Although not widely known, Johnnie Johnson was one of the founders of Rock & Roll, collaborating with Chuck Berry on most of his major hits. Johnnie was a master of boogie-style piano playing, with jazz undertones, and one of the true greats.
Johnnie Johnson was born in Fairmont, West Virginia in 1924, began playing the piano at the age of four, and soon graduated to jazz tunes from Count Basie, Earl Hines and Oscar Peterson that he heard on the radio. During world war II Johnson played with jazz professionals in the Bobby Troup's Special Service Band, and decided to make music his career.
In Chicago after the war, Johnson played with masters Muddy Waters and Albert King in local clubs. Moving to St. Louis, he found work in a factory and fronted the Sir John trio, an R&B band, after hours. It was here that he met Chuck Berry, who started playing with him in 1952. Although Berry was not a great guitarist, his unique vocals and showmanship started the group on the road to popular success.
Many of Chuck Berry's hits, such as "Sweet Little Sixteen" and "Roll Over Beethoven" were co-authored by Berry and Johnson during jam sessions. Johnson played with Chuck Berry though their most creative period, finally leaving in 1973.
Johnson returned to the music scene in the late 80's. His third solo album, "Johnnie B. Bad", featured Eric Clapton and Keith Richards. Johnnie Johnson died in 2005.
Honky Tonk Train Blues (Live 1999)
Wee Wee Hours, with Chuck Berry and Eric Clapton
LinksWikipedia article on Johnnie Johnson
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