Frank Johnson (musician) facts for kids

Frank Johnson (born around 1789 – died 1871) was an amazing American fiddle player and leader of a brass band. He lived most of his life in North Carolina, near Wilmington. Even though he is not widely known today, he helped shape the sound of African-American fiddle and brass-band music in the mid-1800s. People sometimes confuse him with another composer named Francis "Frank" Johnson.

About Frank Johnson's Life

Johnson was born into slavery around 1789 in North Carolina. He became a free man sometime before 1830. From a young age, he showed a great talent for music. He became a popular fiddle player at dances. He used the money he earned from his performances to buy freedom for himself, his wife, and his children.

One person who saw Johnson play described him this way: "He was so full of music that his face changed with his tune. It was fair to say he looked very 'becoming'."

Frank Johnson was buried in Pine Forest Cemetery in Wilmington. His funeral was very large. About two thousand people attended. This included uniformed fire companies and Masonic groups. A brass band played at the funeral.

Frank Johnson's Music Career

By 1830, Johnson formed his own brass band. He included his sons and nephews, who were also free. The band had about 15 members. Johnson himself was a master of many instruments. He was especially known for playing the fiddle, clarinet, and cornet.

The Frank Johnson Band was very popular. They often played for important events. These included state fairs, picnics, and college parties. They also played at political rallies for the Democratic party.

Johnson was also a pioneer in square dancing. He would call out the dance moves while dressed in a special coat and hat. One person remembered how "Old Frank Johnson could call the figures: 'Balance All.' 'Swing Your Partner,' 'Ladies' Change,' 'Back Again, Doocee-do,' 'Swing Corners All,' etc., etc."

In 1866, a newspaper called the New Bern Times said: "Frank Johnson has become a legend. He has made brass band music so perfect that few can compete. And when it comes to the violin, there's no one better."

In 1901, someone remembered some of the songs the band played:

• "Katie Wells"
• "Gentle Fairy Belle"
• "Who'll Take Sugar in his Coffee"
• "Mocking Bird"
• "My Dark Virginia Bride"
• "Old Folks at Home"

During the American Civil War, Johnson stayed in the South. He performed for Confederate events. For example, in 1861, he played for recruiting events. The war ended in 1865. Johnson was probably in his 70s by then. His band never became as popular again. Some people believed that his music was too connected to the old way of life. When that way of life changed, his music also faded.

Frank Johnson's Legacy

Frank Johnson's music, along with other old-time African-American fiddlers, has inspired new artists. For example, Rhiannon Giddens and Dom Flemons were inspired by his work. This led them to create the band Carolina Chocolate Drops in 2005.