Larry Johnson (musician)

Larry Alonzo Johnson[1] (May 15, 1938 – August 6, 2016) was an American blues singer and guitarist.[2]

Life and career

Johnson was born in Wrightsville, Georgia.[1] His father was a preacher who traveled extensively. This led to Johnson being exposed to blues records by Blind Boy Fuller, who inspired Johnson to learn the rudiments of guitar playing. He served in the Navy between 1955 and 1959, before relocating to New York City. After his befriending Brownie and Stick McGhee, Johnson found employment recording with Big Joe Williams, Harry Atkins, and Alec Seward. The latter gave Johnson an introduction to Reverend Gary Davis.[2]

Johnson's first single release was "Catfish Blues" / "So Sweet" (1962), plus he made numerous live appearances with Davis over that decade. In 1971 Johnson released Fast and Funky, but his live playing gradually reduced. A couple of low key albums appeared in the 1980s, before Johnson received more regular live work in the 1990s, particularly in Europe. Whilst there his output included Railroad Man (1990) and Blues for Harlem (1999). Two Gun Green followed in 2002.[2]

Johnson died on August 6, 2016 in a nursing home in Harlem, New York.[3]

Discography

Albums

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Eagle, Bob; LeBlanc, Eric S. (2013). Blues - A Regional Experience. Santa Barbara: Praeger Publishers. p. 105. ISBN 978-0313344237.
  2. 1 2 3 Meyer, Richard. "Larry Johnson: Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved 16 January 2011.
  3. ↑ Stefan Wirz, Illustrated Larry Johnson discography


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