Luther Johnson (Guitar Junior)
| Luther "Guitar Junior" Johnson | |
|---|---|
| File:Luther Johnson Jr.jpg
Luther Johnson in 1976
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Luther Johnson |
| Born | April 11, 1939 Itta Bena, Mississippi, United States |
| Genres | Chicago blues[1] |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, guitarist |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | 1960s–present |
Luther Johnson (born April 11, 1939, Itta Bena, Mississippi, United States) is an American Chicago blues singer and guitarist, who performs under the name Luther "Guitar Junior" Johnson. He is not to be confused with Luther "Snake Boy" Johnson or Luther "Houserocker" Johnson from Atlanta or Lonnie "Guitar Junior" Brooks.
Johnson moved to Chicago with his family in 1955.[1] During the 1960s, he performed with Magic Sam.[2] He also performed in Muddy Waters's band from 1972 to 1980.[2] In 1980, four of his songs were included on an anthology by Alligator Records.[1] That same year he appeared as a member of The Legendary Blues Band backing John Lee Hooker in the movie The Blues Brothers.
Johnson moved to the East Coast and began fronting his own band, the Magic Rockers.[2] His "Walkin' The Dog," was recorded live at the Montreux Festival's Blues Night. Johnson won a Grammy Award in 1985 for Best Traditional Blues Album for his part in Blues Explosion. Johnson released a number of albums for Telarc Records, which included Slammin’ on the West Side (1996), Got to Find a Way (1998), and Talkin' About Soul (2001).[1]
Johnson appeared on three albums by The Nighthawks. He now lives in New Hampshire.
