Johnnie Johnson
Johnnie Johnson was an influential American pianist renowned for his blues, jazz, and rock and roll contributions, particularly his long collaboration with Chuck Berry. Born on July 8, 1924, in Fairmont, West Virginia, he passed away on April 13, 2005.?
Johnson began playing piano at age four or five, teaching himself by ear and performing his first radio gig around age eight. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Montford Point Marine, breaking racial barriers and later receiving a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal for his service in an all-serviceman jazz orchestra called the Barracudas.
After the war, Johnson moved to Detroit and Chicago, sitting in with blues legends like Muddy Waters, Little Walter, and Albert King. In 1952, he settled in St. Louis, Missouri, forming the Sir John Trio with drummer Ebby Hardy and saxophonist Alvin Bennett for gigs at the Cosmopolitan Club in East St. Louis.
On New Year's Eve 1952, Bennett's stroke led Johnson to recruit guitarist Chuck Berry as a substitute, sparking a pivotal partnership. Johnson's piano riffs shaped Berry's guitar style in hits like "Maybellene," "Sweet Little Sixteen," "Rock and Roll Music," and "Johnny B. Goode," written in Johnson's honor; their work earned Johnson induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Johnson led Albert King's rhythm section, anchored St. Louis blues with groups like The Sounds of The City, and in the 1980s revived his solo career post-retirement via the film Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll, releasing albums like Blue Hand Johnnie. He performed with the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton until late in life.
Johnnie B. Bad
Written-By – Keith Richards, Johnnie Johnson
4:51
2 Hush Oh Hush
Vocals – Al Anderson
Written-By – Pearl King, Roosevelt Sykes
3:19
3 Johnnie B. Bad
Written-By – Steve Ferguson, Terry Adams
2:32
4 Creek Mud
Written-By – Johnnie Johnson, Tom Ardolino
5:24
5 Fault Line Tremor
Written-By – Steve Ferguson
3:40
6 Stepped In What!?
Vocals – Johnnie Johnson
Written-By – Steve Ferguson
4:08
7 Can You Stand It
Written-By, Vocals – Steve Ferguson
2:42
8 Key To The Highway
Vocals – Keith Richards
Written-By – McKinley Morganfield
3:19
9 Blues #572
Written-By – Johnnie Johnson
3:28
10 Baby What's Wrong
Vocals – Steve Ferguson
Written-By – Jimmie Reed
3:35
11 Cow Cow Blues
Written-By – Charles Davenport
3:12
12 Movin' Out
Written-By – Johnnie Johnson
3:51
Label: Elektra Nonesuch – 9 61149-2
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1991
Genre: R&B Blues
Style: Blues
Johnnie Johnson 's Johnnie B. Bad album, a significant post-Chuck Berry work, is widely praised as a joyful, foot-stomping collection of blues, R&B, and boogie-woogie, highlighting Johnson's masterful, rolling piano and "father of rock & roll" status, featuring guest spots from Eric Clapton and Keith Richards, though some noted it's more a tribute to his piano skills than stellar vocals, with tracks like "Tanqueray" and "Key to the Highway" standing out.
Critics consistently rave about Johnson's "ivory tickling," praising its lively, rolling feel, and connections to boogie-woogie and New Orleans R&B.
The album is described as "infectious and joyous," with music that "stomps and boogies from first to last". It's seen as a landmark album, finally showcasing Johnson as a leader and a crucial, unsung hero of rock & roll.
The presence of Eric Clapton and Keith Richards adds significant appeal, though some felt their contributions, or the music-only tracks, could have been more vocal-focused.
Johnson's vocals are noted as earthy and relaxed, suiting the music, but not always the main draw compared to his instrumental prowess.
Overall Impression: Johnnie B. Bad is considered a "landmark album" and a "must-buy" for blues and rock fans, offering a fun, high-energy listen that solidifies Johnnie Johnson's legacy beyond his famous sideman role, even if some wished for more of his voice alongside his legendary piano.