Henry Johnson (guitarist)

Henry Johnson ( born January 28, 1954 in Chicago, Illinois ) is an American guitarist of rhythm and blues and jazz fusion.

Life and work

Johnson, who grew up in Chicago and Memphis, began as a twelve year old playing the guitar. Initially he played gospel music, he turned to 1969, the soul music for and played with Isaac Hayes. In the next few years he gained recognition in the scene on Chicago's South Side. This was followed by tours with Jack McDuff (1976) and Donny Hathaway (1977). He also worked with Sonny Stitt, Shirley Scott, Hank Crawford and Richard " Groove" Holmes. In 1979 he became a member of the band of Ramsey Lewis, where he remained until 1983. Joe Williams, with whom he had played earlier overtook him in 1985 in his group. In 1983 he had his first hit " Johnsonation " (but localized ); a first album followed until 1986. His next album, You're the One (1987 ), was nominated for a Grammy. More own plates showed him the tension between jazz and rhythm and blues, and advanced in part before the top of the charts.

In addition, Johnson often worked with Stanley Turrentine, Jimmy Smith, Nancy Wilson, Marlena Shaw, Angela Bofil, Grover Washington Jr., Dizzy Gillespie, Billy Taylor, Freddie Hubbard, Richie Cole or. Furthermore, he was heard with the Boston Pops, James Moody, David Fathead Newman, Terry Gibbs, Bobby Watson, Nicholas Payton, Javon Jackson, Vanessa Rubin and Donald Harrison.

Disco Graphical Notes

• Future Excursions (1988 )
• You're the One (1987 )
• Never Too Much ( 1990)
• Organic (2003, with Nancy Wilson)

Lexigraphic entries

• Martin Kunzler: Jazz Encyclopedia Vol 1 Reinbek 2002, ISBN 3-499-16512-0