Lonnie Johnson - Me and My Crazy Self
Guitarist Lonnie Johnson’s was the ‘Jimi Hendrix’ of pre WWII blues. For over 40 years he played blues, jazz, and ballads in his distinctive innovative technique and his influence can be heard on later giants of the blues like Robert Johnson who had a very comparable approach.
Lonnie Johnson grew up in New Orleans where he developed his flowing and sweet style. He commenced recording in 1925 and within 7 years cut about 130 tracks. The duets he recorded with jazz guitarist Eddie Lang were pioneering in their creativity and Johnson recorded trail-blazing jazz material with Louis Armstrong’s Hot Five and Duke Ellington’s orchestra during this period.
Later on he had one of his biggest hits with the ballad Tomorrow Night which was at the top of the R&B charts for seven weeks in 1948.
After working as a hotel janitor during the late 50’s Johnson made some albums and went to Europe with the American Folk Blues Festival in 1963.
Interestingly, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis both covered his material while at Sun Records.
This new release which has 20 tracks recorded between 1947 and 1952 is a worthy addition to any collector interested in the development of 20th century guitar from acoustic blues through jazz, to the times of electrification to R&B.
Me and My Crazy Self, You Can’t Buy Love and Friendless Blues are standout tracks.
Released CD January 13, 2008
Label: See for Miles UK
