Henry "Rufe" Johnson facts for kids

Henry "Rufe" Johnson (born October 2, 1908 – died February 4, 1974) was a talented American musician. He played many instruments, including the guitar, harmonica, piano, and banjo. He was also a singer and songwriter. Sometimes, he even played the slide guitar using a pocket knife! He became more widely known in 1973 with his album, The Union County Flash!. Sadly, he passed away just a few months after his album was released.

Early Life and Musical Journey

Henry Johnson was born in a small place called Bogansville, in South Carolina. This area was close to the towns of Union and Jonesville. His older brother, Roosevelt, first taught Henry how to play the guitar. His cousin, Thelmon Johnson, also helped him learn. Henry's childhood nickname was "Rufe," which was a shorter version of "Rooster." This nickname stayed with him his whole life.

Learning Different Music Styles

Rufe learned to play guitar using a common way of tuning the strings. He mostly played gospel music, which is religious music. However, his family had many records that introduced him to other kinds of music, called secular music. This included music by famous blues artists like Blind Lemon Jefferson, Blind Blake, and later Blind Boy Fuller. He also got to play music with several white musicians.

In 1933, Rufe taught himself to play the piano. He played at a local church for many years. He also performed with two singing groups: the West Spring Friendly Four and the Silver Star Quartet. These groups even had their music played on local radio stations, WPSA and WBSU.

Becoming a Professional Musician

In 1952, Rufe changed jobs from working on a farm to working at a hospital. At the same time, he slowly started playing more secular music part-time. Later, people who study blues music discovered his talent. This led to Rufe giving solo concerts and performing on the radio. He also started playing music with his childhood friend, Peg Leg Sam.

Recording His Music

After recording sessions in late 1972, Rufe's album The Union County Flash! was released in 1973 by Trix Records. In the same year, he also played guitar and sang on a few songs for Peg Leg Sam's album, Medicine Show Man. He worked alongside another musician named Baby Tate on those tracks.

Sadly, Henry "Rufe" Johnson passed away on February 4, 1974, in Union, South Carolina. He was 65 years old and died from kidney failure.

Music Albums

Here is a list of some of Henry "Rufe" Johnson's albums:

See also

• List of Piedmont blues musicians