Gus Johnson

American musician (1913–2000)

Born: 15 November 1913
Tyler
Died: 6 February 2000
Denver
Country: United States
Active: 1922–

Biography

Gus Johnson was a jazz musician who played drum kit. Gus Johnson was born on 15 November 1913 in Tyler and died on 6 February 2000 in Denver. The music is usually filed under jazz.

Gus Johnson (November 15, 1913 – February 6, 2000) was an American swing drummer in various jazz bands, born in Tyler, Texas, United States. After learning to play drums from his next-door neighbor, Johnson occasionally played professionally at the age of ten in the Lincoln Theater, and performed in various local groups, most notable McDavid's Blue Rhythm Band. Upon graduating from Booker T. Washington High School, Johnson moved to Kansas City, where he took up drumming full-time. He joined Jay McShann's Orchestra in 1938, with his music career being interrupted by his conscription into the military in 1943. In 1945, Johnson returned from his stint in the military and relocated to Chicago to perform in the Jesse Miller Band. Johnson played on Willie Dixon's debut album, Willie's Blues. He subsequently played alongside Count Basie and was recorded on the album, Basie Rides Again, in 1952.

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Also plays on

Albums where Gus Johnson is credited as a sideman

1953	An Evening With Billie Holiday — Billie Holiday	drums (drum set)
1961	Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie! — Ella Fitzgerald	drums (drum set)
1999	Rhythm Is My Business — Ella Fitzgerald	drums (drum set)
2025	Jukebox Ella: The Complete Verve Singles, Volume 2 — Ella Fitzgerald	drums (drum set)

Historic 78 rpm records

GREEN IS BLUE THE BIRDLAND QUINTET · Eugene Rainey · Vice Prez · Freddie Green ·… · 1952 archive.org ↗
YOU BELONG TO ME THE BIRDLAND QUINTET · Eugene Rainey · Vice Prez · Freddie Green ·… · 1952 archive.org ↗