This interview was done on October 29, 1990 for the Missoula Musicians Oral History Project. John was interviewed at KUFM by Patty McCarty, Rob Lindsay, and Bill Stellmach.

John “Catfish John” Tisdell talks about his involvement with folk music in Montana and across the United States, and discusses his current projects and views on the music

This interview was done on October 29, 1990 for the Missoula Musicians Oral History Project. John was interviewed at KUFM by Patty McCarty, Rob Lindsay, and Bill Stellmach.

John “Catfish John” Tisdell talks about his involvement with folk music in Montana and across the United States, and discusses his current projects and views on the music industry. Tisdell recalls growing up in Great Falls, Montana, and his first performance at the Oxford Bar in Denver, Colorado, with a friend. He recounts his stint as a student at the University of Montana, living in a commune in North Carolina, and his early work in various bands and groups. Tisdell discusses his musical influences, instruments he plays, songwriting, and producing his own tapes and music. He analyzes the music industry and record labels, and his own musical philosophies, including his outreach to Montana musicians through his radio show, “Radio Jamboree” on KUFM. He recalls touring in the Pacific Northwest, Montana, and Europe, and discusses the benefits of touring and playing both officially and unofficially.