Bill Johnson began playing the guitar when he was 9 years old. Records by Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton, were his early influences, but Bill remembers: “Chuck Berry was the one that did it for me. Chuck made me want to play guitar”.

Bill became a working musician early and spent most of his teens making music. During the 70’s and 80’s Bill played with various projects, achieving respectable successes while exploring different musical genres. Then he began to study the likes of B.B. King, Elmore James, and T-Bone Walker.

“ These guys knocked me out. I was immediately hooked on their rhythm and phrasing”.

The mid-1980’s saw him leaving the stage to pursue steady work and to focus on the music he loved, the Blues. During the 90’s Bill Johnson returned to the stage playing in the Sidewalk Blues Band with Doug Cox, before forming his very own The Bill Johnson Blues Band in 1993. Early engagements those years included opening for Otis Rush, Delbert McClinton, and a CD and tour into Scandinavia with the Lebeau Petersen Band.

In 1996 Bill moved to Calgary. During this time he played with Grammy-award winning Donald Ray Johnson and was featured prominently on his recordings. Bill continued his education as a member of the house band at the notorious King Edward Hotel, and with stints as sideman to the likes of Hubert Sumlin, Son Seals, Cash McCall, and the one and only Dutch Mason.

In 1999 Bill moved back to Victoria to be close to his family, and to pursue his own recording career. In 2006 Bill was nominated for a Maple Blues Award by the Toronto Blues Society for his CD Live, confirming his stature as one of the countries top performers. In 2007 he released the Work Songs CD surprising everyone with his talents playing solo acoustic blues guitar. Bill Johnson has spent a lifetime immersing himself in the Blues. He’s a master of the form and live is a blast of majestic Blues power.

Press

This man is a Canadian treasure. As soon as the rest of Canada hears of him, we won’t be just talking west coast. - Hornby Island Blues Society

I checked out Mr. Bill Johnson's music and the guy is smoking. Some real good downhome jump and blues tunes with emotional playing and singing. - Duke Robillard, multi award winning, legendary guitarist, and producer

Everyone came to dance and party to the Blues and Bill Johnson’s band delivered big time. This was the first time Bill has played in the area and if last night’s crowd reaction is any indication, it won’t be the last. The band has a tight sound, Bill’s guitar is powerful yet controlled and his voice was made for the blues, deep, resonating and passionate. The lyrics roll off his tongue with meaning and clarity, each song takes you on a journey, telling a story and above all coaxing the listener to get up and dance and be part of the experience. - Rod Dranfield President White Rock Blues Society

I knew I would like this CD after the first few seconds of the first song. - Tom Lavin, Powder Blues

Unknown to me until his name appeared on the ballot for guitar player of the year, Johnson came to the show and although he lost out to Sue Foley, he did impress during his guest appearance in the winners jam after the awards. He hails from Victoria, BC and he bought this CD with him, recorded live at the Central Bar & Grille there a couple of years ago. As with many live recordings, some of the songs are warhorses and are perhaps longer than they need to be for listening outside the context of the night. That being said, he's an exciting player, from the T-Bone Walker/B.B. King school. The slow blues "Hurtin' Man" is a fine Johnson original and Preston contributes the excellent "I Feel Like Loving". Billy Branch's "How Can I Stand It?" is certainly not over-recorded nor is Duke Robillard's "Too Hot to Handle". The climax though is a treat: Papa Lightfoot's "Come On Baby", one of the most raucous Delta blues recordings you will ever hear, with its heavily distorted harp and vocals sung through the same mike. The band roars through this one, Preston is hot and Johnson tops it with his slide solo. The crowd loved it, you will too. The CD shows quite clearly why he was nominated. - John Valenteyn, John’s Blues Picks, Maple Blues Magizine

Among the many undiscovered blues artists in the country, Bill Johnson stands at the head of the line. - Tim Williams, Juno Award winning blues artist

To my ears he’s the very best electric blues guitarist in the country. - Ken Hamm, Juno Award winning blues artist

One of Victoria's most prominent Musicians - Victoria Jazz Society

Music

Still Blue
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Worksongs

Video

Bill Johnson Links