The Brothers Johnson
The Brothers Johnson was a prominent American funk and R&B band formed in 1975 in Los Angeles, California. The group consisted of brothers George Johnson, known as "Lightnin' Licks," and Louis E. Johnson, dubbed "Thunder Thumbs".
They are well-regarded for their sophisticated brand of soulful funk and enjoyed significant commercial success during the late 1970s and early 1980s, producing a number of hits that resonated with audiences.
Some of their most popular songs include "Strawberry Letter 23," "Stomp!" and "I'll Be Good to You," which showcase their characteristic sound. The Brothers Johnson were also known for their association with notable artists such as Billy Preston and Bobby Womack prior to their success.
As of the current date, they continue to be celebrated for their contributions to the music industry and have a substantial following, with millions of monthly listeners on platforms like Spotify.
Light Up The Night
Written-By – Valerie Johnson
Written-By, Bass [Solo], Soloist – Louis Johnson
Written-By, Electric Piano – Rod Temperton
Written-By, Lead Vocals – George Johnson
6:24
A2 Light Up The Night
Written-By – Louis Johnson, Rod Temperton
Written-By, Lead Vocals – George Johnson
3:46
A3 You Make Me Wanna Wiggle
Lead Vocals – Alex Weir
Written-By – Rod Temperton, Valerie Johnson
Written-By, Lead Guitar – Louis Johnson
Written-By, Lead Guitar, Lead Vocals – George Johnson
3:36
A4 Treasure
Lead Vocals, Percussion – Richard Heath
Written-By – Rod Temperton
4:09
B1 This Had To Be
Written-By – Louis Johnson
Written-By, Arranged By [Backing Vocals], Backing Vocals [Fills] – Michael Jackson
Written-By, Lead Vocals – George Johnson
5:13
B2 All About The Heaven
Lead Vocals – George Johnson
Written-By – Rod Temperton
3:59
B3 Smilin' On Ya
Synthesizer – Larry Williams
Written-By – George Johnson, Greg Phillinganes, Louis Johnson
Written-By, Trumpet – Jerry Hey
3:46
B4 Closer To The One That You Love
Written-By – Louis Johnson, Rod Temperton
Written-By, Lead Vocals – George Johnson
3:11
B5 Celebrations
Synthesizer – Larry Williams
Vocal Percussion, Percussion – Paulinho DaCosta
Written-By – George Johnson, Rod Temperton
Written-By, Bass – Louis Johnson
4:30
Label: A&M Records – SP-3716
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1980
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Eighties Funk, Disco
Look Out For Number 1
Words By, Music By – George Johnson, Louis Johnson, Senora Sam 4:44
A2 Thunder Thumbs And Lightnin' Licks 4:51
A3 Get The Funk Out Ma Face
Words By, Music By – George Johnson, Louis Johnson, Quincy Jones 2:27
A4 Tomorrow 2:58
A5 Free And Single
Words By, Music By – George Johnson And Louis Johnson 4:07
B1 Come Together
Words By, Music By – John Lennon And Paul McCartney 4:12
B2 Land Of Ladies
Guitar – Lee Ritenour
Words By, Music By – George Johnson And Louis Johnson 4:30
B3 Dancin' And Prancin'
Words By, Music By – George Johnson And Louis Johnson 3:01
B4 The Devil
Words By, Music By – George Johnson And Louis Johnson 3:40
Label: A&M Records – SP-4567
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk, Disco
The Brothers Johnson' 1976 debut, Look Out For #1, produced by Quincy Jones, is hailed as a landmark funk/soul album, celebrated for its sophisticated grooves, tight musicianship (especially Louis Johnson's bass), infectious hits like "I'll Be Good to You," and a great blend of instrumentals ("Thunder Thumbs") and covers ("Come Together"), establishing them as funk royalty with timeless appeal.
Quincy Jones's expert touch provided lush, top-notch production, elevating the Brothers' sound and lending credibility. A sophisticated blend of funk and soul, featuring intricate bass lines, sharp guitar work, and smooth harmonies.
Key Tracks:
"I'll Be Good to You": A massive R&B hit, known for its catchy, addictive chorus and soulful groove.
"Thunder Thumbs and Lightnin' Licks": A powerful instrumental showcasing Louis "Thunder Thumbs" Johnson's iconic bass skills.
"Get the Funk Out Ma Face": A gritty, dance-floor-ready funk jam.
"Tomorrow": Another strong instrumental that became a hit for Quincy Jones later.
"Come Together": A soulful, distinctive cover of The Beatles' classic.
Widely considered a classic debut, it played a crucial role in defining 70s funk, influencing many artists, and remains a popular album for its timeless grooves and strong musicianship.
Critics praised the album's energy, musicianship, and its ability to appeal to a broad audience. It's seen as a defining moment for the Brothers Johnson, cementing their status as funk legends.
Overall, Look Out For #1 is a highly recommended album, delivering consistent entertainment and groove from start to finish, proving why The Brothers Johnson became such influential figures in funk music.
Winners
Written-By, Bass, Guitar, Handclaps – Louis Johnson
Written-By, Guitar, Handclaps, Lead Vocals, Arranged By [Strings] – George Johnson
3:48
A2 Dancin' Free
Written-By, Bass, Keyboards – Louis Johnson
3:45
A3 Sunlight
Written-By, Acoustic Guitar, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – George Johnson
3:43
A4 Teaser
Written-By, Guitar, Handclaps, Lead Vocals – George Johnson
3:46
A5 Caught Up
Written-By, Bass, Keyboards – Louis Johnson
Written-By, Vocals – Valerie Johnson
4:01
B1 In The Way
Written-By – David Paich, Steve Porcaro
Written-By, Drums – Jeffrey Porcaro
3:27
B2 I Want You
Written-By, Bass, Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals – Louis Johnson
5:13
B3 Do It For Love
Written-By, Bass, Guitar, Handclaps, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – George Johnson
3:40
B4 Hot Mama
Written-By, Bass, Guitar, Keyboards [Bass Synthesizer], Vocals – Louis Johnson
Written-By, Guitar, Guitar [Solo], Soloist, Vocals – George Johnson
3:23
B5 Daydreamer Dream
Written-By, Piano [Acoustic] – Anne Herring
4:00
Label: A&M Records – SP-3724
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1981
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Funk, Disco