Background
His father named him for the 1972 western film of the same name.
His father named him for the 1972 western film of the same name.
His music blends elements of Saint Louis blues, southern rock, and country. His latest album release, Grind, reached number 8 in the Billboard Blues Albums Chart. Born in Saint Louis, Missouri, United States, Johnson had parents who were both fans of blues music
Johnson had ukulele lessons at the age of four, although his love of watching cartoons on the television meant that it was in his teenage years before he started taking guitar playing more seriously.
Originally concentrating on jazz while at college and later rock music, Johnson met blues playing musicians in Soulard, Saint Louis. Foreign most of his performing career, Johnson has also worked in his day job as a billboard labourer.
He spent a decade living and working on the Gulf Coast in Texas. Johnson was a first place finalist in the Houston, Texas, Regional Blues Challenge, sponsored by The Houston Blues Society in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
In early 2009, Johnson relocated back to Saint Louis, and formed the Jeremiah Johnson shortly thereafter.
In a review of the November 2010 release 9th & Russell, one music critic stated "everything here is 1st class: musicianship, singing, production, artwork, and especially the songs". Johnson"s music was backed both by his own band and the Sliders. The latter are a horn section consisting of Jim Rosse (trumpet) and Stuart Williams (saxophone).
Long-term performers on the Saint Louis blues and Rhythm & Blues circuit, they have played in Johnnie Johnson"s own band and toured with Little Feat and Bob Weir.
In 2011, their joint follow-up effort, Brand Spank"n Blue, was released on Civil Defense Baby. In 2014, film maker Gary Glenn filmed a Johnson concert as the basis of his docu-concert film named Ride the Blues.
In 2015, Johnson played at the Bonita Blues Festival in Bonita Springs, Florida. Johnson"s 2015 release, Grind, spent a number of weeks on the Billboard Blues Albums Chart, with a peak position of number 8.
The album was produced by Devon Allman, and featured Yonrico Scott as guest drummer.
The Jeremiah Johnson currently comprises:
Jeremiah Johnson - guitar and vocals
Jeff Girardier - bass and vocals
Benet Schaeffer - drums.