A mournful, often gripping singer and a good guitarist, Chicago performer
L.V. Johnson actually did better as a writer than a lead artist. His songs "Are You Serious" and "True Love Is Hard to Find" were big hits for
Tyrone Davis, while "Country Love" did moderately well for
Bobby "Blue" Bland, and "Give Your Baby a Standing Ovation" was among
the Dells' finest soul performances.
Johnson played with
Davis before going on his own in the '80s. The nephew of
Elmore James,
Johnson learned guitar from
B.B. King. Besides working with
Davis,
Johnson was a staff guitarist at Stax, playing on sessions for
the Bar-Kays,
Johnnie Taylor, and
the Soul Children. He recorded for ICA, Phono, and Ichiban, although his sound and approach to soul were far too deep for the Urban marketplace.
Johnson was also part-owner of a steakhouse and nightclub in Chicago. ~ Ron Wynn