Help: Whereabouts of Willie Johnson

Subject: Whereabouts of Willie Johnson
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 02:28 PM

During World War II, my late father, who was a Navy SeaBee on Manus Island in the South Pacific befriended Willie Johnson, a singer from the Golden Gate Quartet, stationed on the island entertaining troops. This group backed up Leadbelly on many of his recordings. Though troop were segregated, my father had him over to his barracks. When the others in his group found out, they verbally ganged up on my father for having a black man in the barracks. they continued the friendship as best they could under military segregation, but lost touch with each other after the war. I have no idea if Willie Johnson is still alive - he would be very old if he is - but I'm wondering if anyone has any information on him. I'd like to write him if that's possible now, and see if he remembers anything about my father. I'd like him to know how dad passed on his stories of him and his singing to the family. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Subject: RE: Help: Whereabouts of Willie Johnson
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 10:38 PM

Amazing thread Chantey! I love this kind of hunt. How old do you think he might be? Wouldn't it be interesting even to talk to one of his children? Just from photos of the GGQ my guess is that when they recorded with Leadbelly they were in their late thirties (or forties) so a descendant may be the best bet. Maybe going to a Gospel website might be a start.

Rick

Subject: RE: Help: Whereabouts of Willie Johnson
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 11:33 PM

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

Subject: RE: Help: Whereabouts of Willie Johnson
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 15 Aug 00 - 12:58 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Help: Whereabouts of Willie Johnson
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 16 Aug 00 - 12:03 AM

Thanks very much, Rick and Lepus, for your leads. I'll be looking into them.

-chanteyranger