Amazing Reunion – Paul Dragoo
OK, so far I have told the stories that occurred on my last two visits to Seattle. Meeting old friends and reconnecting in a powerful way! I have seen my childhood friends become great men of passion and integrity. I am so blessed to be reconnected. So the last of the gang is who I write about today and this is the man who made it all happen: Paul Dragoo.
I met Paul in high school. We played together in Jazz Band, Swing Choir, and a club band called Night Shadows. We played clubs 5 nights a week, fitting school in when we could. It was through this intense and exciting pace that Paul and I became good friends. And it is through Paul that I have reunited with my dear old friends.
A month or so ago, I received an email and was shocked when I saw the sender. It was my friend, Paul, who I have not seen since high school. (I will not say how long that has been!) I was actually planning a trip to Seattle at the time, so I made arrangements to meet Paul. We set up the meet and I figured I would recognize my old friend with a little wear and tear like myself. I go into the restaurant looking for him when this man, much younger than I, came up to me and to my surprise, it was Paul! Boy did that piss me off! I have aged considerably in the last 30 years and Paul looked like a man in his early 30’s!! Go Paul!!!
After a great breakfast and lots of catching up I asked, “Do you know where Guy, Terry, and Joel are?” Of course, Paul knew a lot about each of them. That night we paid a surprise visit to Guy at the club in which he was playing. The moment I saw Guy, he pulled out his cell phone and said, “I don’t believe my eyes. I have to call Terry!” Terry called Joel and here we are!!!
Paul is a brilliant musician, and a kindhearted and compassionate man. He is a mover and shaker. He has acquired one of the most beautiful guitar collections I have seen and is always quick to unite friends through music. I love his youthful energy combined with his depth of wisdom. Plus, his sense of humor is second to none.
Back in high school, Paul went to a formal dance as my sister’s date. As well as reuniting with me, he has also reconnected with my sister. It is like getting a member of our family back. We spent years playing music in my parent’s basement and as we revisited that place together, Paul said, “It feels like yesterday that we were here–so natural and so familiar.”
Paul, I am so blessed to have you back in my life and I will be forever grateful for reconnecting me to the rest of the gang.
Thank you!
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Wow! The things you can find on Google. Tell Paul hello from me. We were stand partners way back in junior high, and yes, he was an amazing musician. And still is.
Diana Taylor (-Williams)
Hey Toby, it’s me. How are you? When are you in town again? I’ve been helping guy re-record/update some of his songs. I vocally coached him on “Piece of Mind,” (that’s me on the “ahhhhs”), and the same for “Globe People” (and all the background vocals). I think you’ll be impressed with improvements in his vocals, but you be the judge. They are on his myspace page (Guy Johnson). See you soon!