Kicking Up Dust and Defying the Fade: Johnny 99’s Spirited Anthem “I Wanna Go With My Boots On”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The familiar twang of a Telecaster, the driving rhythm of a stand-up bass, the mournful cry of a fiddle – these are the sonic hallmarks of Johnny 99, the country music-infused alter ego of City and Colour guitarist John Sponarski. With his latest single, “I Wanna Go With My Boots On,” Johnny 99 isn’t just delivering another dose of hard-hitting honky-tonk; he’s offering a spirited and rather rebellious philosophy on life itself.
Forget the gentle slide into old age, the quiet acceptance of diminishing vitality. Johnny 99, channeling a conversation with his uncle, throws down the gauntlet against the inevitable decline. “He didn’t want to lose his wits and ability,” Johnny explains. “Rather, he said, he wanted to leave this earth while he still had it all—while he could still put in an honest day’s work and come home to do everything he loved.”
In a culture often fixated on extending life at all costs, this perspective feels like a breath of fresh, albeit slightly dusty, air. It’s a reminder to truly savor the present, to embrace the energy and capabilities of youth, not with a frantic grasping, but with a joyful exuberance. The very title, “I Wanna Go With My Boots On,” conjures an image of someone fully engaged with life, perhaps even mid-dance, rather than fading quietly into the background.
Musically, the track lives up to this spirited declaration. Following on the heels of the similarly honky-tonk-infused “Just Like You,” “I Wanna Go With My Boots On” dives even deeper into that classic country sound. You can almost hear the sawdust on the floor of a dimly lit bar, the clinking of glasses, and the rhythmic shuffle of dancing feet. It’s a sound that feels both timeless and utterly present, a testament to the enduring appeal of genuine, heart-on-its-sleeve country music.
Adding another layer to this already compelling release is the accompanying music video, which premiered at Tinnitist. While details remain under wraps, the description hints at a visual counterpart that amplifies the song’s playful defiance, likely with a touch of humor that underscores the inherent lightheartedness in the song’s core message.
For those familiar with Johnny 99’s 2021 debut album, “Words Left Unsaid,” “I Wanna Go With My Boots On” serves as a potent reminder of his commitment to carrying the torch for classic country. And for those who primarily know Sponarski through his work with the acclaimed indie-rock band City and Colour, this foray into a different genre continues to showcase his impressive musical versatility. It’s a testament to the depth of his musical roots, a passion that has clearly been simmering for years.
The upcoming full-length album from Johnny 99, slated for release later in 2025, is now even more eagerly anticipated. If “I Wanna Go With My Boots On” is any indication, the album promises a rich tapestry of vintage country sounds, perhaps echoing the iconic tones of albums like The Flying Burrito Brothers’ “The Gilded Palace Of Sin.”
What’s particularly striking is the ease with which Sponarski, alongside his collaborators – multi-instrumentalist Matt Kelly, bassist Erik Nielsen, and drummer Leon Power – inhabit this classic country sound. The addition of Kendal Carson’s evocative fiddle work and Georgia Harmer’s harmonious backing vocals further enriches the sonic landscape, creating a sound that feels both authentic and vibrant.
The journey to Johnny 99 has been a winding but ultimately rewarding one for Sponarski. After honing his musical skills with a Bachelor’s Degree in music, he spent years touring as one half of the roots-rock duo Portage and Main, leaving behind two albums of heartfelt music. Following the dissolution of that project, he became a sought-after session guitarist in Vancouver, lending his talents to numerous artists across various genres.
His first official foray into the Johnny 99 persona came in 2016 with a four-song EP released as part of Light Organ Records’ Railtown Sessions. This initial offering provided a glimpse into his timeless songwriting sensibilities, which fully blossomed with the release of “Words Left Unsaid” on North Country Collective in 2021. Interestingly, around the same time, Sponarski’s musical journey took another significant turn when he was invited to join City and Colour as a touring member, a role he has embraced ever since.
While performing alongside Dallas Green on stages night after night undoubtedly fulfills a long-held ambition, it’s through Johnny 99 that Sponarski truly carves out his own distinct musical identity. This is country music with a pulse, music that compels you to move, to lose yourself in the rhythm, but also music that doesn’t shy away from the bittersweet realities of life. In essence, it’s honest-to-goodness honky-tonk, and in the current Canadian music scene, Johnny 99 stands out as a genuine and compelling voice, urging us all to live fully, dance freely, and maybe, just maybe, go out with our boots on.