John Jorgenson: From Desert Rose Band to Elton John | WoodSongs x Willcutt

Grammy-winning guitarist John Jorgenson joins Willcutt Guitars for a career-spanning conversation—from the Desert Rose Band and the Hellecasters to six years with Elton John, plus Telecasters, Matchless amps, and Gypsy Jazz. Artists appearing on the WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour often stop by Willcutt Guitars, and this visit is one guitar fans will not want to miss. John Jorgenson sits down with John to trace a remarkable path through country, rock, bluegrass, Gypsy Jazz, and some of the most influential guitar music of the last several decades. John shares how Elton John first saw the Desert Rose Band, the phone call that became an 18-month world tour and six-year run, and the story behind the band’s “Bill Monroe meets the Pretenders” sound. He also talks Matchless amps, working with Leo Fender and G&L, Fender signature guitars, the Hellecasters, Django Reinhardt, and the John Jorgenson Quintet. Plus: the $150 Paisley Telecaster, a $200 ’53 Tele, Brad Paisley, Herb Pedersen, “Candle in the Wind,” and a look ahead at a new collaboration with Peter Frampton. Which part of John’s career would you like to hear more about? Let us know in the comments, and subscribe for more WoodSongs x Willcutt Guitars conversations. John Jorgenson: https://johnjorgenson.com/ WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour: https://www.woodsongs.com/ Shop guitars, amps, and more: https://willcuttguitars.com/ CHAPTERS 0:00 John Jorgenson joins Willcutt 0:33 The Telecaster players who shaped him 1:15 From piano and clarinet to guitar 3:47 Discovering Django Reinhardt and Gypsy Jazz 5:50 The Disneyland years: bluegrass, Dixieland, and swing 8:00 How Elton John found the Desert Rose Band 11:26 Meeting Elton John after the show 15:02 “The phone rings, and it’s Elton” 17:19 Choosing the world tour 19:25 Touring with Elton John 20:24 Princess Diana and “Candle in the Wind” 23:29 Watching Elton John create in the studio 24:59 Six years with Elton John 25:54 The story behind Matchless amps 34:09 Finding the right Telecaster 35:20 Meeting Leo Fender and G&L 38:41 Signature guitars, Fender, and the Hellecasters 45:45 Gypsy Jazz guitars and building the scene 47:32 Tony Rice, Herb Pedersen, and “Old Train” 50:11 What’s next for John Jorgenson #JohnJorgenson #EltonJohn #TheHellecasters #telecaster #guitarlegend #desertrose Shop: https://willcuttguitars.com Subscribe:    / @willcuttguitarshoppe   Willcutt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willcuttgui... Willcutt Facebook:   / willcutt.guitars