Evan Johns

Background

Johns was born in McLean, Virginia, and began his musical career in the Washington, District of Columbia

Career

Area. There, Johns met and played with guitarist Danny Gatton, writing three songs (including the title track) for Gatton’s 1978 album, Redneck Jazz. After his stint with Gatton, Johns founded his own band, called "the H-Bombs", which became popular playing regular gigs in the District of Columbia area. This is the real stuff."

In 1984, Johns relocated to Austin, Texas, to join the band The LeRoi Brothers.

In Austin, Johns performed on the 1985 compilation album, Trash, Twang and Thunder by several Austin guitarists who styled themselves as Big Guitars From Texas.

The album earned a Grammy nomination for rock-instrumental music In 1985, Johns re-formed the H-Bombs in Austin and continued as its leader.

Johns and the H-Bombs played together for several years thereafter, becoming known for their eclectic repertoire, summarized by one reviewer as "cajun, rockabilly, punk, surf, blues, country – even spaghetti Western soundtrack music"

In the mid 1990s, Johns began to suffer alcohol-related and other health problems, and has not played regularly since 1998.

Achievements

• Among the group"s fans was Jello Biafra, founder of the Dead Kennedys, who in liner notes to an H-Bombs European Parliament, described the H-Bombs" music as "a little Tex-Mex here, garage power there, all whipped into a witch"s brew of spitfire guitar and Evan"s trademark vocal growl.