Sturgill Simpson Reveals the Origin of His New Moniker, Johnny Blue Skies

Today, Sturgill Simpson released the first album under his new moniker Johnny Blue Skies. The new name, which serves as a way for Simpson to separate himself from the music he makes, has been floating around for quite some time. However, many fans may not know its true origins.

Simpson first used the name last year when he appeared on “Use Me (Brutal Hearts)” with Diplo. However, many eagle-eyed fans saw the name crop up in his work in the past. For instance, Johnny Blue Skies appears in the credits of the Sound & Fury anime. Additionally, those who own a vinyl copy of Sailor’s Guide to Earth likely saw the warning “Beware the dread pirate Johnny Blue Skies.”  The name predates Simpson’s 2016 album, though.

[RELATED: How Serious Injury and International Travel Led Sturgill Simpson To Become Johnny Blue Skies and Create ‘Passage du Desir’]

In a recent interview, Simpson revealed the necessity and origin of his new moniker.

Sturgill Simpson on the Necessity of Johnny Blue Skies

Recently, Sturgill Simpson sat down with GQ Magazine to discuss his new album, alias, and outlook on life. During the conversation, he revealed that he received the nickname early in his career.

First, he revealed why he wanted to make music under a new name. “I’d be at an airport or a restaurant, and I’d hear somebody say my name and I’d turn around and realize I had no idea who the person is. All of a sudden, I’d hear that name and it was like it didn’t belong to me. It was just a commodity or a brand,” he explained. “Sturgill served his purpose but he’s dead. He’s gone. I’m definitely not that guy anymore. That’s why I put the skeleton face on that cover of Metamodern. I just can’t even relate,” he added.

The Birth of the Alias

Then, he revealed the origin of Johnny Blue Skies. “When I was about 21 years old, there used to be this bar in Lexington, Kentucky with this bartender named Dave who was like Silent Bob and Charles Bukowski,” he recalled. The bartender, Simpson said, wore the long trench coat and could do more tricks with a Zippo lighter than anyone should know.

“When I started performing and getting my confidence at open mics and stuff, he’d come to this other bar and see me because it was his night off,” Simpson recalled. “He started every time I’d walk into his bar, he’d say, ‘Johnny Blue Skies.’ So I just started using it.”

Featured Image by Sterling Munksgard