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Bobby Johnson |
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1939 - 2001 |
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Originally from Greenville, MS, Bobby began singing with the Johnson Brothers gospel quartet back in the late 1940's. He moved to Chicago about '52, and became acquainted with the blues through his friendships with Junior Wells and Otis Rush.
Bobby performed at Peppers Lounge on 43rd Street and once opened for the Four Tops at the Regal Theatre. In 1969, Bobby moved to Reading, PA where he fronted a band called the Outcasts for seven years. |
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more info |
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Bobby Lee Johnson Sr., age 61, of St. Paul, died on 1/29/2001. Preceded in death by parents; 3 sisters; 2 brothers; and 4 grandchildren. Survived by his children, Karen Reynolds, Kevin Reynolds, Ronda Houston (Frank), Pam Johnson, Bobby L. Johnson Jr. (Cynthia), Darris Larkin; 18 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; sisters, Joe-Ann Ridder, Lenora Pollard; brothers, Paul, John, and Russell Johnson; also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Service Friday 12 Noon at the SPIELMAN MORTUARY, 344 W. University Ave. Interment Elmhurst Cemetery. Visitation one hour prior to service Friday
(Minneapolis Star Tribune obituary) |
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Johnson came to St Paul, MN in 1976 where he resided until his death in 2001. His brother John 'Blues Man' Johnson, and late sister Laverne 'Lady Blue' Johnson, were also well-known blues singers who resided in the St. Paul area.
At one time, Bobby was the featured vocalist for Miki L & StarTime, he later formed his own five-piece group, Bobby Johnson & the Crowns. Following the release of Bobby's 45, they toured the U.S. extensively, including several major festival appearances. |
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Bobby's Blue Moon single 'Dag Nab It' / 'Drowning on Dry Land' marked his first recording session since his gospel days. The session took place at what turned out to be Sonny 'Cat Daddy' Rodgers' final recording session.
Sonny had been drinking that day, and after laying down several good cuts, he began to show the effects of the alcohol. Bobby had been sitting on the sidelines, observing, and since the studio time had been paid for and the recording tape bought, producer Pat Dawson called Bobby to the microphone, and he laid down several tracks behind Sonny's band, the Cat Scratchers.
'Dag Nab It' was used on the Blue Loon CD, 'Blues From The Twin Cities' (BLN-026), and other tracks may surface on the long-awaited CD, 'Snips From The Killing Floor' (BLN-029) |
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