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User:Scberry/Jelly Roll Johnson

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Jelly Roll Johnson
Birth nameStephen Kirk Johnson
Born (1953-07-04) July 4, 1953 (age 71)[1]
Lake Charles, Louisiana
GenresCountry music, rock music
OccupationMusician
InstrumentHarmonica
Years active1979–present
LabelsWalnut Grove Music
Websitejellyrolljohnson.com

Stephen Kirk " Jelly Roll Johnson is an American harmonica player, recording artist, and session musician. His nickname came from the song "Mr. Jelly Roll Baker" by Lonnie Johnson.[2] He cites Sonny Boy Williamson, Charlie McCoy, Little Walter, and Paul Butterfield as major influences.[3]

Biography

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Johnson was raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and at age 19 he began playing harmonica Cleveland, Tennessee upon a suggestion from his father.[2]

He worked with the Tommy Cole Band, then with Con Hunley from 1979 to 1989. He then moved to Nashville in 1984.[3]

Johnson has worked with Tom Paxton,[4] Randy Travis, Kenny Rogers, Faith Hill, Etta James, Guy Clark, Lee Ann Womack, Travis Tritt, Shania Twain, The Judds, Alan Jackson, Trisha Yearwood,[5] and others.

In 1998, Johnson self-produced his first album Jelly Roll Johnson and a Few Close Friends, featuring songs by Nashville songwriters who are also his friends.[6][7]

In 1998, Jelly Roll won the Nashville Music Award for Best Wind Instrumentalist.

Johnson won the Academy of Country Music award for Best Specialty Instrument in 2003 and 2008.[8]

Johnson performs at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe with songwriters Fred Knobloch, Thom Schuyler, and Tony Arata.

Discography

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Solo Albums

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  • 1998: Jelly Roll Johnson and a Few Close Friends (American Originals)
  • 2008: Songs From the Record World (CD Baby)

J. Fred Knobloch and Jelly Roll Johnson

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  • 2000: Live at the Bluebird Cafe (American Originals)

References

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  1. ^ Krampert, Peter (March 23, 2016). The Encyclopedia of the Harmonica. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
  2. ^ a b Michalis Limnios (January 23, 2014). "Interview with harmonica genious Jelly Roll Johnson, a Nashville-based top musician with soulful style". Blues.Gr. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
  3. ^ a b Bronson Herrmuth. "My Interviews - Kirk "Jelly Roll" Johnson". Bronson's Music. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
  4. ^ Guntram Gudowius. "Looking for the Moon: Tom Paxton". Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
  5. ^ David McGee (December 1, 2008). "The Sweetest Gift - Trisha Yearwood". The Bluegrass Special. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
  6. ^ Robert Fontenot (August 1, 1999). "Jelly Roll Johnson: Playing In A Low Key". Offbeat Magazine. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
  7. ^ Field, Kim (2000). Harmonicas, Harps, and Heavy Breathers: The Evolution of the People's Instrument. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
  8. ^ Franks, Don (October 28, 2004). Entertainment Awards: A Music, Cinema, Theatre and Broadcasting Guide, 1928 through 2003 (3 ed.). Retrieved November 22, 2017.
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