Larry Johnson (musician)

Larry Johnson (born May 15, 1938 in Atlanta, Georgia, United States) is an American blues singer and guitarist.

Life and career

Johnson's father was a preacher who traveled extensively. This led to Johnson being exposed to blues records by Blind Boy Fuller, who inspired Johnson to learn the rudiments of guitar playing. He served in the Navy between 1955 and 1959, before relocating to New York City. After his befriending Brownie and Stick McGhee, Johnson found employment recording with Big Joe Williams, Harry Atkins, and Alec Seward. The latter gave Johnson an introduction to Reverend Gary Davis.

Johnson's first single release was "Catfish Blues" / "So Sweet" (1962), plus he made numerous live appearances with Davis over that decade. In 1971 Johnson released Fast and Funky, but his live playing gradually reduced. A couple of low key albums appeared in the 1980s, before Johnson received more regular live work in the 1990s, particularly in Europe. Whilst there his output included Railroad Man (1990) and Blues for Harlem (1999). Two Gun Green followed in 2002.

Discography

Albums

• Larry Johnson (1962)
• Presenting the Country Blues (1970)
• Fast And Funky (1971)
• Blues from the Apple (1974)
• Larry Johnson(1974) Biograph BLP-12028
• Johnson! Where Did You Get That Sound (1983)
• Basin Free (1984)
• Railroad Man (1990)
• Blues for Harlem (1999)
• Two Gun Green (2002)
• The Gentle Side of Larry Johnson (2004)

See also

• Blue Goose Records

External links

• Illustrated Larry Johnson discography
• Larry Johnson on allaboutbluesmusic.com