Ernie Johnson

Ernie Johnson carries forward the soul-blues tradition established by predecessors such as Bobby "Blue" Bland, Z.Z. Hill, Little Milton, and R.L. Griffin. Although born in Winnsboro, LA, he did not launch a professional singing career until relocating to Dallas. Among his vocal models were Nat King Cole, Dee Clark, Clyde McPhatter, Jackie Wilson, and above all Bobby "Blue" Bland; Johnson has described the experience of hearing Bland perform "Further on Up the Road" as revelatory. An opportunity to open for Miss Lavelle White and Guitar James in Mexia, TX, allowed him to command the stage so convincingly that he immediately resigned from his position with the Dallas parks department and assembled the Soul Blenders. In 1968 he cut his debut single, "Lovin You" b/w "Cold Cold Heart," for Fats Washington's Movin' Records. Additional singles preceded his first album, Just in Time, issued by Ronn Records. Johnson has appeared at the blues festivals in San Francisco and Monterey. His initial compact disc, It's Party Time, appeared on the Louisiana-based Paula Records label in 1993; he funded and produced the project himself and composed every track except his version of Otis Redding's "Dreams to Remember." Malaco Records brought out the follow-up album In the Mood in 1995, with Hot and Steamy arriving three years afterward. While his touring schedule remains limited, Johnson maintains a presence on the blues festival circuit.