Apr 13 / 2005
Johnnie Johnson dies in St. Louis
Johnnie Johnson died Wednesday morning, 7:30 (April 13, 2005) at his home in St. Louis. He had been ill recently with pneumonia and a kidney ailment, but performed as recently as two weeks ago. He appeared on radio KSDK last month.
Johnson was never a household name, known mostly as Berry's piano player and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 in the "sidemen" category. Chuck Berry wrote "Johnny B. Goode" as a tribute to him.
Johnnie Johnson's piano playing is a strong contribution to Chuck Berry's recordings from 1955 to 1987 and also to other performers like Albert King, Larry Davis, Billy Peek, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Oliver Sain, John Lee Hooker, Mitch Woods, Buddy Guy, George Thorogood, Bo Diddley, Clara McDaniel, Jimmy Rogers, Al Kooper, Jon Paris and many more. He play on a lot of The Rhythmtown-Jive albums and was a member of Ratdog (with Bob Weir) from Feb 1996 - May 1997. He performed on stage together with The Rolling Stones.
He released several solo albums, beginning with 1988's "Blue Hand Johnnie" on Pulsar Records. He's second album was "Johnnie B. Bad" on Elektra Nonesuch (1990) and in 1993 he released "That'l Work" together with The Kentucky Headhunters, also on Elektra Nonesuch. His final solo album was "Johnnie Be Back" (Music Masters) in 1995. But he recorded a lot of songs the last three years and they will be released on a new album postum.
Johnnie Johnson also appear on the new Styx album, "Big Bang Theory". Inspired by a recording session at the legendary Chess studios in Chicago resulting in the 2004 digital download and radio success of it's rendition of The Beatles "I Am The Walrus" Styx has recorded it's interpretation of the great rock & roll songbook. Among the highlights on the 14-selection "Big Bang Theory" (New Door/UMe) is "Blue Collar Man" - a new studio version of the band's 1978 Top 40 hit. Guesting on the track are Koko Taylor and Johnnie Johnson. "Blue Collar Man" was recorded in the Chicago building that once housed Chess Records and is now home to Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation, to which all artist royalties from the song will be donated. Heard too is their live version of "I Am The Walrus" recorded in September 2004.
Johnson first met Chuck Berry in 1952. December 30th this year he phoned Chuck and asking him to join Sir John's Trio on the eve of the year of 1953 at Cosmopolitan Club, which is located on the corner of 17th and Bond Street, East St. Louis. Johnnie Johnson phoned Chuck because his saxophone player, Alvin Bennett, was sick. The drummer was Ebbie Hardy. The name of the band was changed to The Chuck Berry Combo and May 21th 1955 they recorded "Maybellene" and "Wee Wee Hours" at Chess Records in Chicago. They was penned by Chuck Berry and the sound was complete with piano player Johnnie Johnson, drummer Ebbie Hardy and bass player Willie Dixon. Chuck Berry wrote songs all the times and hit the lists with timeless songs like "Roll Over Beethoven", "School Day", "Sweet Little Sixteen", "Rock & Roll Music", "Johnny B. Goode", "Almost Grown", "Let It Rock" etc etc. Johnnie recorded together with Chuck Berry in recent years, but no release yet.
Chuck Berry returned Tuesday from a tour in Spain and England. He received the news about Johnson's death at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and said he would perform a concert in Johnson's honour, paying tribute to "the man with a dynamite right hand... the greatest piano player I ever had".
Chuck Berry has finally lost his long time friend and piano player from the years when rock'n'roll was born. The world changed and this two guys from St. Louis (and Ebbie Hardy) was a big part of it. Long Live Rock'n'Roll!
Source: Chuck Berry News
Apr 14 / 2005
Funeral arrangements for Johnnie Johnson
Viewing: Thursday, April 21, 12:30 p.m.
Ronald Jones Funeral Chapels, 2161 East Fair Ave.
St. Louis, Missouri 63107
Visitation: Thursday, April 21, 1 p.m.
Ronald Jones Funeral Chapels
Funeral Service: Friday, April 22, 11 a.m.
St. Paul Lutheran Church, West Florissant
Burial: Friday, April 22, 1:45 p.m.
National Cemetery, Jefferson Barracks
Source: KMOV
April 17 / 2005
Johnnie Johnson is on Chuck Berry's next album
"Johnnie Johnson is on my next album, in the making since 1992", Chuck Berry say on his official website. "No pianist has played piano as fluently and harmonically to my style of songs as did Johnnie Johnson from the beginning of my career up to now", said Chuck Berry upon learning the devastating news. He ticked the ivories with a grace and professionalism seldom found in musicians today. According to Berry, there were approximately fourteen "Johns" that inspired the Berry hit "Johnny B. Goode", there was only one irreplaceable Johnnie Johnson. He was an artist whose melodic creations will continue to live on for decades to come.
More info at: www.chuckberry.com
Source: www.chuckberry.com
April 17 / 2005
Clips about Johnnie Johnson from KSDK News Channel 5 in St. Louis
Kelly Jackson report about Johnnie Johnson, April 13, 2005
Bill Greensmith interview, April 13, 2005
Johnnie Johnson's performance at KSDK, March 21, 2005
Source: www.ksdk.com
April 20 / 2005
Berry to perform free for the Johnson family
Chuck Berry will hold a tribute concert for Johnnie Johnson. The performance in Johnson's honor will take place the night of April 29th at The Pageant in St. Louis. Proceeds raised from the event will go to Johnnie Johnson's wife and family. Chuck is donating his time and has inspired many of the biggest names in Blues from the St. Louis area, including Henry Townsend. This is a great opportunity for families to see Townsend at one of the country's premier venues. Other performers is Bennie Smith, Silvercloud, Barbara Carr, Billy Peek, Larry Thurston, Mae Wheeler, Rich McDonough Band, Marsha Evans, Uvee Hayes, Rondos Blues Deluxe, Stacy Johnson, Kim Massie, Beau Shelby, Jimmie Lee & River City Blues, Oliver Johnson, JR Reed, Daryl Davis, Soulard Blues Band, Butch Wax & the Hollywoods and Johnnie Johnson Band. Tickets are only $10 and available by calling The Pageant at 314-726-6161. Tickets can also be purchased online through www.ticketmaster.com - Check also the venue's website for more information: www.thepageant.com
Source: www.chuckberry.com
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