<back - JOHNNIE JOHNSON - (1924-2005) - Whenever the issue of the greatest artist on a specific instrument is opened up for discussion, it’s kind of controversial. Except when that designation happens to be Rock n' Roll and piano player, then immediately the name of Johnnie Johnson rises to the top--just like cream. Johnson was Chuck Berry’s piano man from 1955 until 1973:Johnson’s recognition arrived belatedly, when millions got to pay homage via witnessing Johnnie pumpin' those ivories in Chuck Berry's tribute feature film Hail Hail Rock n' Roll with Keith Richards and Robert Cray.

Johnson, in his typically self-effacing manner said: “I am very pleased with all of it. I wish that maybe I had gotten this break sooner, because I’m 66 and not getting any younger, but I am very pleased.” Johnson’s shy manner had always been a roadblock to establishing a solo career, but he was emotionally attuned to the role of quintessential sideman, preferring to concentrate on accomplishing whatever was needed to make the guitarist, lead vocalist, or band sound exceptionally good. By 1951, Johnson had recorded in St. Louis with Albert King (Don’t Throw Your Love On Me So Strong). Johnson remembers back then, when his Johnnie Johnson Trio lost its saxophone player back in 1953. As a replacement, he hired a budding guitar player who did a hillbilly kind of thing. Johnson realized the country stuff Chuck Berry was laying down that night was getting a real strong reaction. Berry was overjoyed at Johnson’s willingness to extend utmost effort in creating a natural sense of interplay, one that invariably brought a standing ovation. By 1955, Chess Records came calling. 'Maybellene' happened, and the rest is Rock n' Roll history. He was absolutely essential in helping Chuck put it all together music-wise: Johnny B. Goode (Berry's tribute to Johnson), Sweet Little Sixteen, Back In The U.S.A., School Days, Rock n' Roll Music, Roll Over Beethoven, and countless others. Over the years, Johnson had also worked with the likes of Ike Turner, and Little Milton. Too shy to sing, it was only because of Keith Richards' and Eric Clapton's convincing that he finally did a 1991 solo album, Johnnie B. Bad. Johnnie Johnson has continued to record (Johnnie B Back, Johnnie B Live), and performs regularly on the club/festival circuit. Keith Richards--familiar with Johnnie Johnson since 1962 when he flipped for the piano on Chuck Berry records--leaves no doubt about Johnnie’s immense influence: 'What gasses me about Johnnie’s playing is that flow, and that mastery of whatever is going on, whether it’s complementing Chuck’s guitar, or the band'. Johnnie Johnson was inducted into the Rock&Roll Hall of Fame and R&B Foundation in 2000. -Gary Tate
MP3- Johnnie B.Bad | Step in What |