Hank Isaacs AB Strummer
Home-grown family man. An even mix of ocean and song in the soul.
Tell us in what part of the First Coast do you reside now and how long have you lived there?
Moved to AB in ’64 right after Dora. Grew up on 10th street… married my true love, Luanne. Two beautiful girls, and still live in AB after all these years.
When did you know you had an interest in music?
Played guitar since I was 16. I was encouraged to play ‘out’ beginning with Easter Sunrise Services with Gabe Goodman, my pastor. This is when my girls were still at home. Then started playing at AB Acoustic Night w/ Mike Shackleford. After that Trish McCrary and I started playing as Fish Out of Water. Pretty soon, we grew into a 5-piece band, playing Ragtime and the Courtyard monthly.
Did you start with any specific instrument and migrate to other instruments?
Only guitar and harmonica.
Are you currently in a band (or bands)?
I currently play with 3 long-timers – Bill “Boo’ Howell, Chris Prescott and Steve Jarret. We call ourselves “10th Street”. This is significant because we grew up surfing together in AB at 10th street, and now again, after over 45 years, we are back at it. Bill and Steve moved away w/ careers… Steve and I have held tight, here at the Beach. Now, we’re all 4 back together and having a real hoot playing music together. Bill and I surf together again now, after all these years.
Who is your favorite musician or what musician influenced you the most?
I’ve always gravitated towards acoustic Guitar, so I used to try to copy and play songs by Neil Young, Kenny Loggins and Glenn Frey.
Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?
I’ve always just wanted to play ‘home’ venues. Never was interested in crossing the ditch to some ‘town’ venue… Lots of time to load-in, play for 3 hours, then load-out… It’s actually a lot of work… Most of us locals don’t do it for the pay. I always played for the fun of it, and maybe just a bit of spending money. Good memories playing in front of friends.
What area bands or musicians are at the top of your list to go out to hear?
My girls and I love Cloud 9. We have good memories of dancing at Ragtime with “Bird’ and the band. We also hired them to play at my daughter, Meg’s, wedding. So fun!
Do you have a favorite venue that you enjoy playing locally?
My “home’ venues are Ragtime and the Courtyard next to Sliders. I have good memories of playing both venues. Good friends… good music!
Do you have any gigs coming up to tell our readers about?
We once again, plan to play both Ragtime and Courtyard starting later this year.
What is the best way for musicians to network?
The network of musicians I was introduced to when I started playing Acoustic Night, was really important to me. It opened channels for me. This was over 20 years ago, and so many of these musicians are connected to the Beach music scene. We often sit in and even ‘borrow’ players from one-another from time to time.
Are there any local venue owners/managers that you would like to rave about?
As far as my experience goes… my venues are very limited. I will say that Katie Disch, who was manager at Ragtime back in 2010, gave me our first break to play there. She also hired us to play the Courtyard when she opened Lillie’s. Thank you Katie Disch Millan!
Personal hobbies or interests? Family?
Family first. I lost Luanne 14 years ago, but I’m blessed with 2 daughters who live close by. My passions are surfing, playing music and clay shooting is a hobby of mine. But my children and grandchildren always come first.
What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast?
Salt, Sun, Sand and Surf
Where and how can folks learn more about you and/or your band? Links to your website?
No website… we just hang around the Beaches and eventually run into people face to face. It kinda beats the idea of ‘virtual’. I do have a FB page, but it’s not built around my bands.
Is there anything else that you want to tell everyone reading this?
Take care of your body and mind. Stay healthy and you’ll always have your options to keep moving down the road. For me… salt water, surfing, music, family and friends keep me physically and emotionally in tune.
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Mike is a native First Coaster and was a leading figure in surfing and skateboarding for most of his life. After promoting music for many years on the local music scene, Mike now brings a unique perspective to FirstCoast.Life as a contributing writer.
2 Responses
Hank is a great beach man – I first remember him in my sisters year-book with a surfboard under his arm looking at the waves. In our business life he and did a bit of business together – always a super honest, kind and loving man! One of a kind beachite
Hank is a true music man. My memory of this is his coming home from work, quickly changing clothes, and hurrying to sit down with his guitar in hand. You could tell he’d been missing it all day! He is a most loved member of our family!