Johnnie johnson RIP

[rictified]

Rock 'n' Roll piano legend, Johnnie Johnson, died of natural causes at
his home outside of St. Louis, MO this morning. He was 80 years old.

Johnson began his career in 1952, when he hired the then-unknown
guitarist, Chuck Berry, to join his St. Louis-based band. Berry
eventually became the frontman of the group and the two collaborated on
some of Rock 'n' Roll's most seminal recordings, including "Maybellene,"
"Roll Over Beethoven," and "Sweet Little Sixteen."

Johnson stepped into the spotlight later in life, releasing his first
solo album in 1989. His star continued to rise, especially among his
fellow musicians, who lined up to work with the icon. In the last
decade, Johnson performed and recorded with an amazingly diverse array
of artists, including Eric Clapton, Aerosmith, Keith Richards, The
Kentucky Headhunters, Bob Weir of The Grateful Dead, Susan Tedeschi,
NRBQ, Buddy Guy and Styx.

In honor of his contributions to the genre, Johnson was inducted into
the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 by his friend and supporter,
Keith Richards. He continued to perform and headline at concerts and
clubs around the world until earlier this year. His last performance was
with fellow Rock 'n' Roll originator, Bo Diddley on February 9, 2005.
"It was so much fun to play with Johnnie," Diddley said upon hearing the
news. "The world has lost a great man and a great musician. He will be
missed but his music will live on."

Johnson is survived by his wife, Frances, 10 children and many
grandkids. A memorial service will be held at a time and place to be
announced.

[ratso]

He was a hell of a piano player and according to Keith Richards deserved much more credit for Berry's hits than he was given! RIP Johnnie. He could really tickle (tackle) the ivories!

[ozover50]

Geeeeez! That is so sad! RIP indeed!

I'm a huge fan...... got a couple of CDs in the car.... I'll have a memorial listen on the way to work.

He was out here in 2003 and I didn't see him, but I've got a DVD of him 'Live at the Basement' in Sydney and it's great! I can picture those gnarled, jewellery encrusted coffee-coloured hands dancin' across the keyboard!

Gonna pick up a bottle of gin on the way home and then we'll be 'goin' round the corner 'n havin' a drink of Tanqueray'....

"The authentic piano - elegance - taste, humour and unforgiving rhythm. They don't make 'em like this anymore. All the more reason to get it now as much as you can! With Muddy, Willie Dixon, Little Walter, Johnnie stands! God bless you, Jo-Jo. It's my privilege to say he's also my friend."

The Rt. Hon. Keith Richards

Sobbing now.......

[rictified]

He was unbelievable, those guys wrote the book on rock n roll.