Larry Johnson

Larry Johnson (born May 15, 1938 – August 6, 2016, Atlanta, Georgia) was an American blues singer and guitarist whose father was a traveling preacher which led to Johnson being exposed to blues records by Blind Boy Fuller and inspired Johnson to learn the rudiments of guitar playing. He served in the Navy between 1955 and 1959, before relocating to New York City. After his befriending Brownie and Stick McGhee, Johnson found employment recording with Big Joe Williams, Harry Atkins, and Alec Seward. The latter gave Johnson an introduction to Reverend Gary Davis.

Johnson's first single release was "Catfish Blues" / "So Sweet" (1962), plus he made numerous live appearances with Davis over that decade. In 1971 Johnson released Fast and Funky, but his live playing gradually reduced. A couple of low-key albums appeared in the 1980s, before Johnson received more regular live work in the 1990s, particularly in Europe. Whilst there his output included "Railroad Man" (1990) and "Blues for Harlem" (1999). "Two Gun Green" followed in 2002.

Larry Johnson died on August 6, 2016, aged 78, in a nursing home in Harlem, New York.

(Larry Johnson at 12th Annual Poconos Blues Festival 2003)