Johnnie Johnson

Born on July 8, 1924

Self–taught pianist Johnnie Johnson settled in St. Louis in 1952 and formed the Sir John Trio. He asked Chuck Berry to sit in that New Year’s Eve, and a magical, half-century collaboration was born. Johnson provided the driving undercurrent on many Berry classics. His inspired piano playing in the 1987 film Hail! Hail! Rock & Roll earned him a new generation of fans, including Keith Richards and Eric Clapton, both of whom played on his album Johnnie B. Bad. Other albums and international tours followed. Always a loyal sideman, Johnnie Johnson emerged as a star in his own right.

Year of Election

1998

Star Location

6628 Delmar Blvd.
St. Louis MO

Date of Induction

May 17, 1998