are you going to inspire as many peo­ple as possible to unite as a human race?’” Johnson explained to Venice over the sum­mer when we featured him and legendary TV producer Norman Lear who released Playing For Change: Songs Around The World through his Concord Music Group.

What began four years ago with the pair­ing of street musicians Roger Ridley in Santa Monica and Grandpa Elliott in New Orleans on the classic Ben E. King track, “Stand By Me,” quickly became an Internet sensation with well over 30 million views, as well as a Top Ten record.

Creating an inspiring record loaded with street musicians and world artists from around the globe including the Netherlands, South Africa, Congo, Spain, France, and Venezuela, along with renowned pop stars like U2’s Bono, Keb’ Mo’, Poncho Sanchez, and Manu Chao, Playing For Change is a feel-good record that is making a difference.

Not the least of which is the Playing For Change Foundation, whose proceeds from the record help build music schools in pover­ty-stricken countries, providing them with equipment to play with other schools around the world via the Net.

On November 3, Playing For Change pre­sents Grandpa Elliott’s Sugar Sweet release including favorites such as “This Little Light Of Mine” and a live version of “Fannie Mae” featuring the Playing For Change Band. On October 20 in Washington, DC, the Playing For Change Band began a two-month, 23­city tour featuring musicians from around the world.

Venice recently spoke with Grandpa Elliott, born Elliott Small, a beloved New Orleans street musician, about the surprising success of Playing For Change, the power of music, his upcoming release and tour. A French Quarter icon and fixture for years, Mark Johnson describes the loveable char­acter as having a “voice that tickles the soul and a harmonica that lifts the spirit.”

“When you think of the French Quarter you think of Grandpa,” Johnson explains. “Many locals and frequent visitors to the Quarter consider Grandpa the saving grace and passionate force behind the revitaliza­tion of the city since Hurricane Katrina. His voice reminds us all that music can help the soul persevere through many hardships.”

Venice: Congratulations on the success of Playing for Change. What do you make of the success of the project?

Grandpa Elliott: I think the success comes from the idea that Mark [Johnson] had and the fact that he was able to have the vision to bring together musicians from all over the world to promote peace through the music we sing. All backgrounds, all areas, people from all walks of life. The common string that everyone has and everyone loves is music.

Why do you think people are drawn to this record?

Because of the harmony and the peace­ful effect that it brings to everyone and the fact that people are ready for peace, har­mony and love. That is what this song is about, standing by each other.

What did you think of Mark Johnson’s idea to get musicians from all over the world to be part of all of these songs?

I think Mark is a genius; he is one of the kindest people I have ever met. He had a wonderful vision and is bringing it to life.

How have things changed for you since Mark first approached you to sing on “Stand by Me”?

My life has changed in a very positive way. I have had the pleasure of working with Mark and all of the band members and the entire crew; it has been a wonderful experience for me.

You lived in New Orleans pre-Katrina and then had to relocate. Now you’re back. What’s different?

Everything is different; so many people relocated, never to return and so many peo­ple lost family and they will never recover from that loss. I think everyone is doing the best that we can because we love this city. 

Have you gone back to business as usual?

Playing for Change musicians, left to right: Reggie McBride, Peter Bunetta, Grandpa Elliott, and Mark Johnson Since Katrina we have relocated like many others after losing their home, and I guess the answer would be we are doing the best that we can.

You’ve been on tour with the Playing for Change Band and even performed on “The Tonight Show.” Have you gone back to playing on the streets of New Orleans again?

Oh yes, when I am home I come to what I kindly refer to as my front porch — the corner of Royal and Toulouse. I often come early in the morning and stay until late at night. My fans, my friends on the street, and my fellow street musicians are all a very important part of my life. They’re a part that I never intend to give up.

Are people recognizing you?

Yes, I have people everyday that stop by and say, ‘I know you! I saw you on YouTube or the Playing For Change website.’ Or ‘I heard you sing,’ et cetera.

Is that easy to adjust to?

It is very nice to realize that my talent is touching and affecting so many people; but after all, that’s the vision that Mark had, right?

Talk about your blind Grandpa Elliott character. Does it matter when you’re playing on the street if people now know you can see?

I once played the role of a blind man on the street; it was something that my partner came up with. We played that act for sever­al years. Over the years, even while I was playing this role, my sight was deteriorat­ing, and because of the blindness in my immediate family, I felt it was something that I was going to eventually end up with. Now, unfortunately, it is no act. Blindness runs in my family. My grandmother was blind and my aunt who lives in New Orleans is also blind; but it’s something when we are really young that we never think will happen to us. I lost sight in one eye initially and could see silhouettes in the other eye; now everything is black. As I mentioned earlier, I have sev­eral members in my family that suffered from glaucoma and were blind. Me, I have both glaucoma and I am a diabetic.

What other songs are you playing live as part of the Playing for Change Band?

Several more, depending on what the producers have on the lineup request. “Fannie Mae” is one, and “This Little Light of Mine,” et cetera.    

How have you meshed with the other musicians?

We have a wonderful group and every­one works with one another, each member brings their own unique talent and we work together as what Mark kindly refers to as a family.

Who are your influences/role models?

Role models, I guess my first role model would be my uncle who played the har­monica. He was a member of an old school group called the Ink Spots. A man my age can collect a slew of role models over the years, and my last role model’s name happens to be Mark Johnson. He's a visionary.

Your new record comes out on November 3. What can you say about it?

I love the songs that we chose to put on the CD, and the more I listen to them, the more I enjoy them. It was an honor and pleasure to do this CD for my fans and I truly hope they enjoy it as much as we did recording them.

How long have you had these songs?

Well, whether it’s a song redone or one I had written or helped write, from the time that I heard it, I have sung and played it on and off and had been among many of the numbers circulated in my act over the years; some dating back as late as the ’60s and as recent as a few years ago.

Are these songs that you’ve sung on the streets of New Orleans for years?

Yes, I have been singing most of these on the street at some point.

Were these recorded in a proper stu­dio?

Yes, the recording was done in a first-class studio and it was very nice. “Sugar Is Sweet” was a one-take song.

Who did you work with on it?

Mark Johnson and Reggie McBride, they co-produced the CD and several of the band members helped with both the instru­mental parts and the background singing.

What do you hope people take away from the Playing for Change project, whether it’s listening to the CD or going to the live show?

I hope they get the big picture, the idea that it started with different cultures, differ­ent backgrounds, different languages, but when it’s all said and done…one love. ▼

The Playing For Change Band plays Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles on November 13 and the Grove of Anaheim on November 14. For more information on Playing For Change see www.playingfor­change.com.