User:Scberry/Jelly Roll Johnson

Stephen Kirk " Jelly Roll Johnson is an American harmonica player, recording artist, and session musician. His nickname came from the song "Mr. Jelly Roll Baker" by Lonnie Johnson. He cites Sonny Boy Williamson, Charlie McCoy, Little Walter, and Paul Butterfield as major influences.

Biography
Johnson was raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and at age 19 he began playing harmonica Cleveland, Tennessee upon a suggestion from his father.

He worked with the Tommy Cole Band, then with Con Hunley from 1979 to 1989. He then moved to Nashville in 1984.

Johnson has worked with Tom Paxton, Randy Travis, Kenny Rogers, Faith Hill, Etta James, Guy Clark, Lee Ann Womack, Travis Tritt, Shania Twain, The Judds, Alan Jackson, Trisha Yearwood, and others.

In 1998, Johnson self-produced his first album Jelly Roll Johnson and a Few Close Friends, featuring songs by Nashville songwriters who are also his friends.

In 1998, Jelly Roll won the Nashville Music Award for Best Wind Instrumentalist.

Johnson won the Academy of Country Music award for Best Specialty Instrument in 2003 and 2008.

Johnson performs at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe with songwriters Fred Knobloch, Thom Schuyler, and Tony Arata.

Solo Albums

 * 1998: Jelly Roll Johnson and a Few Close Friends (American Originals)
 * 2008: Songs From the Record World (CD Baby)

J. Fred Knobloch and Jelly Roll Johnson

 * 2000: Live at the Bluebird Cafe (American Originals)