Johnny Rawls

Johnny Rawls: Blues Virtuoso

Johnny Rawls who has been destined to be in the blues and play the blues since a young child listening to his grandfather play, has reached the level of playing where recognition comes naturally and from the years of playing band leader to now as a solo artist, has received many awards and nominations for his work and is dedicated to the art form we know and love as the blues.

What attracted Johnny was the feeling and the love for the music. Even in high school, Johnny knew that was what he wanted to do, and he has continued by producing and playing and with a lot of top artists like BB King and OV Wright. Johnny played in OV Wrights band until OV Wrights death and then in 1985, he took the next step in his career and became a solo artist.

“I love to play and I love what I do and I love to see the people hear my music, and when I see them enjoy themselves, it gives me a feeling, that’s what keeps me going.” Johnny says about why he continues to tour.

2006 was the year that he released his last album, “Heart and Soul,” and if it were necessary to compare this album to the others; “It’s basically life experience, it’s more in depth and what is happening around me, and it’s just things changing and the way of the world,” is how Johnny sees his music and what he hopes that others get out of the album. In 2008, Johnny will go to the Blues Foundation and is up for Blues Album of the Year, which means a lot to Johnny.

This Thursday Johnny is stopping in Moorhead Minnesota at Rascals for a show, a show that will be filled with energy and excitement. “When I come there and play, Moorhead will never be the same again” is what Johnny says.