AMBASSADOR OF THE BLUES
Alvon Johnson is one of the most versatile musicians, singers, and entertainers on the music scene today. He travels the world singing and swinging jazz standards with Big Bands. He also gallops the globe performing the songs that he performed while working with the rock and roll hall of fame group, The Coasters. When he travels to Russia he is referred to as the “King of the Blues” and the “Ambassador of the Blues”. His love and respect for the American Art form is shared by large and enthusiastic audiences all over the world.
- Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Empress Theatre of Vallejo
- Recipient of the Music Icon Award from the Black Music Association & Academy of America
- Recipient of the Best Male Blues Artist Award from the Black Music Association Academy Of America
- Voted 2005 Blues Guitar Player of the Year
- Former vocalist with the Rock and Roll Hall of fame group “The Coasters”
- Regional winner of the Guitar Centers “King of the Blues” national contest
- His CD “The Blues Grew up” was nominated for Outstanding Blues Album
- “The Blues Grew up” was Voted one of the top ten CD’s in Japan
- His incredible CD “Guitars and Cars”, was voted in the top ten CD’s of 2008 by the prestigious Blues magazine “Real Blues ”
- Nominated for the Entertainer of the Year Award with the “International Music and Entertainment Association”
His early music influences were Guitar players such as Wes Montgomery, Andre Segovia, Charlie Christian, and of course Jimi Hendrix. His vocal influences were Frank Sinatra, Joe Williams, Johnny Hartman, and Nat King Cole.
He has performed with many well known artists, including The Drifters, The Coasters, The Shirelles, Bobby Day of Rocking’ Robin fame, and Jimmie Rodgers of Country and Western fame. Alvon Johnson learned from many icons of the Blues, including John Lee Hooker, Pee Wee Crayton, Little Joe Blue, Harmonica Fats, Frankie Lee, Guitar Shorty, Lowell Folsom, and Buddy Ace.
Known for his comedic style, Alvon Johnson worked with many comedians such as Renaldo Rey, Robin Harris, Skillet and Leroy, and Lawanda Paige (Aunt Ester), from the Redd Foxx show. Having the opportunity to work with these outstanding comedians helped him to develop his own style of comedy which served him well as a vocalist with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group “The Coasters”.
He tours constantly on the international level as well as nationally in such places as Russia, Spain, Africa, Hungary, Portugal, Poland, Malaysia, China, France, Italy, Japan, Singapore, New Zealand, Europe, Canada, The Bahamas, and Australia.
His self titled CD was spoken of and described as : This week’s show was dedicated to Muddy’s legacy – covers of Muddy’s songs ect. Well the listening audience was unanimous that Alvon’s version of “Hoochie Coochie Man” was spectacular. It is a cutting edge rendition which holds its own with Muddy’s original which is, of course, one of the top ten blues recordings of all time. Chicago is drenched in blues talent (we’re proud of it too) and Alvon can go head to head with the best around here. Greg Freerksen, host “Blues Edition” Public Radio from College of DuPage, 90.9 FM WDCB, Glen Ellyn, Illinois 7-9 pm Saturdays.
His second CD was spoken of and described as : If there ever was a blues album that could change the face of every blues album to come, it’s got to be this one. Alvon delivers the blues in a smooth, exciting, and energetic fashion. The thing that I liked most about this album, was that everyone on it seemed like that were having a great time playing the music. This is real blues with a touch of flavor. I loved every single song on this album. The lyrics where great, the guitars where smokin’, and the feeling was oh so right! I like to feel the music, and there wasn’t a problem at all with the feeling being presented on this album. It’s too bad I can’t hear blues like this more often. I am truly honored to review this music.
– Michael Allison – THEGLOBALMUSE.COM
Song Pick: “Heaven” – (This is just great blues guitar baby)
Sound Quality: Five Stars
Production: Five Star Musicianship: Five Star
Originality: Four Stars
Over All: Five Star
Review of Alvon “The Blues Grew Up” AVJ2