Lonnie was also a Jazz Violinist and is credited as being the first person to play an electrically amplified violin in a Jazz setting. He influenced so many people from Charlie Christian to Elvis Presley. A true innovator and an incredible musician. So natural. This was a real joy Fil. Thanks.
For me, the best of LonnieJohnson were his late '20s solo sessions and his priceless collaborations with Eddie Lang, aka Blind Willie Dunn. In those days he was a jaw dropping finger style virtuoso. He didn't do much flat picking until the advent of the electric guitar in the late 30s. This guy was the penultimate guitar blues and jazz guy from those early days. His technique blazed many a trail.
Great turnaround chords!! He was one of the first blues masters, influenced so many! Lived a tough life, you can hear it in his blues🤘🏻great analysis!!
You gave so much history on Lonnie, what a life he had. He deserves so much respect and he was such a masterful guitarist. Thank you for sharing this video and your analysis, this is so much appreciated.
Aw, bittersweet tonight. Lonnie's life encompassed such a big sweep of musical, cultural and economic history. I love how well you distilled it for us. Sometimes these videos melt my heart instead of my face. As always, huge gratitude.
Thank you Fil for paying homage to this wonderful person, Mr. Lonnie Johnson. Just a side note, the great Willie Dixon is playing bass in this performance.
I had tears in my eyes, when you were talking about the tragic ending of his life, so sad..... But black musicians, or black ppl period, back in those days, had it rough, and so sorry to hear that his business didn't take off in Toronto.... He was really singing the blues here, must have had an experience with a lady, lol! Much respect for Mr. Lonnie Johnson, i put him right up here with the other blues greats, Rip, Lonnie Johnson.... And, Fil, much respect to you, for honoring The Late Great, Lonnie Johnson... \M/
Paula Blissett Nicely done!! Well put Foxy Lady! In those days guys like him would fill the seats and entertain predominantly white people, but couldn’t eat in the same restaurants and use the same bathrooms after shows😡
@@jazzcat8786 That's very true up! I lived it Jazz, i had some black friends in school, i asked my mom if i could have them over for lunch, she taught us not to be prejudiced, but didn't want us dating, marrying,,etc., just the times!
Good analysis with good respect of a very good performance. Lonnie was as you probably already know a big influence to BB King. Both Lonnie and BB King was honest in their music. People that are not moved by this are probably dead.
Another great choice for a video. Born in New Orleans we Louisianians claim him. A good jazz player has no trouble playing blues except for the feeling some of them don’t have the blues feel, but he sure did. Especially in the singing. This clip he is older I wonder if his life full of blues was coming out in his voice. And phrasing. Every note rings clear even though he has no overdrive and probably a weak amp. To tell you the truth I didn’t mind the Reverb love the arpeggios love the jazz trio behind him with the snare brushes in the standup bass.. I always thought Charlie Christiansen who died very young after cutting a couple of records with the Benny Goodman big band was the first real jazz guitar player but this is the guy that Influence Charlie. God bless him. Thank you for your usual sensitive and insightful commentaryn
I've watched it twice now and probably go back for a third. His voice and playing really amazed me, sorry professor only watched you smile once so far. Third time around I'll look for that smile. May I say you were on point tonight sir. Many thanks to you, Boogie Woogie on. PS Little Feat
What a great pick(pun intended). A truly gifted musician with a great voice. He did live through a lot of tragedy having lost most of his immediate family to the 1918 Influenza epidemic that also severely hit my Grandmother's family and a lot of other families. I would like to request a review of David Jack Peverett aka Lonesome Dave of Savoy Brown and Foghat
I really like the way he sings and plays. Unique and clear tones and different sounds everywhere. I've never heard this before. So talented. His first shirt read "future blues expert." Good analysis Fil ! 🤘
Beautiful voice. Wonderful biographical analysis. It seems the electric guitar was at first simply an amplified acoustic guitar allowing it to be heard among a combo. These guys totally opened the door to the future players who had the benefit of modern amps and pedals. Love this guy, all the pioneers and you for doing what you do. You have such a terrific grasp of reality, oh and YOU ROCK!!!
This is the blues in a very unique and clean performance. Very well said about people’s “color and it’s just about the music.” I can totally see how he influenced many musicians. Because knowing how they sound, you can directly hear it in Lonnie’s playing. Great job on explaining his style and approach, and his sound Fil!
Thankyou so much Fil. I came here after watching a Rick Beato video on guitar players you should know from 1929 to 69 and he did not include Lonnie or Sister Rosetta! I am often disappointed to see guitarist lists that do not have LJ and am very dismayed that the Rock Hall of Fame has not put him in as an early influence. How can that be? The guy who pretty much invented the single note finger picking lead guitar technique. The guy who influenced Robert Johnson and Django and Charlie Christian. Again, thankyou so much Fil for bringing him some much deserved attention.
Hi Fil, It's such a great service, to the roots of the music world, that you are doing here! Your analyses of these great music pioneers is doing so much to help to keep the legacies of these great players alive. I really don't think that most people understand how important these players have been to the history of the music that we all take for granted today. Thank you so much for your tireless efforts. The world is a better place for it! Lary
Mr. Lonnie Johnson remains one of the very best ever. Perhaps not as well known as some others of his era, he achieved greatness in jazz, blues and swing. His sound and style had massive influence on so many guitarists that are now considered legends themselves, and my goodness, you simply cannot discount those marvelous pipes! Another superb analysis, Fil ... rock!
I’m glad you mentioned the business aspect. You hear it all the time. Being a great chef doesn’t make you a good restaurant owner. Being the best accountant doesn’t mean you can manage the accounting department. Being a great musician doesn’t mean you lead a band.
The opening notes of his song tomorrow night have a strong effect on me . A soaring wail that is haunting . To me it was sad he was found as a janitor and asked to come .back . The iconic photo of him with his Healey 12 string looking very smart is one of my favourite. A very accomplished player who ploughed his own furrow . Blues players labelled him as R&B pioneer. As you say his jazz experience shines through
Thanks so much for this Fil,highlighting such important players ,who should be given so much more credit,for his part in the evolution of guitar,deserves to be known ,by all the guitar community,respect to Lonnie ,and his family.
How fascinating Fil. I never heard of him before. He had a beautiful unique voice. You shared such an in depth history of him.Times were so hard and absolutely sad about his family and ending for him. He was so gifted. Thank you Fil! Blessings, Pam
That's some cool cats right there! I've watched this clip several times over the years and recently bought one of his "best of" CDs. That neck is huge!
Lonnie Johnson was the man who taught Blues guitar to the great George Barnes. That was before George recorded electric guitar solos on the records of Big Bill Broonzy at age 17 in 1938 and also other blues greats in that year. You can hear the influence of Lonnie Johnson in the solos of George Barnes. Especially the sweep on the guitar that you mentioned at 6:23 here in the video. Lots of his solos incorporated this device.
Thanks fer rooting this out, appreciate all your delving, how about a bit of sister Rosetta Tharp?! So, when you said 'he sold' 3 million copies, and ended up penniless, shows where the monies going a!
One of the true pioneers that doesn't get the credit he deserves it's a good thing we have people like you that remind us of such great talent that came before. Believe me it doesn't go unappreciated the research you put in to these videos thank you
Thanks, Fil, for this crash course in Lonnie Johnson's pioneering guitar style and amazing life! He certainly had stage presence here and I hope to find videos of his jazz performances, as well! Your ability to mix criticism, history, and personal details in your nightly presentations is inspirational. Not since reading Peter Guralnick ' s "Sweet Soul Music" have I learned so much about the influences, connections and evolution of popular music that I love!♡♡
There aren't many videos of Lonnie. This is one of the few. There's an online site where you can listen to many of his recordings. Hope I'm not intruding, I found Lonnie in 1995, & been under his spell since. Spent plenty ordering his CDs as well. Worth every cent!
You are a master of history. I so love your enthusiasm for these long-forgotten greats. Times were different then Most black musicians were unappreciated here in the states so ventured to Europe (such as Nina Simone) where they were revered. Thankfully, Americans finally came to the party. Thanks, Fil.
Wow!!! Thanks for this. I've been playing guitar for 50 years -- mainly blues -- and I'd never heard of this guy. He was clearly a pioneer, and you've resurrected his legacy. You're a genuine professor of popular music.
Fil, I applaud you on how well you did your homework on Lonnie Johnson and the era he grew up in. superb analysis and rundown. thanks for featuring superb artists from early days of recording history. very enjoyable performance by Lonnie and the band. keep Rockin' through the years with superb analysis Fil.
The great Lonnie Johnson....fantastic Fil! What an absolute legend this man was! Amazing singer and guitarist.....smooth as silk! Thanks for sharing this Fil! Awesome! Cheers Mario! 😀👌👌🤘
Important video! Great player! So clean, no effects! Thank you, keep showcasing these past artist's! Your doing a service to the artist and the fans! Thank you!
Hi Fil, I always love your videos, and the look of sincere respect you have on your face for these artists while you’re listening. Unlike you, I am not a musician or singer. I do however have a deep appreciation for music. I stumbled across this video a while back and as a result, ordered 5 of Lonnie’s CDs. One of the details which I noticed immediately was Lonnie’s ‘clean’ sound. Usually with blues (which I love btw), the sound is more raucous, muddier...(I don’t know the technical term). So, to hear you talking about Lonnie’s ‘clean’ sound gave me a bit of a kick😉 Lonnie looks like a really lovely gentleman, and if memory serves me correctly, the man who introduced him was one very ‘cool cat’!
Well done! The greatest. I give your analysis an A+. I sat here nodding my head in agreement (of course I was "fact checking" LoL). Lonnie was also a great violinist, an above average piano player as well. I've heard him on an instrument called a harmoniun, as well as a kazoo. Funny he always said James "Steady Roll" Johnson his brother, was a better guitarist than he was! They recorded one song together called "Nile On The Ganago" that tune & the B side, were the only records he recorded with Okeh that weren't in the "race records" numbering. I'm wanting to say the 18000 or 81000 series(I used to know that stuff, & I'm too lazy to go down to my studio & check). Thank you, for spotlighting this great man. I just feel so good when I hear him. I believe had Okeh let him do what he wanted to do, in the studio, we'd have a treasure trove of innovative ideas. You've noticed I'm Blues In G Music, that's my publishing company name.(2nd choice), but that's a title of one Lonnie's instrumentals. Sorry I'm gushing, but he is my hero. Thanks so much again.(I should've searched your videos better) I'm really excited. Thanks again.
I've done a best of Lonnie Johnson; i need to find that one song where Lonnie is cranking the vocals almost heavy metal like! I had Lonnie Johnson's Blues and Ballads with Elmer Snowden. . . and overseas(for me, Turkey around 1996/7), I found "Stompin at the Penny." When I did my best of, there was no songs from that album on youtube. I noticed a handful have finally been put up. That album is gold!
Had all his Prestige recordings including the others you listed. There is "The Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order"on Document.(There are 2 series) plus Tommorow Night some of his King Records recordings. I've bought everything I could find. There's also Stepping On The Blues on the Legacy/Columbia label as well.
My Mom was born at the beginning of WW1 and remembered Armistice Day even though she was only three years old. She also remembered the Spanish Flu. It killed one out of every ten people in the world. My Grandparents sent my Mom away for a couple of weeks when her little brother became sick and died and she was hurt that they didn't let her stay. She talked about some of her uncles that ate a whole clove of raw garlic and an onion every day to survive. And they did. The Roman legion used to travel around the known world and they always had garlic and onions as rations that they ate raw. And they also had wine, which was almost like vinegar at the time. They would mix it with water that they found locally, which was another way to kill the germs. They suffered less from the devastating sicknesses that afflicted other armies at the time. Great review Fil. You bring in so much and show such respect for people that were doing groundbreaking things for years and years despite hardships so that you can teach them to your students and entertain people. Speaking of Roman soldiers, can you do a song by Gianna Nannini? She sings in Italian, her voice is raw but she has so much emotion and Italian is such a beautiful language.
I have a deep love of blues, particularly pre-War artists but not exclusively. While I’m certainly aware of Mr. Johnson his music has generally escaped my radar. This was a great reminder of why he’s considered one of the best and still revered by blues artists. Thanks for the review Fil!
Fil, wow wow-------------------------have heard of Lonnie----but never seen a performance------------thanks----keep up the great work. does that lead in sound like Chuck B.
You can get his "Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order" on Document records (out of Austria) there are 2 series of CDs. The first starts in 1925. There is Stepping On The Blues by Legacy/Columbia it's a sampling of his early recordings. There's a CD called Tommorow Night (some of his King Records recordings) there were several later CDs on the Prestige label. Another called Stomping At The Penny, there's one on Folkways Recordings as well. Yes I own them all. Hope that helps, you'll have to order them all, if they're still available. I bought my stuff about 25 yrs ago, so hopefully you can still get them.
Hello Fil, thanks very much for this wonderful, informative and respectful tribute and analysis. Lonnie Johnson, in my opinion, inhabited that area where mainstream jazz and blues meet - other such artists being Jimmy Witherspoon, Big Joe Turner and BB King. For me it's important, as Lonnie and the others provided a common ground for my father and I to enjoy. Best wishes, Colin.
Listen to his music with Eddie Lang (Salvatore Massaro), who was also hugely influential in jazz. Eddie Lang's accompaniment with Lonnie's lead makes an incredible combination.
Wow 😲 you really dug into the history books on this one! The playing was great, but your storytelling was even better. Thanks, Fil, for reminding us of how it was “back then”. Congrats on 67K subs even though you are already halfway to 68K❣️
Legend has it that Lonnie Johnson was an early pioneer in the electrification of guitars because he purportedly took the phonograph cartridge out of a record player and stuck it to the body of a guitar with some chewing gum or sticky wax, with the needle tip right up against the wood, and running wires back to the record player so that the guitar sound could be amplified by the tubes and speaker. Prior to the electrification of guitars, they weren't really single string or lead instruments, they were used strictly as Rhythm instruments because single strings couldn't be heard over the horns of a jazz band, you had to strum chords pretty hard and use a loud, bright sounding guitar (usually an archtop) with lots of sound projection capability in order to be heard or even merely to be a part of the mix in a live club setting. Banjos were often used in early jazz bands as a rhythm instrument instead of guitars ( played with a plectrum as picks were known then, not finger-picked) because of the bright staccato sound and low sustain of a banjo. Metal body National resonator guitars, the loudest form of acoustic guitars ever built, were also briefly considered to be a desirable rhythm instrument for jazz bands ---- if the player could afford one, as they were by far the most expensive instruments of their day in the late 1920s and early 30s. (I suspect that the popularity of resonator guitars with fingerstyle black bluesmen only came about because of the combination of the Depression, changing musical tastes, with jazz and swing bands eclipsing Hawaiian music ( where are the resonator guitar, also resonator ukuleles and mandolins, had previously reigned supreme), and the advent of electrically amplified guitars that could be more easily heard above the wailing horns of a jazz band; all of these societal changes and upheavals would have combined to make a lot of musicians either quit the business and sell or pawn their instruments in order to eat, or convert to electronically amplified guitars so that they could keep "current", appear to be "modern", and continue working as members of loud, horn based jazz and swing bands).
Fascinating analysis and commentary on this one, especially, Fil. I thoroughly enjoyed the music. Which reminds me, I need to search to see if you’ve done one on B.B. King...
Lonnie's delivery was smooth as butter. I have featured him many times on my radio show over the past 31 years. Other guitarists that come to mind are Teddy Bunn (who I love), and Eddie Lang. They were also early pioneers. If I'm not mistaken, I think that was Willie Dixon on bass. Lonnie's playing was so clean and as you said was a trailblazer for other guitarists. Another name who I think was influenced by Lonnie was the great T-Bone Walker. Excellent video as usual Fil! I love your comments regarding this true legend!!
Thank you much for including so many guitarists from the history archives. I discovered your channel while wandering around Chet Atkins' music, a fav of my father's. Have you ever considered doing an analysis on Bob Wills' steel guitar player Leon McAuliffe?
Yes the B&W videos are back... it's history night music lovers 😆 Thank you Fil for keeping things real and showing us where & how it all started..... then throw your analysis on top of it all & we have music history 101 😎🎸 Here you go teach' 🍎 a job well done ! You keep playing music videos , analyzing & we'll be here every night to continue our education 😎🤘 "ROCK" Another night off... no requests 😉 ....but don't worry Fil I'll have some more requests very soon ! 😆
I saw Lonnie at Manchester's Free Trade Hall on one of Chris Barber's Blues Festivals. The backing bands were also all from the U.S. on those tours too. The great Willie Dixon on Bass in that vid', for example. Hubert Sumlin, Fred Below on other of the tours. But well said in your summation. Depending on your source, Lonnie was a thumb and finger picker before the war, the pick was post war, and for me it was too 'uptown'. But prewar his 12 string became a 10 string after taking a string out of the 1st two courses. 'To Play This You Got To Know How' and 'PLayingwith the Strings' and so many more prewar recordings for me are definitive Lonnie Johnson.
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Lonnie was also a Jazz Violinist and is credited as being the first person to play an electrically amplified violin in a Jazz setting. He influenced so many people from Charlie Christian to Elvis Presley. A true innovator and an incredible musician. So natural. This was a real joy Fil. Thanks.
Curious what equipment? Studio? And year? Fake trivia! Elvis !
Fantastic Fil thanks for the backstory so interesting and very touching. God bless you my friend
Lonnie Johnson was one of B.B Kings guitar hero's
BB not even in the universe very sorry!
I liked that. I like the historical facts on your analysis Fil. You always honor, give respect and proper dues. 👍Thank you.
For me, the best of LonnieJohnson were his late '20s solo sessions and his priceless collaborations with Eddie Lang, aka Blind Willie Dunn. In those days he was a jaw dropping finger style virtuoso. He didn't do much flat picking until the advent of the electric guitar in the late 30s. This guy was the penultimate guitar blues and jazz guy from those early days. His technique blazed many a trail.
Super, Super, Super... NOBODY does it w/ such grace, style, & soul like the great Lonnie Johnson!
Great turnaround chords!! He was one of the first blues masters, influenced so many! Lived a tough life, you can hear it in his blues🤘🏻great analysis!!
Well said! Now I don't have to leave a comment!✌(I left one anyway, in retrospect)
You gave so much history on Lonnie, what a life he had. He deserves so much respect and he was such a masterful guitarist. Thank you for sharing this video and your analysis, this is so much appreciated.
Kathy Prior Very we’ll put,,,, as usual 😎
@@jazzcat8786 Thanks!
Looks like I'm following Jazz tonight so I'll just second that. Peace Boogie Woogie
Thank you for his back story. He deserves the respect.
Now that band is the definition of cool cats. Nice pick again Fil. Thank you for honouring these under appreciated pioneers.
Did you notice Willie Dixon on bass, & I'm thinking that was Otis Spann on the piano.
RIP Lonnie Johnson. Thank you Fil.
Aw, bittersweet tonight. Lonnie's life encompassed such a big sweep of musical, cultural and economic history. I love how well you distilled it for us. Sometimes these videos melt my heart instead of my face. As always, huge gratitude.
One of my guitar heroes
Love him with eddy Lang when he plays a 12 string guitar
Thank you Fil for paying homage to this wonderful person, Mr. Lonnie Johnson. Just a side note, the great Willie Dixon is playing bass in this performance.
I had tears in my eyes, when you were talking about the tragic ending of his life, so sad..... But black musicians, or black ppl period, back in those days, had it rough, and so sorry to hear that his business didn't take off in Toronto.... He was really singing the blues here, must have had an experience with a lady, lol! Much respect for Mr. Lonnie Johnson, i put him right up here with the other blues greats, Rip, Lonnie Johnson.... And, Fil, much respect to you, for honoring The Late Great, Lonnie Johnson... \M/
Paula Blissett Nicely done!! Well put Foxy Lady! In those days guys like him would fill the seats and entertain predominantly white people, but couldn’t eat in the same restaurants and use the same bathrooms after shows😡
I think you said everything I wanted to. Thank you for that foxy lady
@@jazzcat8786 That's very true up! I lived it Jazz, i had some black friends in school, i asked my mom if i could have them over for lunch, she taught us not to be prejudiced, but didn't want us dating, marrying,,etc., just the times!
@@jamesgordonakacrazylegs8222 Your welcome!
Good analysis with good respect of a very good performance. Lonnie was as you probably already know a big influence to BB King. Both Lonnie and BB King was honest in their music.
People that are not moved by this are probably dead.
Another great choice for a video. Born in New Orleans we Louisianians claim him.
A good jazz player has no trouble playing blues except for the feeling some of them don’t have the blues feel, but he sure did. Especially in the singing. This clip he is older I wonder if his life full of blues was coming out in his voice. And phrasing. Every note rings clear even though he has no overdrive and probably a weak amp. To tell you the truth I didn’t mind the Reverb
love the arpeggios love the jazz trio behind him with the snare brushes in the standup bass..
I always thought Charlie Christiansen who died very young after cutting a couple of records with the Benny Goodman big band was the first real jazz guitar player but this is the guy that Influence Charlie. God bless him. Thank you for your usual sensitive and insightful commentaryn
mum loved the early days of this style from 1953 to about 66. then she found the moodies.. another great analysis Fil.. keep the good work up!!
I've watched it twice now and probably go back for a third. His voice and playing really amazed me, sorry professor only watched you smile once so far. Third time around I'll look for that smile. May I say you were on point tonight sir. Many thanks to you, Boogie Woogie on. PS Little Feat
What a great pick(pun intended). A truly gifted musician with a great voice. He did live through a lot of tragedy having lost most of his immediate family to the 1918 Influenza epidemic that also severely hit my Grandmother's family and a lot of other families.
I would like to request a review of David Jack Peverett aka Lonesome Dave of Savoy Brown and Foghat
Thanks for this. I'd heard of him. Wonderful to actually hear him!
He makes it look easy that is confidence and playing the songs so much you can do them in your sleep :-)
Absolute legend, always loved his laid back blues and his vocal phrasing never fails to grab my attention.
Thank you for recognizing and honoring one of the great bluesmen.
I really like the way he sings and plays. Unique and clear tones and different sounds everywhere. I've never heard this before. So talented. His first shirt read "future blues expert." Good analysis Fil ! 🤘
Beautiful voice. Wonderful biographical analysis. It seems the electric guitar was at first simply an amplified acoustic guitar allowing it to be heard among a combo. These guys totally opened the door to the future players who had the benefit of modern amps and pedals. Love this guy, all the pioneers and you for doing what you do. You have such a terrific grasp of reality, oh and YOU ROCK!!!
U always pick the best ones.
This is the blues in a very unique and clean performance. Very well said about people’s “color and it’s just about the music.” I can totally see how he influenced many musicians. Because knowing how they sound, you can directly hear it in Lonnie’s playing. Great job on explaining his style and approach, and his sound Fil!
Another great choice, Fil. Lonnie Johnson - What a voice! What sweet playing!! Damn!!!
Thank you for this - have listened to Lonnie for years, didn't realize what a hard life he'd lived
Thank you for bringing light to this great pioneer's career. Been a fan for MANY years. Tomorrow Night was my introduction to Elvis. WOW!
Always love your perspective! Awesome videos!
Thankyou so much Fil. I came here after watching a Rick Beato video on guitar players you should know from 1929 to 69 and he did not include Lonnie or Sister Rosetta! I am often disappointed to see guitarist lists that do not have LJ and am very dismayed that the Rock Hall of Fame has not put him in as an early influence. How can that be? The guy who pretty much invented the single note finger picking lead guitar technique. The guy who influenced Robert Johnson and Django and Charlie Christian. Again, thankyou so much Fil for bringing him some much deserved attention.
Never tire if great of the background stuff from unique players Thank you David
His microphone looks hauntingly familiar. Good gear don't change much.
hey Fil nice review man I really love ur content
Thanks!
RIP LONNIE
Fil, the Reseacher! I love your stories, your digging for facts and your devotion. Great review!
Willie Dixon on Bass and my all time favorite, Otis Spann on piano. I love the backgrounds you get into about the artists. Thanx Fil
Elvis was a Lonnie Johnson fan, too. I especially love his more "uptown" R&B ballads.
Hi Fil, It's such a great service, to the roots of the music world, that you are doing here! Your analyses of these great music pioneers is doing so much to help to keep the legacies of these great players alive. I really don't think that most people understand how important these players have been to the history of the music that we all take for granted today. Thank you so much for your tireless efforts. The world is a better place for it! Lary
Mr. Lonnie Johnson remains one of the very best ever. Perhaps not as well known as some others of his era, he achieved greatness in jazz, blues and swing. His sound and style had massive influence on so many guitarists that are now considered legends themselves, and my goodness, you simply cannot discount those marvelous pipes! Another superb analysis, Fil ... rock!
I’m glad you mentioned the business aspect. You hear it all the time. Being a great chef doesn’t make you a good restaurant owner. Being the best accountant doesn’t mean you can manage the accounting department. Being a great musician doesn’t mean you lead a band.
The opening notes of his song tomorrow night have a strong effect on me . A soaring wail that is haunting . To me it was sad he was found as a janitor and asked to come .back . The iconic photo of him with his Healey 12 string looking very smart is one of my favourite. A very accomplished player who ploughed his own furrow . Blues players labelled him as R&B pioneer. As you say his jazz experience shines through
Thanks so much for this Fil,highlighting such important players ,who should be given so much more credit,for his part in the evolution of guitar,deserves to be known ,by all the guitar community,respect to Lonnie ,and his family.
As usual Fil great research. Thanks again. I like this format of education. Hope you got to have a layin over the weekend! 🤘🎸❤️
How fascinating Fil. I never heard of him before. He had a beautiful unique voice. You shared such an in depth history of him.Times were so hard and absolutely sad about his family and ending for him.
He was so gifted. Thank you Fil!
Blessings, Pam
Love the exceptional techniques and sheer talent of Lonnie - Thinking of Blind Willie McTell and Leadbelly
That's some cool cats right there! I've watched this clip several times over the years and recently bought one of his "best of" CDs. That neck is huge!
evocative, pure, so much emotion... Fil's analysis too! T'y! Everything is always about the music
Lonnie Johnson was the man who taught Blues guitar to the great George Barnes. That was before George recorded electric guitar solos on the records of Big Bill Broonzy at age 17 in 1938 and also other blues greats in that year. You can hear the influence of Lonnie Johnson in the solos of George Barnes. Especially the sweep on the guitar that you mentioned at 6:23 here in the video. Lots of his solos incorporated this device.
He is also the reason why Anthony James Donegan changed his first named to Lonnie in 1952. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lonnie_Donegan
Thanks fer rooting this out, appreciate all your delving, how about a bit of sister Rosetta Tharp?!
So, when you said 'he sold' 3 million copies, and ended up penniless, shows where the monies going a!
One of the true pioneers that doesn't get the credit he deserves it's a good thing we have people like you that remind us of such great talent that came before. Believe me it doesn't go unappreciated the research you put in to these videos thank you
Thanks, Fil, for this crash course in Lonnie Johnson's pioneering guitar style and amazing life! He certainly had stage presence here and I hope to find videos of his jazz performances, as well! Your ability to mix criticism, history, and personal details in your nightly presentations is inspirational. Not since reading Peter Guralnick ' s "Sweet Soul Music" have I learned so much about the influences, connections and evolution of popular music that I love!♡♡
There aren't many videos of Lonnie. This is one of the few. There's an online site where you can listen to many of his recordings. Hope I'm not intruding, I found Lonnie in 1995, & been under his spell since. Spent plenty ordering his CDs as well. Worth every cent!
So smooth. These old timers set the bar high.
You are a master of history. I so love your enthusiasm for these long-forgotten greats. Times were different then Most black musicians were unappreciated here in the states so ventured to Europe (such as Nina Simone) where they were revered. Thankfully, Americans finally came to the party. Thanks, Fil.
No problem!
I really like your analyses. It's so clear that you're very enthusiastic about music, bands and guitar playing. Please continue!
I bow to you professor... another lesson learned.
Wow!!! Thanks for this. I've been playing guitar for 50 years -- mainly blues -- and I'd never heard of this guy. He was clearly a pioneer, and you've resurrected his legacy. You're a genuine professor of popular music.
Thanks Ian!
Those strings are like playing a barbed wire fence. Great analysis Fil! You honor the old players.
Fil, awesome choice of this video in conjunction with your wealth of information and knowledge.
bless you for showcasing these old masters
Fil, I applaud you on how well you did your homework on Lonnie Johnson and the era he grew up in. superb analysis and rundown. thanks for featuring superb artists from early days of recording history. very enjoyable performance by Lonnie and the band. keep Rockin' through the years with superb analysis Fil.
Thanks Drew!
Nice history Brotherrrrrr... Great breakdown... Teach...
The great Lonnie Johnson....fantastic Fil! What an absolute legend this man was! Amazing singer and guitarist.....smooth as silk! Thanks for sharing this Fil! Awesome! Cheers Mario! 😀👌👌🤘
Thanks Mario!
Love his innovative singiing and playing, sweet tone really tone, I love his style, great player.
Important video! Great player! So clean, no effects! Thank you, keep showcasing these past artist's! Your doing a service to the artist and the fans! Thank you!
Hi Fil, I always love your videos, and the look of sincere respect you have on your face for these artists while you’re listening.
Unlike you, I am not a musician or singer. I do however have a deep appreciation for music. I stumbled across this video a while back and as a result, ordered 5 of Lonnie’s CDs. One of the details which I noticed immediately was Lonnie’s ‘clean’ sound. Usually with blues (which I love btw), the sound is more raucous, muddier...(I don’t know the technical term). So, to hear you talking about Lonnie’s ‘clean’ sound gave me a bit of a kick😉
Lonnie looks like a really lovely gentleman, and if memory serves me correctly, the man who introduced him was one very ‘cool cat’!
His tone is God tier. Is that an old epiphone?
Looks like it from the headstock!
Glad I found your channel. You have me binge watching.
This guy was great. Thanks for sharing his sound and his story.
What a great idea you had for a channel. This is loads of fun.
Fantastic Fil, true pioneer, great example of Persistence in life, Jeff in LA USA
Wings......you look like my father did around 1976! He's now in his 70's.
Your look is very 70's cool!
Well done! The greatest. I give your analysis an A+. I sat here nodding my head in agreement (of course I was "fact checking" LoL). Lonnie was also a great violinist, an above average piano player as well. I've heard him on an instrument called a harmoniun, as well as a kazoo. Funny he always said James "Steady Roll" Johnson his brother, was a better guitarist than he was! They recorded one song together called "Nile On The Ganago" that tune & the B side, were the only records he recorded with Okeh that weren't in the "race records" numbering. I'm wanting to say the 18000 or 81000 series(I used to know that stuff, & I'm too lazy to go down to my studio & check). Thank you, for spotlighting this great man. I just feel so good when I hear him. I believe had Okeh let him do what he wanted to do, in the studio, we'd have a treasure trove of innovative ideas. You've noticed I'm Blues In G Music, that's my publishing company name.(2nd choice), but that's a title of one Lonnie's instrumentals. Sorry I'm gushing, but he is my hero. Thanks so much again.(I should've searched your videos better) I'm really excited. Thanks again.
I've done a best of Lonnie Johnson; i need to find that one song where Lonnie is cranking the vocals almost heavy metal like!
I had Lonnie Johnson's Blues and Ballads with Elmer Snowden. . . and overseas(for me, Turkey around 1996/7), I found "Stompin at the Penny." When I did my best of, there was no songs from that album on youtube. I noticed a handful have finally been put up. That album is gold!
Had all his Prestige recordings including the others you listed. There is "The Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order"on Document.(There are 2 series) plus Tommorow Night some of his King Records recordings. I've bought everything I could find. There's also Stepping On The Blues on the Legacy/Columbia label as well.
My Mom was born at the beginning of WW1 and remembered Armistice Day even though she was only three years old. She also remembered the Spanish Flu. It killed one out of every ten people in the world. My Grandparents sent my Mom away for a couple of weeks when her little brother became sick and died and she was hurt that they didn't let her stay. She talked about some of her uncles that ate a whole clove of raw garlic and an onion every day to survive. And they did. The Roman legion used to travel around the known world and they always had garlic and onions as rations that they ate raw. And they also had wine, which was almost like vinegar at the time. They would mix it with water that they found locally, which was another way to kill the germs. They suffered less from the devastating sicknesses that afflicted other armies at the time.
Great review Fil. You bring in so much and show such respect for people that were doing groundbreaking things for years and years despite hardships so that you can teach them to your students and entertain people.
Speaking of Roman soldiers, can you do a song by Gianna Nannini? She sings in Italian, her voice is raw but she has so much emotion and Italian is such a beautiful language.
Thanks!
I have a deep love of blues, particularly pre-War artists but not exclusively. While I’m certainly aware of Mr. Johnson his music has generally escaped my radar. This was a great reminder of why he’s considered one of the best and still revered by blues artists. Thanks for the review Fil!
Fil, wow wow-------------------------have heard of Lonnie----but never seen a performance------------thanks----keep up the great work. does that lead in sound like Chuck B.
Fascinating analysis, Fil! Superb job on this trailblazing musician's life. You never disappoint!
Good show Fil. Great research. I need to track down some more from Lonnie Johnson, he's great.
You can get his "Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order" on Document records (out of Austria) there are 2 series of CDs. The first starts in 1925. There is Stepping On The Blues by Legacy/Columbia it's a sampling of his early recordings. There's a CD called Tommorow Night (some of his King Records recordings) there were several later CDs on the Prestige label. Another called Stomping At The Penny, there's one on Folkways Recordings as well. Yes I own them all. Hope that helps, you'll have to order them all, if they're still available. I bought my stuff about 25 yrs ago, so hopefully you can still get them.
Hello Fil, thanks very much for this wonderful, informative and respectful tribute and analysis. Lonnie Johnson, in my opinion, inhabited that area where mainstream jazz and blues meet - other such artists being Jimmy Witherspoon, Big Joe Turner and BB King. For me it's important, as Lonnie and the others provided a common ground for my father and I to enjoy. Best wishes, Colin.
Love ur back stories on the performers! Another awesome video.
Listen to his music with Eddie Lang (Salvatore Massaro), who was also hugely influential in jazz. Eddie Lang's accompaniment with Lonnie's lead makes an incredible combination.
Wow 😲 you really dug into the history books on this one! The playing was great, but your storytelling was even better. Thanks, Fil, for reminding us of how it was “back then”. Congrats on 67K subs even though you are already halfway to 68K❣️
Thanks!
I first heard of Lonnie Johnson after hearing Elvis's version of "Tomorrow Night," sung to a very spare guitar accompaniment from Scotty Moore.
Ty Fil! Love the music and I never would of known about Lonnie Johnson if it wasn't for your vid. Ty for the back story that is so important as well.
Would have known. Not would of known :)
Another guy I'd heard of but didn't really know about. Thanks for doing my homework!
Legend has it that Lonnie Johnson was an early pioneer in the electrification of guitars because he purportedly took the phonograph cartridge out of a record player and stuck it to the body of a guitar with some chewing gum or sticky wax, with the needle tip right up against the wood, and running wires back to the record player so that the guitar sound could be amplified by the tubes and speaker. Prior to the electrification of guitars, they weren't really single string or lead instruments, they were used strictly as Rhythm instruments because single strings couldn't be heard over the horns of a jazz band, you had to strum chords pretty hard and use a loud, bright sounding guitar (usually an archtop) with lots of sound projection capability in order to be heard or even merely to be a part of the mix in a live club setting. Banjos were often used in early jazz bands as a rhythm instrument instead of guitars ( played with a plectrum as picks were known then, not finger-picked) because of the bright staccato sound and low sustain of a banjo. Metal body National resonator guitars, the loudest form of acoustic guitars ever built, were also briefly considered to be a desirable rhythm instrument for jazz bands ---- if the player could afford one, as they were by far the most expensive instruments of their day in the late 1920s and early 30s. (I suspect that the popularity of resonator guitars with fingerstyle black bluesmen only came about because of the combination of the Depression, changing musical tastes, with jazz and swing bands eclipsing Hawaiian music ( where are the resonator guitar, also resonator ukuleles and mandolins, had previously reigned supreme), and the advent of electrically amplified guitars that could be more easily heard above the wailing horns of a jazz band; all of these societal changes and upheavals would have combined to make a lot of musicians either quit the business and sell or pawn their instruments in order to eat, or convert to electronically amplified guitars so that they could keep "current", appear to be "modern", and continue working as members of loud, horn based jazz and swing bands).
Fascinating analysis and commentary on this one, especially, Fil. I thoroughly enjoyed the music. Which reminds me, I need to search to see if you’ve done one on B.B. King...
Lonnie's delivery was smooth as butter. I have featured him many times on my radio show over the past 31 years. Other guitarists that come to mind are Teddy Bunn (who I love), and Eddie Lang. They were also early pioneers. If I'm not mistaken, I think that was Willie Dixon on bass. Lonnie's playing was so clean and as you said was a trailblazer for other guitarists. Another name who I think was influenced by Lonnie was the great T-Bone Walker. Excellent video as usual Fil! I love your comments regarding this true legend!!
@Anne Mickelson Ya you can hear the influence Lonnie had on T-Bone for sure. Thanks for your comment!!
Thank you much for including so many guitarists from the history archives. I discovered your channel while wandering around Chet Atkins' music, a fav of my father's. Have you ever considered doing an analysis on Bob Wills' steel guitar player Leon McAuliffe?
Yes the B&W videos are back... it's history night music lovers 😆 Thank you Fil for keeping things real and showing us where & how it all started..... then throw your analysis on top of it all & we have music history 101 😎🎸 Here you go teach' 🍎 a job well done ! You keep playing music videos , analyzing & we'll be here every night to continue our education 😎🤘 "ROCK" Another night off... no requests 😉 ....but don't worry Fil I'll have some more requests very soon ! 😆
Hey there Fil, was thinking I'd enjoy a review of the Ginger Baker Trio....
Thanks! ❤
I notice a lot of him in Hendrix's style. Particularly the wrapped over thumb to make the root of his bar chords.
His performance is timeless-hear this style time and again today😎👏👏
Any relation to the great Maury?
@@richardmindemann6935 Yes! That part of family kept the “e” behind the “u” since we all dropped the umlaut “u”. 🕊RIP
Thanks for that, it was very interesting.
Another wonderful detailed look at a superb musician ! Thanks Fil ! I would love to see you do an analysis of both R L Burnside & JB Lenoir ✌️
I saw Lonnie at Manchester's Free Trade Hall on one of Chris Barber's Blues Festivals. The backing bands were also all from the U.S. on those tours too. The great Willie Dixon on Bass in that vid', for example. Hubert Sumlin, Fred Below on other of the tours. But well said in your summation. Depending on your source, Lonnie was a thumb and finger picker before the war, the pick was post war, and for me it was too 'uptown'. But prewar his 12 string became a 10 string after taking a string out of the 1st two courses. 'To Play This You Got To Know How' and 'PLayingwith the Strings' and so many more prewar recordings for me are definitive Lonnie Johnson.
Great music love it, so interesting story (My father was born in 1917 ( in Sweden)