JOHNNIE TEMPLE

Biography

Johnnie Temple was born on October 18, 1906, in Canton, Mississippi, though some sources suggest Hazlehurst, Copiah County, as his birthplace. He grew up in the Jackson, Mississippi area, where he was exposed to the vibrant blues scene. Temple learned to play the guitar and mandolin as a child and began performing at local house parties as a teenager. His early influences included notable blues musicians like Skip James, with whom he became friends. Temple's career took off in the early 1930s when he moved to Chicago and started recording. He released his biggest hit, 'Louise Louise Blues,' in 1936, followed by another notable song, 'Big Leg Woman,' in 1938. Despite his consistent record sales, Temple never achieved widespread fame. He continued to perform in Chicago and later returned to Jackson, where he played until he left the music scene to become a preacher. Temple passed away on November 22, 1968, at the age of 62.

Musically, Temple was known for his articulate singing style and fleet guitar work. He was influential in popularizing the boogie bass figure, often credited to Robert Johnson. His songs often referenced his roots in Jackson, Mississippi, and he maintained a regional style throughout his career. Temple's music was characterized by its Southern accent and pronounced vibrato, setting him apart from other contemporary blues artists.

Temple's legacy includes his contributions to the blues genre, particularly in the 1930s and 1940s. His songs have been covered by various artists, and he played a role in exposing regional blues to a broader audience. Despite his relatively low profile, Temple remains an important figure in the history of blues music.

Fun Facts

• Johnnie Temple was sometimes referred to as 'Geechie,' a term typically associated with the Georgia Sea Islands, though no direct connection has been proven.
• Temple's song 'Lead Pencil Blues' was the first to employ the bottom-string boogie bass figure, often credited to Robert Johnson.
• He left the music scene to become a preacher before his death in 1968.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Skip James - Friend and blues influence (None specified) [Early career]

Key Collaborators

• Charlie and Joe McCoy - Frequent collaborators in performances (None specified) [1920s-1930s]
• Big Walter Horton and Billy Boy Arnold - Collaborators in Chicago blues scene (None specified) [1940s-1950s]

Artists Influenced

• Various blues artists - Through his contributions to regional blues (Cover versions of his songs) [1930s-1950s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Lead Pencil Blues (Big Leg Woman)
2. Lead Pencil Blues (Presenting Johnnie Temple)
3. Lead Pencil Blues (Johnnie Temple Vol. 1 1935-1938)
4. Yum, Yum, Yum (Johnnie Temple Vol. 3 1940-1949)
5. Hoodoo Women (Johnnie Temple Vol. 1 1935-1938)
6. The Evil Devil Blues (Johnnie Temple Vol. 1 1935-1938)
7. Sit Right On It (Big Leg Woman)
8. Lead Pencil Blues - 1935 Version (Back To The Crossroads: The Roots Of Robert Johnson)
9. Grinding Mill (Those Dirty Blues, Vol. 2)
10. Peeping Through The Keyhole (Johnnie Temple 1935-1940: From Mississippi to Chicago (The Blues))

External Links

• Spotify
• [Wikipedia](Not available)