Jelly Roll Johnson | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Stephen Kirk Johnson |
| Born | July 4, 1953[1] Lake Charles, Louisiana |
| Genres | Country music, rock music |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument | Harmonica |
| Years active | 1979–present |
| Labels | Walnut Grove Music |
| Website | jellyrolljohnson |
Stephen Kirk " Jelly Roll Johnson is an American harmonica player, recording artist, and session musician. His nickname came from the song "Mr. Jelly Roll Baker" by Lonnie Johnson.[2] He cites Sonny Boy Williamson, Charlie McCoy, Little Walter, and Paul Butterfield as major influences.[3]
Biography
editJohnson was raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and at age 19 he began playing harmonica Cleveland, Tennessee upon a suggestion from his father.[2]
He worked with the Tommy Cole Band, then with Con Hunley from 1979 to 1989. He then moved to Nashville in 1984.[3]
Johnson has worked with Tom Paxton,[4] Randy Travis, Kenny Rogers, Faith Hill, Etta James, Guy Clark, Lee Ann Womack, Travis Tritt, Shania Twain, The Judds, Alan Jackson, Trisha Yearwood,[5] and others.
In 1998, Johnson self-produced his first album Jelly Roll Johnson and a Few Close Friends, featuring songs by Nashville songwriters who are also his friends.[6][7]
In 1998, Jelly Roll won the Nashville Music Award for Best Wind Instrumentalist.
Johnson won the Academy of Country Music award for Best Specialty Instrument in 2003 and 2008.[8]
Johnson performs at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe with songwriters Fred Knobloch, Thom Schuyler, and Tony Arata.
Discography
editSolo Albums
edit- 1998: Jelly Roll Johnson and a Few Close Friends (American Originals)
- 2008: Songs From the Record World (CD Baby)
J. Fred Knobloch and Jelly Roll Johnson
edit- 2000: Live at the Bluebird Cafe (American Originals)
References
edit- ^ Krampert, Peter (March 23, 2016). The Encyclopedia of the Harmonica. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
- ^ a b Michalis Limnios (January 23, 2014). "Interview with harmonica genious Jelly Roll Johnson, a Nashville-based top musician with soulful style". Blues.Gr. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
- ^ a b Bronson Herrmuth. "My Interviews - Kirk "Jelly Roll" Johnson". Bronson's Music. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
- ^ Guntram Gudowius. "Looking for the Moon: Tom Paxton". Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
- ^ David McGee (December 1, 2008). "The Sweetest Gift - Trisha Yearwood". The Bluegrass Special. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
- ^ Robert Fontenot (August 1, 1999). "Jelly Roll Johnson: Playing In A Low Key". Offbeat Magazine. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
- ^ Field, Kim (2000). Harmonicas, Harps, and Heavy Breathers: The Evolution of the People's Instrument. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
- ^ Franks, Don (October 28, 2004). Entertainment Awards: A Music, Cinema, Theatre and Broadcasting Guide, 1928 through 2003 (3 ed.). Retrieved November 22, 2017.
External links
edit- website
- Jelly Roll Johnson at AllMusic
- Jelly Roll Johnson discography at Discogs