In the music world, Jimmy Johnson, a peer of Buddy Guy, was renowned. He was a notable Chicago blues artist who strayed from the traditional 'gutbucket' style, favoring a more mainstream approach similar to B.B. King's.

A raw, unapologetic spirit pulsates from the strings of Chicago blues guitarist Jimmy Johnson, a relic teetering on the brink of extinction in the chaotic '80s music scene.

His music echoes the roots that birthed rock, acting as an essential link to its past. Johnny, old enough to have witnessed the golden age of blues and young enough to keep it alive, serves this role effortlessly.

Deep-rooted in the blues tradition, Chicago is the Musical Mecca that nurtured the legends of rock. Figures such as Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Reed, Chuck Berry, and B.B. King all honed their craft within the Midwestern capital, making it a crucial player in the birth and propagation of rock.

The Chicago blues scene thrives to this day, with clubs scattered throughout the city catering to diverse audiences and the impressive array of blues stylists produced by the city itself. In Chicago, you can find the seasoned veterans continuing to groove, as well as a new breed of strong players on the rise.

Fifty-one-year-old Jimmy Johnson straddles the line between these two worlds, boasting a national reputation that has solidified over the last decade alongside the likes of Albert Collins, Luther Allison, and Son Seals.

The modest following that still exists for blues enthusiasts is dominated by titans such as Muddy Waters and B.B. King, dwarfing Jimmy's presence. Yet, his first American solo album, Johnson's Whacks, left an indelible impression on the reviewer.

One spin of Johnson's Whacks was all it took to send the reviewer's bedroom into a frenzy and his shoes crumbling to pieces. The album's infectious mix of blues styles showcases Jimmy's versatility, transitioning smoothly from soulful ballads to a zesty, uptown rendition of Dave Brubeck's Take Five.

When Jimmy visited New York City, he and the reviewer sat down for a candid chat in a seedy luncheonette, offering an intimate glimpse into the world of blues.

Born in the South, Jimmy began life toiling alongside his family on a farm, milking cows and picking cotton under the blistering sun. He moved to Memphis and eventually Chicago, where he found work in a sheet metal factory before taking up music professionally in 1959.

Music came naturally to Jimmy, but he took a laid-back approach to developing his talents, focusing on flashy cars and charming the ladies rather than honing his craft. It wasn't until he moved to Chicago and was surrounded by Chicago blues legends like Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, and Otis Rush that he truly understood the power of music.

His younger brothers, Syl and Mac, were already established in the Chicago blues scene. Syl played guitar and sang with Junior Wells, while Mac played bass and often joined Magic Sam on stage. Intrigued by the allure of the guitar and determined to rise through the ranks quickly, Jimmy sought the wisdom of guitar teachers Reginald Boyd and the Boston School of Music.

Despite his brush with formal music education, Jimmy's heart lay with the soulful, raw sounds of blues rather than the refined jazz tunes that his teachers tried to instill in him. Thislove affair with blues brought his rendition of Dave Brubeck's Take Five to life, albeit with a less polished edge than the original. Yet, there's no denying the unbridled passion that shines through in Jimmy's version.

"Blues will never die," Jimmy declared. "It's the truth, the people's music. Its original place will never be eclipsed. Blues came before jazz, and you can see the roots of rock and soul in it. I would never be happy playing R&B or disco. I would feel like a dog doing that."

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Jimmy Johnson, a Chicago blues guitarist, plays a Fender Telecaster and Gibson guitar, instruments that resonate with the raw spirit of the blues.
Amidst the chaotic '80s music scene, Jimmy's music serves as an essential link to the roots of rock, showcasing chords reminiscent of the golden age of blues.
As Jimmy Johnson seamlessly transitions between soulful ballads and upbeat renditions, his technique on the guitar entertains a diverse audience and keeps the blues tradition alive.
In the Music Mecca of Chicago, reputed guitarists such as Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and B.B. King once practiced their craft, and a new generation of stylists continues to emerge today.
With his national reputation growing alongside fellow blues legends like Albert Collins, Luther Allison, and Son Seals, Jimmy Johnson rekindles the classic sounds of blues while strumming his trusted Telecaster amp-powered guitar.

In the music world, Jimmy Johnson, a peer of Buddy Guy, was renowned. He was a notable Chicago blues artist who strayed from the traditional 'gutbucket' style, favoring a more mainstream approach similar to B.B. King's.