Jimmy Johnson

Blues guitarist Jimmy Johnson was born James Thompson in 1928 in Holly Springs, MS (his brother, Syl Johnson, is also a well-known blues musician). He grew up listening to and singing gospel music. As a young man he moved to Memphis, TN, then in 1950 he relocated to Chicago. Not long afterwards he was drafted into the army, but he wanted no part of military service and eventually received a dishonorable discharge. Returning to Chicago, he got a job as a welder while playing music on the side. In the early 1960s he formed an R&B band and played the Chicago club circuit. In addition, he worked as a sideman for such notables as Tyrone Davis, Albert King and Sunnyland Slim. In 1974 he joined the Jimmy Dawkins Band and switched from playing R&B to Chicago blues. In 1976 he formed his own band, and later recorded four tracks for the legendary blues label Alligator Records, which led to a recording contract with Chicago's Delmark Records. His 1978 album for that label, "Johnson's Whacks", was a critical and financial success. His 1980 ballad "Ashes in My Ashtray" won the W.C. Handy Award for blues single that year.