|
Johnny J. was a founding member of the popular New
Orleans rockabilly quartet the Blue Vipers, developing
a reputation as one of the Crescent City's premiere
roots rockers. As Johnny J.'s musical inspiration evolved,
he formed his current band, Johnny J. and The Hitmen.
The band debuted in critical acclaim with their 1986
album "Nuclear Hayride" on Great Southern
Records, produced by former Boxtops frontman, Alex Chilton.
Substantial radio airplay of the release throughout
Europe and Scandinavia brought 1987's Nuclear Hayride
on Tour in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark, earning
Johnny J. and The Hitmen an international following.
As an integral member of New Orleans' close-knit musical
community, Johnny J. was included on the legendary Tipitina's
1989 compilation "Tipitina's – Live &
in Person" that included artists such as Walter
Wolfman Washington, Marva Wright, Jon Cleary and other
New Orleans musical luminaries. On this historical collection,
Johnny J. performs Coco Robicheaux's "Thrift Store
Suit."
1991 brought Johnny J.'s sophomore release entitled
"Wizard of Odds," produced by legendary Nashville
producer and Neil Young band member, Ben Keith (who
also produced Jewel's multi-platinum debut CD) for Germany's
Zensor label. The release, and subsequent European tour,
further cemented the sounds of Johnny J. and The Hitmen
with European audiences. While popular in Europe, the
CD was never released in the United States, and was
available only as an import.
The mid-nineties saw the release of "J. Walkin"
on Carlo Ditta's Orleans
Records label featuring J.'s collaboration with Alex
Chilton of the Box Tops,
Ben Keith, and the late, legendary guitarist Wayne Bennett,
best known for his work with Bobby Blue Bland. The CD
is an inspiring mixture of rockabilly,
blues, country and rock n' roll, highlighting Johnny
J.'s "walkin, runnin‚ and
ridin" through a variety of musical styles.
In addition to his own recordings, Johnny J. is a much
sought after New
Orleans session player and has appeared on numerous
releases by notable
regional roots artists including a solo to the title
track of Roland
Stone's 1993 "Remember Me."
Johnny J. is the guitarist of choice for rockabilly
as well as blues and R&B legends performing in New
Orleans – J has performed with Dale Hawkins, Alex
Chilton, Lazy Lester, Wayne Bennett, Eddie Kirkland,
Wanda Jackson, Joe "Ducktail" Clay and the
late Carl Perkins in a promotional video for Perkins'
last CD, recorded at the Mermaid Lounge in dowtown New
Orleans.
Around New Orleans on any given night, Johnny J. can
be seen performing with his band at mainstay venues
like the Rivershack Tavern, Mid-City Rock -N-Bowl, and
the Carrollton Station with his own band, The Hitmen,
or with other New Orleans musicians such as Little Queenie
Harris, Harpman Ben Maygarden and Lips and the Trips
at Bourbon Street's 711 Club. Over the years, Johnny
J. has also been a member of Them Taggert Boys and Little
Queenie & the Swinging Gates of Heaven, as well
as the comical, satirical rockers, OLD.
Johnny J. and the Hitmen can also be seen performing
at the House of Blues, where they have opened for Jerry
Lee Lewis on numerous occassions.
In recent years, Arkansas' legendary rockabilly artist,
Dale Hawkins, best
known for his 1957 hit single "Suzie Q," has
enlisted Johnny J. to tour and
record with him. In between his work with Hawkins, Johnny
J. has just released his latest album "Fever Water"
on the Blue Viper label.
Coming up, in association with his new release, will
be a late 2001 and early
2002 "Fever Water" tour throughout the deep
south and southwest.
Booking & Management: Third Rowe Entertainment
Record Label: Blue Viper Records
210 Baronne St., Suite 1040
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 522-8858
(504) 486-8320
Fax: (504) 528-9399
Email: noblueviper@yahoo.com
|
