Johnnie Johnson - I'm Just Johnnie (2025) [Official Digital Download]

The jury is still out, 20 years after Chuck Berry’s pianist Johnnie Johnson’s passing, concerning what he contributed to the writing of some of the rock and roller’s biggest hits. It has never been in question how immensely gifted Johnson was, nor the influence of his playing on Berry’s early work.

That talent is clear on ‘I’m Just Johnnie,’ an album recorded sporadically towards the end of his career (he passed in 2005) and finally released on August 29. The double-package features some of Johnson’s final music on the first platter and interviews with those who knew him on the second. Why this took twenty years to appear is unclear, but the results are inspirational.

Producer and Johnson friend Gene Ackmann coordinated the sessions, employing heavy-hitters like Bonnie Raitt, fellow piano man Bruce Hornsby, Johnny Rivers and Lovin’ Spoonful frontman John Sebastian to assist. Johnson, like Berry, was a longtime St. Louis resident and city enthusiast, so recording there helps create a warm, relaxed environment.

TRACKLIST

1. Johnnie Johnson - I'm Just Johnnie
2. Johnnie Johnson - I Get Weary
3. Johnnie Johnson - Every Day I Have the Blues (feat. Bruce Hornsby)
4. Johnnie Johnson - Lo Down (feat. Johnny Rivers)
5. Johnnie Johnson - Let the Good Times Roll
6. Johnnie Johnson - Three Handed Woman
7. Johnnie Johnson - Broke the Bank (feat. John Sebastian)
8. Johnnie Johnson - Blues In G
9. Johnnie Johnson - Stagger Lee
10. Johnnie Johnson - Johnnie Johnson Blues (feat. Johnny Rivers)
11. Johnnie Johnson - Heebie Jeebies
12. Johnnie Johnson - Long Gone
13. Johnnie Johnson - In the Studio
14. Johnnie Johnson - In the Control Room



Thanks to the Original customer.