While Johnnie Johnson was the leader of guitarist Albert King’s rhythm section (during the blues icon’s most prolific and musically significant period) and also served as one of the cornerstones of the St. Louis blues scene, the pianist is most famous for his long-time collaborations with seminal rock and roller Chuck Berry. Vastly underrated at the time but now justly recognized as an all-time great, Johnson’s skill and soul are readily apparent in the five-minute clip: this boogie is a masterclass for all twelve bar R&B and blues students. However, perhaps most illustrative in this clip from an Australian performance are the closeups of the man’s hands on the ivories. He displays a natural affinity for the complementary nature of rhythm and melody in this earthy, foundational style of music, so it’s hardly a coincidence that the audience becomes so animated by the time “Johnnie’s Boogie” is over.
