Big Jack Johnson

Biography

Big Jack Johnson, born Jack N. Johnson on July 30, 1940, in Lambert, Mississippi, was a towering figure in the electric and Delta blues scene. Growing up in a large family of 18 children, Johnson was immersed in music from an early age, inspired by his father Ellis Johnson, a working musician who played fiddle, banjo, and guitar in blues and country styles. Johnson began playing guitar at age 13 and quickly mastered the Delta blues tradition, later expanding his skills to include the mandolin and fiddle. His early musical experiences were rooted in local juke joints and family gatherings, where he absorbed the raw, uncut sound that would define his career.

Johnson rose to prominence in the 1960s as a founding member of the Jelly Roll Kings, alongside Frank Frost and Sam Carr. The group became known for their electrified Delta blues sound, releasing influential albums such as 'Rockin’ the Juke Joint Down' (1979) and 'Off Yonder’s Wall' (1997). After the Jelly Roll Kings disbanded in 1987, Johnson launched a successful solo career, recording acclaimed albums like 'The Oil Man' and 'The Barbecue Sessions,' the latter winning a W.C. Handy Award for Best Acoustic Blues Album in 2003. He was celebrated for his gritty guitar work, soulful vocals, and ability to bridge traditional Delta blues with modern electric styles. Johnson remained a prolific performer and recording artist, touring internationally and earning accolades such as the Living Blues Award for Best Live Performer and Most Outstanding Blues Musician.

Big Jack Johnson’s legacy is marked by his deep connection to the Mississippi blues tradition, his innovative guitar playing, and his role as a mentor to younger musicians. He passed away on March 14, 2011, in Memphis, Tennessee, leaving behind a rich catalog of recordings and a lasting influence on the blues world.

Fun Facts

• Big Jack Johnson was nicknamed 'The Oil Man' because he worked as a truck driver for Rutledge Oil Co. before pursuing music full-time.
• He was one of the few blues musicians to play the mandolin, showcasing his versatility on albums like 'Roots Stew'.
• Johnson reportedly had boxing and bear wrestling exploits in his youth.
• He performed 'Jack's Blues' and 'Catfish Medley' on the soundtrack for the film 'Black Snake Moan'.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Ellis Johnson - Father and first musical mentor (Family band performances, local functions) [1940s–1950s]
• B.B. King - Stylistic influence, admired for electric guitar work (Urban blues sound) [1950s–1960s]
• Albert King - Stylistic influence, admired for electric guitar work (Urban blues sound) [1950s–1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Frank Frost - Co-founder of the Jelly Roll Kings, frequent collaborator (Jelly Roll Kings albums, 'Rockin’ the Juke Joint Down', 'Off Yonder’s Wall') [1962–1997]
• Sam Carr - Co-founder of the Jelly Roll Kings, frequent collaborator (Jelly Roll Kings albums, 'Rockin’ the Juke Joint Down', 'Off Yonder’s Wall') [1962–1997]
• Little Jeno Tucker - Brother-in-law, occasional collaborator (Jelly Roll Kings performances) [1960s–1990s]
• James 'Super Chikan' Johnson - Nephew, occasional collaborator (Jelly Roll Kings performances) [1960s–1990s]
• Terry 'Big T' Williams - Protege, member of B.J. & the Oilers (B.J. & the Oilers performances) [1990s–2000s]

Artists Influenced

• James 'Super Chikan' Johnson - Nephew, inherited Johnson's creative flair and energy (Blues performances and recordings) [1990s–present]
• Terry 'Big T' Williams - Protege, learned guitar and blues style from Johnson (B.J. & the Oilers performances) [1990s–2000s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. I Wanna Know (All the Way Back)
2. Oil Man (The Oil Man)
3. Daddy, When is Mama Coming Home - Remastered 2022 (Deep Blues (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Remastered 2022])
4. Baby What You Want Me To Do (feat. Kim Wilson) (Stripped Down In Memphis)
5. Lonely Man (All the Way Back)
6. Catfish Blues (The Oil Man)
7. Oh Baby (The Memphis Barbecue Sessions)
8. Catfish Blues - Remastered 2022 (Deep Blues (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Remastered 2022])
9. Big Boy Now - Remastered 2022 (Deep Blues (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Remastered 2022])
10. Tom Dooley (The Oil Man)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia