Johnson, Lonnie

Johnson, Lonnie Alonzo Johnson, probably 8 February 1889; New Orleans, LA – 16 June 1970; Toronto, Canada Lonnie Johnson was one of the most influential guitarists the blues has had, and arguably the most important blues guitarist of the 1920s. He was also a pioneer in the nascent field of jazz guitar. He performed and recorded with legendary figures from Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Bessie Smith to Texas Alexander and Sonny Boy Williamson. His recorded duets with the great white jazz…