Johnny Adams facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Johnny Adams
Adams performing at the 1997 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Background information
Birth name	Laten John Adams, Jr.
Also known as	The Tan Canary
Born	(1932-01-05)January 5, 1932
Origin	New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Died	September 14, 1998(1998-09-14) (aged 66) Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.
Genres	Gospel, R&B, soul, jazz
Occupation(s)	Singer
Years active	c.1950–1998
Labels	Ric, Gone, Modern, Watch, SSS International, Atlantic, Ariola, Rounder

Laten John Adams Jr. (January 5, 1932 – September 14, 1998) was a famous American singer. He was known for his blues, jazz, and gospel music. People called him "The Tan Canary." This nickname came from his amazing voice. He could sing many different notes, from low to very high. His biggest songs were "Release Me" and "Reconsider Me" in the late 1960s.

The Story of Johnny Adams

Early Life and Music

Johnny Adams was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was the oldest of ten children. After finishing school, he became a professional musician. He started by singing gospel songs. He sang with groups like the Soul Revivers. He also sang with Bessie Griffin's Consolators.

In 1959, he started singing different kinds of music. His neighbor, Dorothy LaBostrie, heard him singing. She thought he should record other types of songs. He recorded her song "Oh Why." It was released as "I Won't Cry." This song became a local hit in New Orleans.

Becoming a Star

Johnny Adams recorded more songs over the next few years. His first national hit came in 1962. The song was called "A Losing Battle." It reached number 27 on the Billboard R&B chart.

After 1963, Adams recorded for several different labels. He didn't have much success for a while. Then, in 1968, he signed with SSS International Records. His song "Release Me" became a hit. It reached number 34 on the R&B chart. It also reached number 82 on the pop chart.

His next song, "Reconsider Me," was even bigger. It was a country song. This song became his greatest hit. It reached number 8 on the R&B chart. It also reached number 28 on the pop chart in 1969. Two more songs, "I Can't Be All Bad" and "I Won't Cry," were also hits that year. He also released an album called Heart and Soul.

Later Career and Legacy

In 1971, Johnny Adams left SSS International. He recorded for other labels but had less success. During this time, he often performed in New Orleans. He also toured nightclubs in the southern United States.

In 1983, he signed with Rounder Records. He recorded nine albums with them. These albums were praised by music critics. They included many styles like jazz, blues, and R&B. These recordings showed off Adams's amazing voice. Some albums were tributes to famous songwriters. For example, Good Morning Heartache featured songs by jazz composers.

His albums earned him several awards. One was the W.C. Handy Award. He also toured around the world. He often visited Europe. He worked with many other musicians. These included Aaron Neville and Dr. John.

Johnny Adams passed away in 1998. He died in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He had been battling prostate cancer for a long time. His music continues to be loved by many fans.

Hit Songs

Here are some of Johnny Adams's songs that made it onto the music charts:

Albums

• Heart & Soul (SSS International, 1969)
• I Won't Cry (Ric, 1971)
• A Christmas in New Orleans with Johnny Adams (Ace, 1975)
• Stand By Me (Chelsea, 1976)
• After All the Good Is Gone (Ariola, 1978)
• From the Heart (Rounder, 1984)
• After Dark (Rounder, 1985)
• Room with a View of the Blues (Rounder, 1988)
• Walking on a Tightrope (Rounder, 1989)
• The Real Me: Johnny Adams Sings Doc Pomus (Rounder, 1991)
• Good Morning Heartache (Rounder, 1993)
• The Verdict (Rounder, 1995)
• One Foot in the Blues (Rounder, 1996)
• Man of My Word (Rounder, 1998)