Jaimoe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jai Johanny Johanson
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Jaimoe performing with The Allman Brothers Band in 2009
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | John Lee Johnson |
| Also known as |
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| Born | July 8, 1944 Ocean Springs, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Genres |
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| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Drums, percussion |
| Years active | 1966–present |
| Labels | |
| Associated acts | The Allman Brothers Band, Sea Level, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Les Brers |
John Lee Johnson (born July 8, 1944), known as Jai Johanny Johanson or Jaimoe, is an American drummer and percussionist. He is famous for being one of the first members of the Allman Brothers Band. After Dickey Betts passed away on April 18, 2024, Jaimoe became the last original member of the band still alive.
In the 1960s, Jaimoe played drums for many soul music artists. These included Otis Redding and Sam and Dave. During this time, he met the musicians who would later form the Allman Brothers Band. This band was special because it had two drummers, Jaimoe and Butch Trucks. They mixed different music styles like R&B, blues, jazz, country, and rock. This created a unique sound called southern rock.
Later, Jaimoe formed a band called Sea Level. This was during a break from the Allman Brothers Band. He rejoined the Allman Brothers Band in 1989. The band's music changed to a more "jam band" style. They even added a third drummer, Marc Quiñones. The Allman Brothers Band continued to perform until they stopped in 2014.
Since then, Jaimoe has led his own jazz band, Jaimoe's Jasssz Band. He has also played with former Allman Brothers Band members for special shows. In 1995, Jaimoe and the other members of the Allman Brothers Band joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Contents
Jaimoe's Musical Journey
Starting Out in Music
John Lee Johnson was born in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, on July 8, 1944. He grew up loving R&B music. He started playing drums when he was very young. He often played with his friend Lamar Williams on bass. Jaimoe played for many soul singers. He toured with Otis Redding in 1966. After that, he toured with the famous duo, Sam & Dave.
In February 1969, Jaimoe met Duane Allman. He was the first person Duane asked to join his new band. Soon, Berry Oakley (bass), Butch Trucks (drums), Dickey Betts (guitar), and Gregg Allman (singer, organ, piano) joined too. The group was named the Allman Brothers Band. They started recording music in Macon, Georgia, which became their home.
Jaimoe loved jazz music. This passion helped the Allman Brothers Band create their unique style. They mixed blues, country, and Western swing. Their music was known for its long, creative musical parts.
The Allman Brothers Band: 1970s to 1980s
The Allman Brothers Band had a special sound. It combined blues, country, jazz, and rock. Dickey Betts and Duane Allman played amazing guitar solos. Jaimoe and Butch Trucks played drums together. People quickly realized they had to see the band play live.
Their first two albums, The Allman Brothers Band (1969) and Idlewild South (1970), received good reviews. However, they did not sell many copies. Their third album, At Fillmore East (1971), changed everything. It was recorded live at the Fillmore East in New York City. This album made them one of the biggest rock bands in America.
Sadly, the band faced challenges. Duane Allman passed away in a motorcycle accident in October 1971. The band continued and released Eat A Peach in 1972. This album reached number 4 on the Billboard charts. It included songs recorded before and after Duane's passing.
After touring, the band added keyboard player Chuck Leavell. While recording their next album, Berry Oakley also passed away in a motorcycle accident. Lamar Williams, a friend of Jaimoe, joined as the new bass player. Their 1973 album, Brothers and Sisters, had a more country feel. It included their only hit song, "Ramblin' Man." The band also played at the huge 1973 Summer Jam at Watkins Glen concert.
In 1975, the band released Win, Lose or Draw. This album was successful on the charts but showed problems within the band. Gregg Allman was living in Los Angeles, while the rest of the band was in Macon, Georgia. This distance caused tension. The band broke up in 1976 due to internal disagreements. Jaimoe then joined Chuck Leavell and Lamar Williams in the band Sea Level. Jaimoe played on Sea Level's first two albums. He rejoined the Allman Brothers Band when they got back together in 1979.
The Allman Brothers Band: 1980s to 2014
Jaimoe left the Allman Brothers Band in late 1980. This was due to back problems from a 1974 car accident. He lived in Macon, Georgia, and played with local bands. In 1983, his friend Lamar Williams passed away.
Jaimoe returned to the Allman Brothers Band in 1989. The band was popular again with the rise of the "jam band" music style. The Allman Brothers Band was seen as a major influence on this new style. Jaimoe helped the band become famous once more. Even though other members left and joined, Jaimoe stayed. He continued with the band even after Dickey Betts left in 2000. Warren Haynes returned to play guitar.
In 1995, Jaimoe and the other original members of the Allman Brothers Band were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
From 2000 to 2014, the band had renewed success. Jaimoe, Butch Trucks, and Gregg Allman were joined by Marc Quiñones (percussion), Oteil Burbridge (bass), Warren Haynes (guitar and vocals), and Derek Trucks (slide guitar). Each March, the band played many shows at the Beacon Theatre in New York. These shows often featured exciting drum battles between Trucks, Jaimoe, and Quiñones. The band stopped performing in 2014.
Jaimoe's Current Projects
Jaimoe now leads a jazz-rock group called Jaimoe's Jasssz Band. He started this band during breaks from touring with the Allman Brothers Band. They play in clubs in New York and his home in Bloomfield, Connecticut. In 2015, he joined Les Brers, a band led by his longtime drumming partner, Butch Trucks.
In 2017, Jaimoe received a Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts from his home state of Mississippi.
On March 10, 2020, "The Brothers" reunited for a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden. This group included Jaimoe, Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, Oteil Burbridge, and Marc Quiñones. These were the surviving members of the Allman Brothers Band's final lineup. They were joined by drummer Duane Trucks (Derek's brother), organist Reese Wynans, and pianist Chuck Leavell.
Jaimoe explained that he wanted to play music with his "brothers." He said, "Everyone else is paying homage to the Allman Brothers music—and some of us are still here."
After Dickey Betts passed away on April 18, 2024, Jaimoe became the last original member of the Allman Brothers Band still alive.
Jaimoe's Music Albums
With The Allman Brothers Band
- The Allman Brothers Band (1969)
- Idlewild South (1970)
- At Fillmore East (1971)
- Eat a Peach (1972)
- Brothers and Sisters (1973)
- Win, Lose or Draw (1975)
- Wipe the Windows, Check the Oil, Dollar Gas (1976)
- Enlightened Rogues (1979)
- Reach for the Sky (1980)
- Seven Turns (1990)
- Shades of Two Worlds (1991)
- An Evening with the Allman Brothers Band: First Set (1992)
- Where It All Begins (1994)
- An Evening with the Allman Brothers Band: 2nd Set (1995)
- Peakin' at the Beacon (2000)
- Hittin' the Note (2003)
With Sea Level
- Sea Level (1977)
- Cats on the Coast (1977)
With Jaimoe's Jasssz Band
- Ed Blackwell Memorial Concert 2/27/2008 (2008)
- Live at the Double Down Grill 1/28/2006 (2008)
- Renaissance Man (2011)
- Live at 2016 Wanee Music Festival (2016)
- Live at 2016 Peach Music Festival (2016)
- Wanee Music Festival: Recorded Live at Cornett's Spirit of Suwanee Music Park, April 19–22, 2017 (2017)
- Live at 2018 Peach Music Festival (2018)
- Live at Wanee 2018 (2018)
- Live at the 2019 Peach Music Festival (2019)
Images for kids
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Mountain Jam 2009, May 31, 2009
See also
In Spanish: Jai Johanny Johanson para niños
