Jimmy Johnson(1928-2022)
- Soundtrack
Blues guitarist Jimmy Johnson was born James Thompson in 1928 in Holly
Springs, MS (his brother, Syl Johnson, is also a well-known blues
musician). He grew up listening to and singing gospel music. As a young
man he moved to Memphis, TN, then in 1950 he relocated to Chicago. Not
long afterwards he was drafted into the army, but he wanted no part of
military service and eventually received a dishonorable discharge.
Returning to Chicago, he got a job as a welder while playing music on
the side. In the early 1960s he formed an R&B band and played the
Chicago club circuit. In addition, he worked as a sideman for such
notables as Tyrone Davis,
Albert King and
Sunnyland Slim.
In 1974 he joined the Jimmy Dawkins Band and switched from playing R&B to Chicago blues. In 1976 he formed his own band, and later recorded four tracks for the legendary blues label Alligator Records, which led to a recording contract with Chicago's Delmark Records. His 1978 album for that label, "Johnson's Whacks", was a critical and financial success. His 1980 ballad "Ashes in My Ashtray" won the W.C. Handy Award for blues single that year.
In 1974 he joined the Jimmy Dawkins Band and switched from playing R&B to Chicago blues. In 1976 he formed his own band, and later recorded four tracks for the legendary blues label Alligator Records, which led to a recording contract with Chicago's Delmark Records. His 1978 album for that label, "Johnson's Whacks", was a critical and financial success. His 1980 ballad "Ashes in My Ashtray" won the W.C. Handy Award for blues single that year.
