Lonnie Johnson

I first heard Lonnie Johnson from a short sample used in "On The Run" in a compilation called "Gangstagrass". Gangstagrass is a hybrid between Bluegrass and Hip-hop. It's actually pretty good. You can download the full album here.

Lonnie Johnson (1899-1970) was a blues guitarist/singer born in Louisiana. He grew up in a house full of musicians and picked up all sorts of instruments but stuck to guitar as his main instrument. You can read more about him here.

My favorite song by him (and the one sampled in Gangstagrass) is called "Death Valley Is Half Way To My Home". Click below to download.

Death Valley Is Half Way To My Home (mp3)