Local Musician Trumpets On Trump Tune 'Great Again'

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MA — When singer-songwriter and bandleader Johnny Ray posted on his Facebook page over Christmas that he was "On my way to the recording studio to record a new original song in support of president elect Donald Trump. I may be alienating 50 percent of my audience with the strength of my convictions, but the good news is, the other 50 percent will love me twice as much," John Abrahamsen took note.

Abrahamsen, who had never met Ray and didn't know how they became FB friends, jumped in and asked, "Need help? I'm a Trump supporter, and a pro trumpet player."

The two talked and agreed that Abrahamsen, who is from Groton, should add some trumpet to his Trump song with the rest of the Johnny Ray Band, based in Boston.

Ray originally met Trump when he played an event in West Palm Beach. "Although it was a brief encounter, Johnny was so impressed with Mr. Trump's graciousness and kindness, he never forgot the experience," it says on Ray's website. When Mr. Trump announced he would be running for president, Johnny became an immediate supporter. The song 'Great Again' was inspired by Mr. Trump's vision for a greater America and written in support of that vision. Johnny continues to tour the country and hopes to spread president elect Trump's message of hope and greatness."

"Family members of mine and Johnny and Doug asked if I could do a 'Penny Lane'-ish thing," said Abrahamsen, who plays in the Blues Movers. "So, I came up with something and added 'Hail to the Chief' under the mix as the song fades out at the end."

On New Year's Eve afternoon, on his way down to my Rhode Island gig to ring in 2017 with Roger Ceresi, Abrahamsen went to the studio and added his part.

"It was fun, and we hit it off famously," he said. "I am very happy to have some new friends as a result. Go President Trump! America is going to be Great Again!"

More information about the Johnny Ray band, including a download of the song, can be found here.

Photo via Facebook