The Chitlin' Circuit
Johnny has an awesome history. As a teenager, he migrated to Alaska and learned the Blues from T. Bone Walker. After returning to California, he formed a relationship with the great promoter Charles Sullivan. The band worked the West Coast territories and night clubs. They opened for James Brown and Little Richard. Johnny also worked as a guitar accompanist for Etta James, Z.Z. Hill, Aretha Franklin, Big Mama Thornton, Little Willie John, and Marvin Gaye. The rest of his dues were paid on the "Chitlin' circuit" as guitarist for the Bobby "Blue" Bland Orchestra.