Biography
Al 'Carnival Time' Johnson, born Alvin Lee Johnson on June 20, 1939, in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a celebrated singer, pianist, and songwriter whose name is synonymous with the city’s Mardi Gras festivities. Raised in the Ninth Ward, Johnson was surrounded by the vibrant sounds of New Orleans rhythm and blues, drawing early inspiration from local legends like Fats Domino, Sugar Boy Crawford, and Smiley Lewis. Encouraged by his father, who bought musical instruments for the family, Johnson gravitated toward the piano, seeking to emulate the distinctive New Orleans sound of his heroes.
Johnson’s career began in earnest as a teenager when he recorded his first single, 'Ole Time Talkin’,' for Aladdin Records at age 16. His breakthrough came in 1960 with the recording of 'Carnival Time' at Cosimo Matassa’s studio, produced by Joe Ruffino for Ric Records. The song quickly became a Mardi Gras anthem, joining the ranks of Professor Longhair’s 'Go to the Mardi Gras' and The Hawketts’ 'Mardi Gras Mambo.' Despite facing legal battles over the rights to his hit, Johnson ultimately secured full ownership in 1999, allowing him to manage his own career and maintain artistic independence. Over the decades, he has continued to write, record, and perform, earning induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2007 and remaining a beloved figure in New Orleans music culture.
Johnson’s musical style is rooted in New Orleans rhythm and blues, characterized by rollicking piano lines, infectious rhythms, and lyrics steeped in local tradition. His enduring legacy is cemented by the perennial popularity of 'Carnival Time,' which remains a staple of Mardi Gras celebrations and a testament to his influence on the city’s musical identity.
Fun Facts
- Johnson had to fight a lengthy legal battle to secure the rights to his hit 'Carnival Time,' finally winning full ownership in 1999.
- He managed his own career without a manager, a rarity among his contemporaries, allowing him greater creative and financial control.
- In 2007, Johnson was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, recognizing his enduring impact on the state’s musical heritage.
- He was chosen as Grand Marshal for Life of the Krewe of Red Beans, inspiring him to record the song 'Red Beans' with Bon Bon Vivant in 2021.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Fats Domino - Major stylistic influence and local inspiration; Johnson sought to emulate Domino's piano-driven R&B sound. (General influence on Johnson's early piano style and songwriting.) [1950s–1960s]
- Sugar Boy Crawford - Early inspiration; Johnson performed Crawford’s songs in talent shows. (Johnson won talent shows with Crawford’s 'I Cried.') [1950s]
- Smiley Lewis - Influence on vocal and piano style. (General influence on Johnson's R&B approach.) [1950s]
Key Collaborators
- Joe Ruffino - Producer and label owner who oversaw Johnson’s signature recordings. (Produced 'Carnival Time' and other Ric Records sessions.) [Late 1950s–early 1960s]
- Cosimo Matassa - Studio engineer for Johnson’s early recordings. (Engineered 'Carnival Time' and other sessions.) [Late 1950s–early 1960s]
- Egg Yolk Jubilee - Collaborated on the single 'Who Dat Say.' ('Who Dat Say' (2009)) [2009]
- Margie Perez - Duet partner on holiday recording. ('Don’t Go, Santa' (2015)) [2015]
- Bon Bon Vivant - Collaborated on the song 'Red Beans.' ('Red Beans' (2021)) [2021]
Artists Influenced
- New Orleans Mardi Gras musicians - Johnson’s 'Carnival Time' is a staple and inspiration for generations of Mardi Gras performers. (Numerous Mardi Gras-themed performances and covers.) [1960s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Carnivale Electricos | 2012-02-21 | Album |
| Carnivale Electricos | 2012-02-01 | Album |
| Beyond Carnival | 2013-05-30 | Album |
| Beyond Carnival | 2013-05-30 | Album |
| Carnivale Electricos | 2012-02-21 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Carnivale Time (Carnivale Electricos)
- Mardi Gras Strut (Mambo) (Talking 'Bout the Blues, Vol. 3)
- Carnival Time (Carnivale Electricos)
- Carnival Time (One Note At A Time (Official Soundtrack))
- Who Dat Say (feat. Eggyolk Jubilee) (Who Dat Say - single)
- Lena (Talking 'Bout the Blues, Vol. 6)
- Sad Story
- Lena (Blues Makers: The Vocal Mix, Vol. 6)
- Lena
- Lower Ninth Ward Blues
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
AL CARNIVAL TIME JOHNSON has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 16, 2025 | 11:12 | DON'T GO, SANTA | New Orleans Music Showw/ Cole Williams | |
| Oct 21, 2025 | 13:03 | LENA | New Orleans Music Showw/ Cole Williams |