At the All Music Guide, they have an entry on Willie Johnson that says he passed away on Feb 26, 1995, in Chicago, IL. I don't know how accurate this is; his style is listed as 'Electric Memphis Blues.' I've noticed that sometimes AMG combines musicians with the same name into one entry.

Several other sites say that Mr.Johnson became a bus driver in Los Angeles, and 'occasionally front(ed) a backup group for Phil Harris in Las Vegas,' but don't mention if he's alive or not...

Very interesting story, chanteyranger,and good luck in your search.

---Lepus Rex