RIP Louis Johnson [[Brothers Johnson)

[roger]

Louis Johnson's facebook page is reporting that he passed away yesterday ...

https://www.facebook.com/louisbassplayerjohnson?fref=ts

As I write this Jazz-FM in London are broadcasting a tribute to him.

Another great talent gone ....

RIP Louis Johnson.

[Soul Sister]

May Mr.Johnson rest in peace, thanks for the music.


S.S.
***

[soulster]

I don't feel like logging in Facebook just to read it. All I can find of this is the SoulTracks page, and an update in Wiki, but absolutely nothing in mainstream media. There are no details of his alleged death, either. There have been no press releases from his brother, or the family. So, i'm wondering if someone saw this on Facebook, turned around and updated Wiki, then wrote a quick article in SoulTracks.

Sorry, but it's been yesterday since this allegedly happened, and with The Brothers Johnson/Louis' status in the industry, you'd think there would be something more substantial by now.

If I sound skeptical, it is because we have been down this road too many times where we read the someone died, there's a bunch of brouhaha about it, but nothing official. Remember the mess with Kristina Brown? Not even the official media could get it straight.

[Jerry Oz]

Wow. This is sad news. Beyond his work with George in the Brothers Johnson, he used those thumbs to great effect for a lot of other artists. Most of Quincy Jones' best records - including Michael Jackson's 'Off the Wall' and 'Thriller' - had Louis laying the bottom with John Robinson. I have been a fan since the mid '70s. Louis Johnson was one of my favorite artists who played my favorite instrument. He'd be on my 'Mount Rushmore' of bassists along with Marcus Miller, John Norwood Fisher, and [[somebody else - either Stanley Clarke, Mingus or Ron Carter). May he rest in peace.

http://theboombox.com/louis-johnson-dead-60/

[soulster]

Still, nothing on CNN or NBC. With the stature of a duo that had several Billboard pop top 10s and #1 singles and albums, especially with Quincy Jones behind them, you'd think there would be more news about this. After all, even the lead singer of The Kingsmen got announced on CNN immediately.

[marv2]

This is a shock.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/ne...at-60-20150522

[marv2]

From CNN:

http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/22/entert...-rs/index.html

[detmotownguy]

This is a shock.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/ne...at-60-20150522

Sure is a shock Marv! I have been listening to their greatest hits the last couple of days and then this. Way too young.

[soulster]

http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/22/entert...-rs/index.html

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/ne...at-60-20150522

OK, NOW I believe it.

[jboy88]

Here is a link to the article I wrote for him. This man is not getting the fanfare he deserves!

http://sharbates.com/blog/

[soulster]

R&B music still doesn't get any respect.

[marv2]

R&B music still doesn't get any respect.

Not the kind that he deserves that is for sure. For me, there were very, very few that could match his playing in the 70s and 80s. Louis Johnson was awesome!

[glencro]

Really sad to hear. A very underrated musician. Brothers Johnson were one of the groups on my wish list for an Unsung episode. Hopefully it will happen.

[marv2]

Did you know that Louis Johnson did not read music? Amazing.....................

[Jerry Oz]

Louis Johnson was one of the truest innovators on bass guitar. Stanley Clarke is recognizable for his arrangements and solos, Bootsy is instantly recognizable for his 'wah' effects, and Johnson's playing so many great songs with his thumbs... Each of these gentlemen has been imitated to great extent, but not only has nobody recreated their sounds, nobody even built on them, which is crazy.

[[And yes, I mentioned Bootsy for his style and sound; please don't degrade this discussion into a debate over whether he was great.)

[glencro]

http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/22/entert...-rs/index.html

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/ne...at-60-20150522

OK, NOW I believe it.

soulster, you're funny

[soulster]

Did you know that Louis Johnson did not read music? Amazing.....................

Did you know that most famous musicians can't read music? Not even any of the Beatles!

[midnightman]

Did you know that Louis Johnson did not read music? Amazing.....................

Lots of rock and R&B musicians don't read music though. That's not that unique lol

R.I.P. Louis.

People go on about how amazing the Billie Jean track was but Louis' bass [[and Ndugu Chancler's drumming) made it a smash. So just for that alone [[and the great Brothers Johnson work), he earns my respect.