Guitar player and vocalist Jimmy Johnson has carved out a distinctive niche in the Chicago blues scene.
James Earl Thompson was born November 25, 1928 in Holly Springs Mississippi. He grew up in a musical family. Jimmy was the older brother of blues musician Syl Johnson and his other brother the late Mack Thompson was a bassist in Magic Sam’s band. Jimmy began singing in the local church choir. He later sang with the United Five a spiritual group in Memphis.
In 1950 Jimmy’s family moved to Chicago. Jimmy worked as a welder for several years and played guitar as a hobby. In 1959 Jimmy began to perform with harmonica player Slim Willis. He changed his last name from Thompson to Johnson.
He began his career playing with Magic Sam Freddie King and Otis Rush. Jimmy recorded his first solo album at the age of 50.
Now with his own band Jimmy’s performing experience spans the globe from Europe to Japan as well as prestigious festivals concert halls and universities across the U.S. and Canada.
His discography includes dozens of back-up appearances as well as five solo albums. 1995 brought his first world-wide Verve/Polygram release ̶I’m a Jockey, which earned Jimmy his second W.C. Handy Award from the International Blues Foundation. This followed the critically acclaimed album ̶Bar Room Preacher, on Alligator Records. A second world-wide major label release is in the works for 1999.
Discography
Jimmy Johnson & Luther Johnson (MCM, 1977)
Tobacco Road live (MCM, 1978. Reissued by Delmark in 1997 Storyville/Delmark 842 )
Johnson’s Whacks (Delmark 644, 1979)
North/South (Delmark 647, 1982)
Bar Room Preacher (Alligator 4744, 1985)
I’m a Jockey (Verve, 1995)
Every Road Ends Soewhere (Ruf 1455, 1999)
Pepper’s Hangout recorded in 1977 (Delmark 745, 2000)
Ma Bea’s Rock with Luther Johnson (Storyville/Delmark 850, 2001)
Two Johnsons Are Better Than One with Syl Johnson (Evidence 26122, 2001)
Brothers Live (Brambus Records, 2004)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
