Tommy Johnson
Source: Wikipedia
Born in Terry, Mississippi, in January 1896, Delta blues guitarist, Tommy Johnson, composed several songs with Sara Martin in 1924 [DAHR]. He released his own first recordings in 1928, holding his debut session on February 3 in Memphis with Papa Charlie McCoy to put away 'Cool Drink of Water Blues' and 'Big Road Blues'. Several more titles followed that year. In December 1929 Johnson recorded a couple hands more of additional songs, after which he held no further sessions, though he played accomplished guitar locally in Jackson where he was popular for the next quarter century. All titles below were composed by Tommy. Per 'Alcohol and Jake Blues', an original plate of that sold for $37,100 in 2013.
'Cool Drink of Water Blues' Tommy Johnson w Papa Charlie McCoy (guitar)
First recording
3 Feb 1928 at the Memphis Auditorium TN Matrix 41836-2 Victor 21279
'Big Road Blues' Tommy Johnson w Papa Charlie McCoy (guitar)
Second recording
3 Feb 1928 at the Memphis Auditorium TN Matrix 41837-2 Victor 21279
'Bye Bye Blues' Tommy Johnson w Papa Charlie McCoy (guitar)
Third recording
4 Feb 1928 at the Memphis Auditorium TN Matrix 41838-1 Victor 21409
'Maggie Campbell Blues' Tommy Johnson w Papa Charlie McCoy (guitar)
Fourth recording
4 Feb 1928 at the Memphis Auditorium TN Matrix 41839-2 Victor 21409
'Canned Heat Blues' Tommy Johnson
31 Aug 1928 in Memphis TN Matrix 45462-2 Victor V-38535
Canned heat = Sterno Blues Foundation
'Big Fat Mama Blues' Tommy Johnson
31 Aug 1928 in Memphis TN Matrix 45465-1 Victor V-38535
'Alcohol and Jake Blues' Tommy Johnson poss w Ishmon Bracey
Dec 1929 in Grafton WI Matrix L-250-2 Paramount 12950
Tommy died in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, on November 1, 1956, of heart attack.
Sources & References for Tommy Johnson:
Cub Coda (All Music)
VF History (notes)
Audio of Johnson: YouTube
Compositions: Music Brainz
Recordings by Johnson: Catalogs: Discogs Hung Medien RYM SHS
Recordings by Johnson: Sessions:
Stefan Wirz (American Music)
Classical Main Menu Modern Recording
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