Tue December 24, 2024

Former member of The Coasters

ALVON JOHNSON

Doors: 7:30 PM   Show: 8:00 PM

Alvon Johnson is an incredibly versatile musician, singer, and entertainer who has made a name for himself in the music industry. He is known for his love of jazz standards and big band performances, as well as his ability to swing through a wide range of songs, from rock and roll classics to blues standards. His travels take him all over the world, where he is hailed as both the "King of the Blues" and the "Ambassador of the Blues" in Russia. 

Johnson's passion for American art forms was recognized when he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Empress Theatre of Vallejo. He has also been honored with the Music Icon Award from the Black Music Association and Academy of America, as well as the Best Male Blues Artist Award from the same organization. In 2005, he was voted Blues Guitar Player of the Year, further cementing his place in the musical community.

Johnson's career began with his time as a vocalist with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group "The Coasters". He went on to win regional awards for his guitar playing skills, including being named the "King of the Blues" in a national contest. His debut CD, "The Blues Grew Up", was nominated for Outstanding Blues Album and was also voted one of the top ten CDs in Japan.

Mr. Johnson's incredible CD "Guitars and Cars" was voted one of the top ten CDs of that year by the prestigious Blues magazine "Real Blues". He was also nominated for the Entertainer of the Year Award with the International Music and Entertainment Association.

Johnson's early musical influences included Wes Montgomery, Andre Segovia, Charlie Christian, and Jimi Hendrix, while 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 Shirelles, Bobby Day of Rocking' Robin fame, and Jimmie Rodgers of Country and Western fame.

Johnson's performances with big bands have been highly praised by audiences and critics alike. His smooth and soulful voice is the perfect complement to the big band sound, and his ability to connect with audiences is a testament to his talent as an entertainer.

Throughout his career, Johnson has 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, Johnson has worked with many comedians such as Renaldo Rey, Robin Harris, Skillet and Leroy, and Lawanda Paige (Aunt Ester), from the Redd Foxx show. This experience helped him develop his own unique style of comedy that has served him well as a vocalist with The Coasters. 

Johnson continues to tour internationally and nationally, performing in places like Russia, Spain, Africa, Hungary, Portugal, Poland, Malaysia, China, France, Italy, Japan, Singapore, New Zealand, Europe, Canada, and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.