Johnny Guitar Watson
Johnny "Guitar" Watson was born John Watson Jr. on February 3, 1935, in Houston, Texas. Influenced by his musical environment, his father, a pianist, taught him to play the piano from a young age. This early exposure laid the foundation for his future in music, allowing him to develop his skills as a musician and showman.
Watson's career spanned over 40 years, during which he became known for his flamboyant style and electric guitar prowess. He was recognized as a pivotal figure in the rhythm and blues genre and later transitioned into funk music. His ability to adapt his sound to the changing musical landscape made him an influential artist during a dynamic period in music history.
Watson's music was characterized by a mix of urban blues and funk elements, and he is often celebrated for his live performances, where he exuded charisma and showmanship. His recording career featured multiple hit singles and albums, showcasing his versatility as a guitarist, pianist, and vocalist.
Johnny Guitar Watson passed away on May 17, 1996. His contributions to music have left a lasting impact, influencing countless artists across various genres. Watson is remembered not only for his musical talents but also for his vibrant stage presence and ability to connect with audiences.
In summary, Johnny Guitar Watson was a seminal figure in American music, known for his innovative guitar work and dynamic performances, with a career that reflects the evolution of rhythm and blues into funk.
A Real Mother For Ya
A2 Nothing Left To Be Desired 5:42
A3 Your Love Is My Love 4:38
A4 The Real Deal 5:53
B1 Tarzan 4:58
B2 I Wanna Thank You 6:05
B3 Lover Jones 5:23
Producer, Arranged By, Written-By, Liner Notes – Johnny Guitar Watson
Label: DJM Records – DJLPA-7
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk, Disco
Johnny "Guitar" Watson's A Real Mother For Ya (1977) is a landmark funk album, celebrated for its infectious grooves, witty lyrics, and masterful blend of blues, jazz, R&B, and art pop, showcasing Watson's unique personality, innovative production (including early vocoder use), and signature guitar/keyboard skills, establishing him as a funk pioneer with a timeless, fun, and influential sound.
It seamlessly mixes funky rhythms with blues roots, jazz sensibilities, and pop flair, creating a signature sound. Watson produced the album, playing most instruments (guitar, keys, synth) himself, achieving clear separation and adding "semi-psychedelic glitter".
Filled with clever, often comical, spoken asides and relatable, unpretentious lyrics, written by Watson.
Features early use of vocoders and Moog bass, foreshadowing later trends. Praised for finding a balance between R&B smoothness and gritty groove, considered a fun, essential listen in '70s funk.
Standout Tracks & Elements:
"A Real Mother For Ya": The title track is a prime example of his catchy, jive-talking style and funky appeal.
"Your Love is My Love": Spacey, vocoder-heavy, and ahead of its time.
"I Wanna Thank You": Showcases his strong piano skills alongside guitar.
"Tarzan": A fun, playful track featuring imaginative lyrics and strong hooks.
Overall, A Real Mother For Ya is considered a classic, capturing Watson at his peak and delivering a joyful, high-quality funk experience that remains fresh and highly enjoyable decades later.
Ain’t That A Bitch
A2 I Want To Ta Ta You Baby 5:47
A3 Superman Lover 5:43
B1 Ain't That A Bitch 5:02
B2 Since I Met You Baby 3:29
B3 We're No Exception 4:15
B4 Won't You Forgive Me Baby 5:17
Written by – Johnny Guitar Watson
Written by [Co-Written] – Renaldo Ray (track: A3)
Label: DJM Records – DJLPA-3
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: R&B Soul, Blues
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk, Disco
Johnny Guitar Watson’s 1976 album, Ain't That A Bitch, is widely regarded as a definitive masterpiece of 1970s funk. It marked Watson’s successful transition from a traditional blues guitarist to a "pimped-up" funk superstar, characterized by a flamboyant persona and humorous, street-wise lyrics.
The Wire magazine listed it among the "100 Records That Set the World on Fire," calling it the "best-sounding funk album of all time". The album was certified Gold in the US, selling over 500,000 copies. It produced two significant R&B hits: the infectious "Superman Lover" and the disco-inflected "I Need It".
Watson played nearly all instruments himself, including bass, keyboards, and guitar. His precise, "hard-plucked" guitar style and humorous spoken asides influenced artists ranging from Frank Zappa to modern hip-hop legends like Dr. Dre, who sampled Watson's work extensively.
The album marked Watson's move into the 70s funk era, combining blues, soul, and production techniques. The album's sound is considered high-quality and futuristic, with arrangements. The lyrics are humorous and suggestive, showcasing Watson's persona.
Songs often feature Watson's distinctive southern drawl and a humorous, "pimp-persona" delivery. The title track, for instance, humorously addresses socio-political issues like rising supermarket prices and economic struggles.
Key Tracks:-
"Superman Lover": A standout track featuring futuristic lyrics and a deep, infectious groove that remains a staple of 70s funk.
"I Want to Ta-Ta You Baby": Described as an "after-hours" soul-jazz gem, known for its sensual mood and organ-driven arrangement.
"Ain’t That A Bitch": The title track serves as a humorous but pointed meditation on working-class struggles, such as rising grocery prices and being underpaid.
"I Need It": A high-energy opener with a "disco tinge" that highlights Watson's charismatic vocal delivery.
User feedback for Johnny "Guitar" Watson's Ain't That a Bitch highlights its status as a foundational funk masterpiece that remains relevant decades after its release. Listeners frequently describe the album as a "fantastic old-school funk" staple that still sounds fresh today.
Long-time fans recall the album being a household staple in the 1970s, while newer listeners express surprise at how well the tracks hold up against modern music. For those looking to explore more, the album is frequently paired with its 1977 successor, A Real Mother For Ya, in various reissues.
Listen
4:40
A2 You've Got A Hard Head
4:29
A3 Lovin' You
4:15
A4 It's All About You
3:59
B1 You're The Sweetest Thing I've Ever Had
3:57
B2 I Get A Feeling
3:40
B3 Why Don't You Treat Me Like I'm Your Man
2:55
B4 You Bring Love
3:49
B5 You Stole My Heart
3:28
Written, Produced and Arranged by Johnny "Guitar" Watson
Label: Fantasy – F-9437
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Rhythm & Blues, Soul, Funk
Released in 1973 on Fantasy Records, Listen captures Johnny "Guitar" Watson in a pivotal transition from his 1950s/60s blues roots to the flamboyant soul-funk persona that would later define his career.
Unlike his strictly blues early output, this album leans heavily into early 70s soul with moderate hints of funk. Watson took full creative control, serving as both producer and arranger.
Critics praise his "stinging guitar licks" and his use of George Benson-style octaves on tracks like "It's All About You".
Track Highlights:-
"You've Got a Hard Head": Cited as a standout for its sharp guitar work.
"Why Don't You Treat Me Like Your Man": A slow-burn funk track with engaging lyrics that foreshadowed his later witty style.
"You’re the Sweetest Thing I’ve Ever Had": A smooth soul item that shows Watson adapting to contemporary R&B radio of the time.
While often called a "gem" by collectors, some reviewers consider it decent but not great compared to his subsequent "breakout" albums like Ain't That a Bitch (1976).
It is viewed as an essential chapter for serious collectors because it establishes the blueprint for the "Gangster of Love" persona. It holds high average ratings on Discogs (ranging from 4.17 to 4.89 out of 5 across various pressings).