b. 17 August 1954, Austin, Texas, USA. Johnson grew up in a musical household, listening to records from his father’s collection. The records, while predominantly classics and jazz, also included pop, and when the boy began taking piano lessons, at the age of five, all these forms permeated his consciousness. His musical studies progressed and at the age of eight he was writing his own pieces. Two years on, as playing began to take precedence over composing, he joined a rock band in which his brother played. Piano studies, and most other studies too, were neglected in favour of his dream of becoming a rock guitarist. Throughout his early teens he played in several bands in the Austin area. It was in 1967 that Johnson heard the artist who was to most influence him in the future, Jimi Hendrix. He also absorbed many other sounds from the lively Austin club scene, including the blues, and he also developed an interest in the work of Jeff Beck.
Johnson played for several years with the local fusion band, the Electromagnets. His solo recording debut came in 1986 and he had the pleasure of seeing Tones nominated for a Grammy. During the following years, Johnson’s reputation spread and his records achieved a considerable measure of popularity. However, he determinedly fulfilled a need to develop new ideas before live audiences by playing in local Austin clubs, appearing unannounced or with a misleadingly named band, for example Alien Love Child. Deeply committed to the post-Hendrix blues scene, Johnson’s skill has brought him the admiration of other, extremely varied guitar players, among whom are numbered Chet Atkins, B.B. King and Les Paul. His eclectic repertoire and always accessible playing has also provided him with a broad-based following of fans, although it is mostly in his home town, where he still makes his base, that he can be seen as well as heard.
