header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
February 1
2015 - SCV native & 2007 Valencia High grad Shane Vereen's game-leading 11 catches help the New England Patriots defeat the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX [story]
Shane Vereen


| Saturday, Jan 21, 2017
Sons of the San Joaquin, from left: Jack Hannah, Lon Hannah, Joe Hannah.

Western music fans shouldn’t be terribly surprised if the 2017 Cowboy Festival marks the last time they can catch the three-part harmonies of Sons of the San Joaquin in Santa Clarita.

The Sons released their final album, “One More Ride,” late last year, and they just don’t get around much anymore.

“We’ve been down this road a long time,” singer-songwriter Jack Hannah told SCVNews Saturday.

The Sons will perform Friday, April 21, at the Canyon Theatre Guild along with Kristyn Harris, who is no stranger to the OutWest concert stage in Newhall and who, at 22, is the youngest person ever to be named Performer of the Year by the Western Music Association. (Order tickets here.)

Jack Hannah appears on SCVTV’s “Newsmaker of the Week” show, taped in William S. Hart’s living room in 2008.

At the other end of the age spectrum, Jack Hannah is 83, his brother Joe is 85, and Joe’s son Lon just turned 60, if you can believe that.

“Lonnie doesn’t age,” Jack said. But “we just feel like it’s very difficult for Joe to travel.”

Jack stopped short of saying they’ll never be back in Santa Clarita. “As long as we can get on the stage, we’ll keep singing,” he said. But he agreed it would not be wise to bet the farm on it.

“If we were millionaire Country singers, we’d have all sorts of people along to carry things for us,” he said.

Western music doesn’t work that way. If your wife left you and your dog died, you get on Country radio. If you sing about the land and the cattle and the hardships and the joy, you hop into your motorhome and hit the road.

For the Sons, it’s been quite a ride. Anchors of the city of Santa Clarita’s Cowboy Festival since 1994, their 30-year singing career has taken them from Visalia to Carnegie Hall to Switzerland and back again, with countless stops in between. They’ve got trophy cases full of awards to show for it, along with a bronze saddle plaque on Newhall’s Walk of Western Stars, some great memories and a passel of diehard fans.

 

>>> WATCH Jack Hannah on “SCV Newsmaker of the Week” (2008)

 

It was actually a second career for all three of the “Sons.” They had been high school teachers and counselors in the Fresno school system and worked cattle on nearby ranches in their off-hours. They’d always sung separately in church and at family gatherings; then in 1987 all three sang together for Lon’s grandfather’s birthday, and a trio was born. They took early retirement from teaching in 1992 and went full-time.

Two years later, the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival came along. Jack had been then-Assistant Santa Clarita City Manager Ken Pulskamp’s high school baseball coach in Visalia.

The Sons continued to work cattle in their off-hours and wove a unique brand of California history into Jack’s songwriting.

“California is a cowboy state,” Jack said Saturday. “People don’t realize it, but it is. California in its heyday was nothing but cattle. Livestock was king.”

Even today, California is No. 4 in cattle behind Texas, Nebraska and Kansas, with 5.15 million head as of 2015. Oklahoma comes in fifth at 4.6 million.

Within a 50-mile radius of Jack’s home in Fresno are numerous cattle ranches with anywhere from hundreds to several thousand head, he noted.

“Did you know that in California, cowboy boots are second in sales to tennis shoes? Yeah.”

The trio will continue to put on the Sons of the San Joaquin & Friends Christmas Celebration at the Visalia Fox Theatre, and “we will sing at the Heart of the Horse (Therapy Ranch fundraiser) until we drop dead,” Jack said.

Located in Clovis, Heart of the Horse is a therapeutic riding ranch that serves people with disabilities, not unlike Carousel Ranch in the Santa Clarita Valley.

It’s important now for Jack to spend quality time with his grandchildren – playing ball, teaching them, being there.

“You’re only a grandpa once,” he said. “I want to do those things.”

Meanwhile nephew Lon has started a new 5-member group, San Joaquin Junction. If Lon sticks with the “Sons” tradition or goes off in his own direction, Jack says he is OK with that.

The final album, “One More Ride,” features “several of my originals that have never been published,” Jack said. It includes new material recorded in 2016 in Fresno with a few cuts the group had recorded in Nashville.

It’s available on CD at TheSons.com.

 

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

6 Comments

  1. Mama Bear says:

    We’ll certainly miss them at the SCV Cowboy Festival. They’ve always been my favorite performing group, and I’ve never missed their show when it was part of the Festival.

  2. Vita Zuccarello says:

    I’ve been following these guys since the early 90’s and I can honestly say, they are the best I’ve ever heard. Not only is their sound and music writing talent the best, they are also the nicest and most down to earth people I have ever met.

  3. LARRY CULP says:

    I am half way between Jack’s and Lon’s ages and have loved these guys like brothers, admired them as extremely talented artists, and held them and their families in high esteem as great Christian examples for us all. God bless Jack, Joe, and Lon for the impact you have made in my life. I love you guys!

  4. Bradley Beauchamp says:

    I’ve love these guys for many many years. Living in Kentucky, I’ve never had the honor of hearing them perform live, but I’ve listened, dreamed, and loved the lifestyle they so eloquently put to harmony. While it saddens me that I may never get to hear their wonderful harmony in person, I wish nothing g but the best to Jack, Joe, and Lon. Thank you for many years of dedicating yourselves to preserve g the cowboy way.

  5. Jim Davis says:

    We discovered The Sons in about 2002 when they had a show I Merced. I had seen Joe play for the 1956 Los Angeles Angels minor league baseball team and was eager to see him, but not necessarily see The Sons. When we heard them sing we fell in love with them. We began full-time RVing in 2006 and have seen them in 12 different states. Needless to say, we love them– as singers and as terrific people.

  6. I met you in Raleigh, NC, when you performed under
    Western Film Preservation Society. You are a very
    good group. Loved your harmony and appreciation
    for the old time Son of the Pioneer songs. More
    than that, your testimony for Christ. Happy Trails
    to all of you.

Leave a Comment


ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LINKS
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026
Tuesday, Jan 27, 2026
The Master’s University Opera presents "Dido and Aeneas" Friday, Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 31 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on stage at The Master’s University Music Recital Hall, 24728 Quigley Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91321.
Monday, Jan 26, 2026
Salsa on One presents its Salsa Social, 7-11 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, at Margaritas Mexican Grill.
Thursday, Jan 22, 2026
The Olive Branch Theatricals will present "Rosalinda, CA," an original story by Carlos Gomez,Jr., 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14- Sunday, Feb. 22 at Valencia Town Center.
Thursday, Jan 22, 2026
Lucky Luke Brewing in collaboration with Good Vibes Events LA will host a Valentine's Market, 3-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7.
Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
<strong>2015</strong> - SCV native & 2007 Valencia High grad Shane Vereen's game-leading 11 catches help the New England Patriots defeat the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX [<a href="https://scvhistory.com/scvhistory/lw2755.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">story</a>]<br> <a href="https://scvhistory.com/scvhistory/lw2755.htm" target="_blank"> <img src="https://scvhistory.com/gif/lw2755t.jpg" alt="Shane Vereen" style="margin-top:6px;width:110px;border:0;"> </a>
<strong>1943</strong> - 3 Army aviators killed in crash of plane and glider in Castaic area; 3 others saved by 9-year-old girl [<a href="https://scvhistory.com/scvhistory/marylynnwinkler1943.htm" target="_blank">story</a>]<br> <a href="https://scvhistory.com/scvhistory/marylynnwinkler1943.htm" target="_blank"> <img src="https://scvhistory.com/gif/marylynnwinkler_young.jpg" alt="Marylynn Winkler Butters" style="margin-top:6px;width:110px;border:0;"> </a>
The regular meeting of the Saugus Union School District Governing Board of Trustees will be held Tuesday, Feb. 3 beginning at 6:30 p.m. The board will first meet in closed session at 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 3: Regular Meeting of the Saugus School District Board
Connect with other businesses and attend the Valley Industry Association After Five networking mixer on Thursday, Feb. 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m., hosted by Thompson Von Tungeln.
Feb. 26: VIA After Five, Hosted by Thompson Von Tungeln
Bridge to Home is seeking donations for meals in February. The Santa Clarita Valley homeless shelter is looking for home-cooked (or catered) meals which can mean comfort, dignity and hope for unhoused neighbors staying at the Bridge to Home shelter in Santa Clarita.
Bridge to Home Seeks Volunteers to Donate February Meals
The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station has issued a Scam Alert about "fake" phone calls to residents in the Santa Clarita Valley.
SCV Sheriff’s Station Issues ‘Scam Alert’ About ‘Fake’ Phone Calls
Tiago Soares had a team and career high 34 points as The Master's University Men's Basketball team defeated La Sierra University 110-81 in The MacArthur Center on Thursday, Jan. 29.
Career Night for Soares as TMU Crushes LSU
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is strongly encouraging everyone six months and older to get vaccinated against influenza and take steps to prevent its spread as flu activity increases across Los Angeles County.
L.A. County Public Health: Flu Activity on the Rise in Los Angeles County
"Tales From the Dark Stacks," an adult paranormal-themed book club will meet 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 at the Valencia Library.
Feb. 14: ‘Tales From the Dark Stacks’ Book Club at Valencia Library
The Cube – Ice and Entertainment Center, Powered by FivePoint Valencia will host a "Sweetheart Skate," event 8:30-9:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 14.
Feb. 14: ‘Sweetheart Skate’ Event at The Cube
The Santa Clarita City Council, joined by the Planning Commission, Arts Commission and Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission, will hold a 2026-27 Budget Joint Study Session Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 5 p.m. in the Carl Boyer Room at Santa Clarita City Hall.
Feb. 3: City Council, Planning, Parks, Arts Commissions Begin Budget Process
The Santa Clarita Flyers organization has announced on its Facebook page that donations are being accepted to assist the families and players affected by the Thursday, Jan. 29 accident in Colorado
Donations Sought for Families of SC Lady Flyers Accident Victims
Things are getting weird and exciting as Foothill League soccer nears its finish this week.
Foothill League Soccer: The Last Week Sets the Table
<strong>2003</strong> - Actress & big cat rescuer Tippi Hedren of Acton inducted into Hollywood Walk of Fame [<a href="https://scvhistory.com/scvhistory/kl8501b.htm" target="_blank">story</a>]<br> <a href="https://scvhistory.com/scvhistory/kl8501b.htm" target="_blank"> <img src="https://scvhistory.com/gif/kl8501bt.jpg" alt="Tippi Hedren" style="margin-top:6px;width:110px;border:0;"> </a>
A Facebook post on the Santa Clarita Flyers home page confirmed that the SC Flyers girls ice hockey team has been involved in a fatal car accident on Thursday, Jan. 29 in Colorado, as reported on NBC4 News in Los Angeles.
Santa Clarita Lady Flyers Girls Hockey Team Involved in Fatal Colorado Accident
The city of Santa Clarita, in partnership with Santa Clarita Sister Cities, invites local students to submit original artwork, poetry, essays/creative writing, photographs or music for the 2026 Young Artists and Authors Showcase.
City Accepting Entries for Sister Cities Young Artists, Authors Showcase
Valencia Library will host a "Teen Library Eats: Chocolate Melts," event Thursday, Feb. 12, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Feb. 12: ‘Teen Library Eats, Chocolate Melts’ at Valencia Library
Old Town Newhall Public Library will host a "Learn and Launch Robotics" class 3:30-4:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2 at 24500 Main St., Santa Clarita, CA 91321.
Feb. 2: ‘Learn, Launch Robotics’ Event at Newhall Library
United States Artists, a national arts funding organization dedicated to supporting living artists and cultural practitioners across the United States through unrestricted awards, has announced five CalArtians to its 2026 cohort of USA Fellows.
Five CalArtians Among 2026 USA Fellowship Recipients
Top Shelf Bar & Grill at The Cube – Ice and Entertainment Center, Powered by FivePoint Valencia will host a Super Bowl Watch Party, 3:30 p.m., Sunday Feb. 8.
Feb. 8: ‘Super Bowl Watch Party’ at The Cube
Four California Institute of the Arts alums and one Cal Arts faculty member have been recognized by Creative Capital, the nonprofit organization dedicated to championing artistic freedom of expression, with the recent announcement of the 2026 Creative Capital Awards and the inaugural State of the Art Prize.
CalArts Alumni, Faculty Recognized with 2026 Creative Capital, State of the Art Awards
Circle of Hope will host its "Bowling for Hope" event Sunday, Feb.22, from 5-8 p.m. at Valencia Lanes, located at 23700 Lyons Ave., Newhall, CA 91321.
Feb. 22: Circle of Hope’s ‘Bowling for Hope’ at Valencia Lanes
The next free city of Santa Clarita document shredding and carpet recycling drop-off event will be held Saturday, March 7, 9 a.m.-noon in Canyon Country.
March 7: Register Now for Free Document Shredding/Carpet Drop-off Event
SCVNews.com