Biography
In the closing years of the 1960s, Peter C. Johnson exerted considerable sway over Boston’s music community through his work as a singer and songwriter, shaping the development of numerous emerging local talents—one of whom was the still-obscure Bruce Springsteen. He joined forces with John Payne, a musician who had played on Astral Weeks, to establish the Manic Depressives; the group gained its widest recognition for supporting Bonnie Raitt, though it also shared stages repeatedly with Howlin’ Wolf. Internal conflict culminated in a physical altercation during one performance, after which the band dissolved and Johnson withdrew from view for several years. Upon resurfacing he adopted an entirely new presentation, appearing alongside six mannequins and an extensive array of electronic gear that supplied layered vocal and instrumental accompaniment to his live playing. A self-titled album issued by A&M earned strong critical notice yet failed to attract substantial commercial interest; an unfavorable recording agreement ultimately left him without funds once touring costs exceeded earnings. Shortly afterward he collaborated on a recording with John Cale, only to withdraw again while addressing a substance issue. A 1998 onstage appearance with Bonnie Raitt rekindled his creative drive, prompting him to assemble the roots-oriented Bloodshot with David Champagne of Treat Her Right and Asa Brebner of the Modern Lovers; the album reached listeners in 2001. Three years later Soul Sherpa followed.
Albums
