Lonnie Johnson

Alonzo Lonnie Johnson (February 8, 1899 – June 16, 1970) was an American blues and jazz singer-guitarist, violinist and songwriter who pioneered the role of jazz guitar and jazz violin, and is recognized as the first to play an electrically-amplified violin.
A Deep Dive into the Legendary Musicianship of Lonnie Johnson
Lonnie Johnson is a name that's often overlooked in discussions about iconic musicians of the early 20th century. However, this guitar virtuoso's influence on music is undeniable. He paved the way for the blues and jazz guitarists who would follow in his footsteps and inspired countless musicians across genres with his innovative playing. So, let's take a closer look at the life, music, and legacy of Lonnie Johnson.
Born in New Orleans in 1899, Alonzo Lonnie Johnson picked up the guitar at the age of eight, and within a few years, he was playing in bars and on street corners. He moved to St. Louis in the early 1920s and began recording with Okeh Records. Johnson's unique style of fingerpicking and smooth voice quickly caught the attention of listeners, and he soon established himself as a master of the blues.
One of Lonnie Johnson's most famous songs is the heartbreaking Tomorrow Night. The song describes a man's longing for a former lover and the pain he feels, knowing that she'll never return to him. The melody perfectly captures the sentiment of the lyrics, and Lonnie's voice, accompanied by his own guitar playing, is both powerful and delicate. The song has been covered countless times over the years, solidifying its status as a blues classic.
In addition to traditional blues, Lonnie Johnson also experimented with jazz and swing, incorporating elements of those genres into his playing style. His 1927 recording of Playing with the Strings is a prime example of his musicianship and innovation. The song features Johnson playing both lead and rhythm guitar parts, seamlessly combining them into a single, hypnotic melody. Playing with the Strings set the bar for guitarists in the blues and jazz worlds, inspiring countless guitarists in the decades since.
Lonnie Johnson performed throughout his life, playing with some of the biggest names in music, including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Bing Crosby. One of his most famous concerts was his appearance at Carnegie Hall in 1971. Johnson was already in his seventies by then, but he still blew the audience away with his playing and singing.
Critics have praised Lonnie Johnson for his innovation, technique, and musicality. In his book Blues People, writer Amiri Baraka calls Johnson a true virtuoso of the guitar and notes that his playing influenced musicians from B.B. King to Jimi Hendrix. Guitar World magazine ranked Johnson as number 12 on their list of The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.
Lonnie Johnson's musical legacy is undeniable. He played an integral role in the development of the blues and jazz guitar styles, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless musicians who came after him. He crafted timeless songs that are still being covered and celebrated today. If you're not familiar with Lonnie Johnson's work, it's time to add him to your playlist and discover the musical genius of this guitar legend.
Lonnie Johnson's musical legacy is undeniable. He played an integral role in the development of the blues and jazz guitar styles, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless musicians who came after him. He crafted timeless songs that are still being covered and celebrated today. If you're not familiar with Lonnie Johnson's work, it's time to add him to your playlist and discover the musical genius of this guitar legend.