Big Jack’s inventive, energetic, Delta-rooted guitar, rich confident vocals, down-home songwriting, and larger-than-life stage presence made him one of the most celebrated bluesmen of Mississippi. His long music career included much national and international touring, many amazing record releases, and a huge amount of praise and respect. Big Jack was born in Lambert, Mississippi in the summer of 1940, and learned guitar from his father at age 13.
He was a popular festival and club entertainer, a warm and hospitable person, and an amazing musician. Big Jack Johnson was the last original member of the Jelly Roll Kings.
Big Jack Johnson: The Delta Bluesman Who Electrified Tradition
Big Jack Johnson was a Mississippi-born blues guitarist and singer whose electrifying style and powerful voice made him a standout figure in modern Delta blues. Known for blending deep-rooted tradition with bold innovation, Johnson earned the nickname “The Oil Man” from his day job delivering oil—a fitting title for someone who fueled the blues with raw energy and soul.
Early Life and Musical Roots
Born Jack N. Johnson on July 30, 1940, in Lambert, Mississippi, he was one of 18 children in a sharecropping family. His father, Ellis Johnson, was a local musician who played fiddle and mandolin, exposing young Jack to a mix of blues and country music. By age 13, Jack was playing guitar alongside his father, and by 18, he had transitioned to electric guitar, inspired by the urban sound of B.B. King.
The Jelly Roll Kings and Rise to Fame
In 1962, Johnson joined forces with harmonica player Frank Frost and drummer Sam Carr to form the Jelly Roll Kings. The trio became known for their gritty, juke-joint blues sound, recording albums like “Hey Boss Man!” (1962) and “My Back Scratcher” (1966). Johnson’s first recordings as a vocalist appeared on the 1979 album “Rockin’ the Juke Joint Down,” marking the beginning of his emergence as a frontman.
Solo Career and Social Commentary
Johnson launched his solo career with the 1987 album “The Oil Man,” showcasing his robust guitar work and soulful vocals. He didn’t shy away from addressing pressing social issues in his music. His 1991 album “Daddy, When Is Mama Comin’ Home?” tackled topics like AIDS, domestic violence, and war, reflecting his commitment to using blues as a vehicle for commentary.
Awards and Collaborations
Throughout his career, Johnson received several accolades, including a W.C. Handy Award in 2003 for Best Acoustic Blues Album for “The Memphis Barbecue Sessions.” He collaborated with artists like Kim Wilson and Pinetop Perkins, further cementing his status in the blues community.
Legacy and Influence
Big Jack Johnson passed away on March 14, 2011, in Memphis, Tennessee, after a period of declining health. He left behind a rich legacy that continues to influence blues musicians today. His contributions are commemorated with a marker on the Mississippi Blues Trail in Clarksdale, honoring his role in keeping Delta blues alive and evolving.
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Explore the life and legacy of Big Jack Johnson, the Mississippi bluesman who electrified Delta blues with his powerful guitar work and socially conscious lyrics.
Thank You
We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.
Big Jack’s inventive, energetic, Delta-rooted guitar, rich confident vocals, down-home songwriting, and larger-than-life stage presence made him one of the most celebrated bluesmen of Mississippi. His long music career included much national and international touring, many amazing record releases, and a huge amount of praise and respect. Big Jack was born in Lambert, Mississippi in the summer of 1940, and learned guitar from his father at age 13.
He was a popular festival and club entertainer, a warm and hospitable person, and an amazing musician. Big Jack Johnson was the last original member of the Jelly Roll Kings.
Big Jack Johnson: The Delta Bluesman Who Electrified Tradition
Big Jack Johnson was a Mississippi-born blues guitarist and singer whose electrifying style and powerful voice made him a standout figure in modern Delta blues. Known for blending deep-rooted tradition with bold innovation, Johnson earned the nickname “The Oil Man” from his day job delivering oil—a fitting title for someone who fueled the blues with raw energy and soul.
Early Life and Musical Roots
Born Jack N. Johnson on July 30, 1940, in Lambert, Mississippi, he was one of 18 children in a sharecropping family. His father, Ellis Johnson, was a local musician who played fiddle and mandolin, exposing young Jack to a mix of blues and country music. By age 13, Jack was playing guitar alongside his father, and by 18, he had transitioned to electric guitar, inspired by the urban sound of B.B. King.
The Jelly Roll Kings and Rise to Fame
In 1962, Johnson joined forces with harmonica player Frank Frost and drummer Sam Carr to form the Jelly Roll Kings. The trio became known for their gritty, juke-joint blues sound, recording albums like “Hey Boss Man!” (1962) and “My Back Scratcher” (1966). Johnson’s first recordings as a vocalist appeared on the 1979 album “Rockin’ the Juke Joint Down,” marking the beginning of his emergence as a frontman.
Solo Career and Social Commentary
Johnson launched his solo career with the 1987 album “The Oil Man,” showcasing his robust guitar work and soulful vocals. He didn’t shy away from addressing pressing social issues in his music. His 1991 album “Daddy, When Is Mama Comin’ Home?” tackled topics like AIDS, domestic violence, and war, reflecting his commitment to using blues as a vehicle for commentary.
Awards and Collaborations
Throughout his career, Johnson received several accolades, including a W.C. Handy Award in 2003 for Best Acoustic Blues Album for “The Memphis Barbecue Sessions.” He collaborated with artists like Kim Wilson and Pinetop Perkins, further cementing his status in the blues community.
Legacy and Influence
Big Jack Johnson passed away on March 14, 2011, in Memphis, Tennessee, after a period of declining health. He left behind a rich legacy that continues to influence blues musicians today. His contributions are commemorated with a marker on the Mississippi Blues Trail in Clarksdale, honoring his role in keeping Delta blues alive and evolving.
Thank You
We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.
