Worked With:
- Active: '50s, '60s, '70s
- Genres: Blues
- Instrument: Bass
Biography
Vocalist and songwriter Ernie Johnson deserves plenty of credit for his efforts in the genres of soul and blues, but he doesn't get the nod for the funky basslines featured in the touring and recording combo of guitar wildman Buddy Guy in the late '60s and early '70s. That was a different Johnson, one of the marvelous rhythm section choices available to a bandleader on the Chicago blues scene during that era. Meanwhile, the vocalist of the same name was residing in Dallas.Locking together within the fraternal bonds of a combo that included rhythm guitarist Phillip Guy, the bassist was part of one of the hottest parts of the bandleader's career. This "on fire" segment began circa 1968 when a live recording entitled This Is Buddy Guy hit the streets, catching the ear of many a teenage lead guitar nerd. Johnson was still on the band for the remarkable Hold That Plane in 1972 and continued his stint with Guy through the end of the decade. He shows up on several other Chicago blues recordings from the '60s that are considered classic: West Side Soul by guitar wrangler Magic Sam and Mother Earth by philosophical pianist Memphis Slim. ~ Eugene Chadbourne, All Music Guide
