The Shadow
Johnny King & Friends will perform a free concert on stage at Bath County High School’s auditorium on Sat., Jan. 21, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
King returned to his home in the Alleghany Highlands after performing as a virtuoso guitarist and vocalist with touring bands.
He brought the Box Rockers that he formed while living in Fla. to perform at the Douthat State Park Beach Amphitheater and at the Historic Stonewall Theatre. The House of Blues Houston, a facility that seats up to 2,500, is listed on King’s resume as follows: “Johnny King is the best New Orleans Jam Band we’ve ever heard.”
The House of Blues Dallas which seats up to 1,000 is listed as another reference, “Johnny King is a cross between the Neville Brothers and John Fogerty!”
King, who was born in Clifton Forge, is also a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who has penned dozens of songs, ones ranging from the blues to southern rock.
His resume reveals that he has written songs for bluegrass, reggae, country, Motown, gospel, funk, Latin, ragtime, and New Orleans jazz.
Grammy winners he has collaborated with on recording projects are Bobby Rush, blues singer/harmonica; Tony Coleman, former B.B. King’s drummer; and Buddy Miles, drums/vocals.
Others are Vassar Clements, fiddle; Kofi Burbridge, flute; and Gorge Porter, Jr., bass.
Johnny has also collaborated on music-producing projects with The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, horns; and The Maytals, bass/drums.
Of the 10 Grammy Award winners he has worked with, Burbridge, Miles and Clements have passed away.
Recently, Johnny, a member of The Virginia Opry since 2022, has teamed with Billy Berberette, a fellow member of The Virginia Opry; A.W. (Skip) Brown and Coleman to co-produce an album of his original songs.
Since returning from Fla., Johnny has recorded more than 50 of his original songs in Roanoke at Final Track Studios where overdubs and additional tracks of special guests have been added.
For bookings, interested parties may contact Sol Island Music & Productions, (636) 667-9544.
Johnny has formed the Alleghany Highlands Blues Society, and Johnny King & Friends performed as an opening act for The Eagles Tribute Band at Mountain Gateway Community College for Alleghany County’s Bi-Centennial Celebration on Sat., Sept. 17, 2022.
