Louis Johnson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Louis Johnson
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Louis Johnson in 1980
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| Background information | |
| Born | April 13, 1955 Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Died | May 21, 2015 (aged 60) |
| Genres | Funk, R&B, soul, jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, record producer |
| Years active | 1972–2015 |
| Labels | A&M, Capitol, Star Licks Productions, Hal Leonard Publishing |
Louis Johnson (April 13, 1955 – May 21, 2015) was an American bass guitarist. He was a very talented musician.
Louis Johnson was best known for his amazing bass playing. He was part of a group called The Brothers Johnson. He also played on many hit albums in the 1970s and 1980s. One of these was Thriller by Michael Jackson, which is one of the best-selling albums ever.
Louis Johnson passed away on May 21, 2015, when he was 60 years old.
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Who Was Louis Johnson?
Louis Johnson was a famous American musician. He played the bass guitar, which is a big string instrument that provides the low sounds in music. He was known for his unique and powerful playing style.
He became famous for his work in the music genres of Funk, R&B, soul, and jazz. His music made people want to dance.
The Brothers Johnson Band
Louis Johnson formed a band with his brother, George Johnson. They called themselves The Brothers Johnson. Louis played the bass, and George played the guitar and sang.
The band released several successful albums. They had hit songs like "Strawberry Letter 23" and "Stomp!". Their music was very popular in the 1970s.
A Top Session Musician
Besides his band, Louis Johnson was also a highly sought-after session musician. A session musician is someone who is hired to play on other artists' recordings. They don't usually tour with the main artist.
Louis played bass on many famous songs and albums. His most famous work as a session musician was on Michael Jackson's album Thriller. He played on hit songs like "Billie Jean" and "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough."
He also played for other big stars. These included Quincy Jones, Paul McCartney, and Stevie Wonder. His bass playing added a special touch to their music.
His Unique Bass Style
Louis Johnson was a pioneer of the "slap bass" technique. This is a way of playing the bass guitar where you hit the strings with your thumb and pull them with your fingers. This creates a very funky and percussive sound.
His playing style was so unique that it was often called "Thunder Thumbs." Many bass players today are still inspired by his technique. He changed the way people played the bass guitar.
Later Life and Legacy
Louis Johnson continued to play music throughout his life. He also worked as a record producer, helping other artists make their music. He taught his unique bass techniques to others.
His influence on funk, R&B, and pop music is still felt today. Many musicians consider him one of the greatest bass players of all time. His music continues to inspire new generations of artists.
