Oliver Johnson (3)

Маркетплейс

Об исполнителе: St. Louis, Missouri singer, trumpeter, keyboardist, songwriter and composer. After years, working as a sideman for the likes of Albert King, Johnny Johnson and Shirley Brown, Oliver began performing in the STL metro area solo and as bandleader of The Nite Train Express. At the age of six, began his study as a vocalist with his mother, Robertha Johnson of Uttica, Mississippi. Robertha who was a gospel church singer also introduced Oliver to music performers like Louis Armstrong and Nancy Wilson. When Oliver was eight years old, the famous jazz organist Tabb Smith and his groups used to rehearse in Olivers home. At ten years old Oliver started his study of the trumpet with Harry Turner of the Count Bassie Band. Olivers first professional performances, at 13 years of age started at the Cosmo Hall in East St. Louis, which featured regular acts like Ike Turner, Johnny Johnson, Chuck Berry, Little Milton & Albert King. After high school Oliver started touring with Westmoreland Inc. which included Tyrone Perry, Paul Jackson, and Mike Grimes. This band eventually became Albert Kings band and included Chess recording regular Phil Westmoreland. Phil Westmoreland was at Chess records at the time with Maurice White who later formed the group Earth, Wind and Fire. For 12 years Oliver toured throughout Europe and Japan playing trumpet and singing with the following groups: Mel and Tim (Backfield in Motion), Joe Tex (Skinny Legs and All), Shirley Brown (Woman to Woman), Albert King (Born Under the Bad Sign), Gladys Knight and the Pips (Midnight Train to Georgia), Rufus Thomas (Walkin the Dog), Carla Thomas (B-A-B-Y - Baby), Little Milton Campbell (Tin Pan Alley)and several performances featuring Kathryn Dunhams Drums of Fire. Aside from Olivers regular performances he has also played with the Black Repertory Orchestra in the production One More Time.