Eric Johanson

Biography

Eric Johanson is an American blues rock singer, guitarist, and songwriter, born and raised in Alexandria, Louisiana. Immersed in music from an early age—his grandparents owned a music shop and his family members played in local bands—Johanson received his first guitar at age five and was soon performing blues in regional bands by his teens. His musical upbringing included listening to both classic blues artists like Robert Johnson and Freddie King, as well as hard rock acts such as Metallica and Soundgarden, which contributed to his distinctive blend of blues, rock, and progressive Americana.

After relocating to New Orleans for college, Johanson became a fixture in the city’s vibrant music scene, performing with seasoned musicians and developing a style that merged the emotional depth of blues with the intensity of rock. His career was briefly interrupted by Hurricane Katrina, prompting a move to New Zealand, but he returned to New Orleans in 2010 and quickly became an in-demand session guitarist. Johanson’s solo career took off when blues icon Tab Benoit signed him to Whiskey Bayou Records, producing his debut album 'Burn It Down' in 2017. Subsequent albums, including 'Below Sea Level' (produced by Luther Dickinson), have consistently charted on Billboard’s Blues Albums Chart, and his dynamic live performances have established him as a leading voice in modern blues-rock.

Fun Facts

• Johanson’s grandparents owned a music shop in Alexandria, Louisiana, fostering his early exposure to music.
• He lived in New Zealand for four years after Hurricane Katrina before returning to New Orleans.
• His pandemic-era acoustic livestreams gained a large following and led to the release of two 'Covered Tracks' albums.
• Johanson’s albums have consistently reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Blues Albums Chart, with several hitting No. 1.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Family friend (unnamed) - Taught him guitar basics and encouraged musical exploration in childhood (Early formative years) [1980s-1990s]
• Older New Orleans blues musicians - Jam sessions and informal mentorship during his teens (Regional blues band performances) [1990s]
• Tab Benoit - Produced Johanson’s debut album and toured with him, serving as a mentor and collaborator (Burn It Down (2017)) [2017-2019]

Key Collaborators

• Tab Benoit - Producer, label head, and drummer on tour (Burn It Down (2017), touring) [2017-2019]
• Luther Dickinson - Producer of Johanson’s second album (Below Sea Level (2020)) [2020]
• Tiffany Pollack - Cousin and co-leader on collaborative album (Blues in My Blood (2019)) [2019]
• Cyril Neville, Anders Osborne, Neville Brothers, Terrance Simien, Corey Henry's Treme Funktet, JJ Grey, Eric Lindell, Mike Zito - Session and live performances (Various live and studio projects) [2010s-present]

Artists Influenced

• No widely documented direct proteges as of 2024 - Johanson is cited as an influential new blues guitarist by Guitar Player magazine and has inspired a younger generation of blues and roots musicians (Recognition in Guitar Player magazine (2023)) [2020s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Cliffs Of Dover - Instrumental (Ah Via Musicom)
2. Manhattan (Venus Isle)
3. S.R.V. (Venus Isle)
4. Song For Irene (EJ)
5. Trademark - Instrumental (Ah Via Musicom)
6. Cliffs Of Dover - Live (Europe Live)
7. Born to Be Wild - G3 Reunion Live (G3 Reunion Live)
8. Desert Rose (Ah Via Musicom)
9. Cliffs Of Dover - Instrumental
10. Song For George - Instrumental (Ah Via Musicom)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia