Artist Management and Promotion

Larry Johnson

Larry Johnson said it himself on stage in June 1999, "What y'all see here is a ghost, Larry Johnson died a long time ago".  The audience fell into loud laughter.  Larry Johnson, I can assure you is no ghost.  He often makes jokes about his absence from the mainstream of the blues world.  His dexterity and depth of skill with a guitar is stronger that ever.  He is a rarity, a real blues man with style and class.  His fine deep voice is the perfect accompaniment for the blues man’s long and lonely journey. 

Born in Atlanta Georgia in 1938, Larry was eager to leave the south and joined the U.S. Navy in 1955.  Upon leaving service, he relocated to New York.  At the tender age of 20, Larry settled in Harlem.  There he found Bobby Robinson, the man who had guided among many others, Elmore James.  Bobby would look out for youngsters in those days and he showed Larry how to live and survive in Harlem.  Larry was later introduced to Reverend Gary Davis, the grand master of ragtime guitar.  They developed a close relationship and Davis became Larry's mentor.

Larry's recording career dates back to 1963 when he accompanied Big Joe Williams for the Prestige/Bluesville label.  In 1965, he recorded a solo Lp for the same company.  His big success came with the highly acclaimed 'Fast & Funky' on Nick Perls' Blue Goose label released in 1971.  In 2000, Larry continued to record and had great success with 'Blues for Harlem' for the UK label, Armadillo Music.  In 2004/05, Larry's career was revived with a great performance in the Martin Scorsese production of 'Lightning In A Bottle' (now available on DVD). 

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