Stacy Johnson (singer) facts for kids

Stacy Johnson (born April 13, 1945, died May 11, 2017) was an American singer and songwriter. He was famous for his amazing voice in the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. Stacy also made his own music and sang with a group called the Sharpees in St. Louis.

Stacy Johnson's Musical Journey

Early Life and Music

Stacy Johnson was born in St. Louis, Missouri on April 13, 1945. He was the oldest of six children. Stacy started singing in local groups while he was still in high school. He really looked up to artists like Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers.

In 1958, Stacy joined a doo-wop group called the Superiors. They started performing in local talent shows. These shows were often backed by bands like Oliver Sain's. Stacy even met another singer named Vernon Guy at one of these events. Even though they were young, the group got to perform in clubs, often with famous musicians like Little Milton playing with them. Later, Stacy left the Superiors to join another group called the Arabians.

Working with Benny Sharp

The Arabians joined the Jules Carlos Revue, which featured many talented musicians. In 1961, a rhythm and blues (R&B) guitarist named Benny Sharp heard Stacy sing. Benny was so impressed that he hired Stacy to sing in his band. Stacy then introduced Benny to his friend Vernon Guy. Along with another singer, Horise O'Toole, they formed a group called New Breed. During this time, Stacy also sang with blues legends like Albert King.

Joining Ike & Tina Turner

In 1962, Stacy and Vernon Guy met Ike Turner, who led the famous Ike & Tina Turner Revue. Ike asked both Stacy and Vernon to join his group. Stacy later found out that Robbie Montgomery, one of the Ikettes (Tina Turner's backup singers), had suggested him to Ike.

Stacy accepted the offer and moved to Los Angeles. At first, Ike only planned to keep one of the new singers. He chose Vernon. But one night, when the revue was performing, the crowd cheered for Stacy to sing. Because of this, Ike hired Stacy back!

Life on Tour

As part of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, Stacy had many roles. He was the master of ceremonies, a backup singer, and sometimes he sang lead vocals. He performed with other big names like Freddie King and Jackie Wilson. The revue toured almost all year long, performing many days a week.

In 1963, Stacy released his first solo song on Ike Turner's record label, Sony Records. He also teamed up with Vernon Guy for a song called "The Hunter And The Rabbit" on Sonja Records. Stacy even released another solo song in 1964.

Stacy once said that he and Vernon brought a lot of dancing to the Ike & Tina Turner show. He believed they added most of the dance routines that the whole group performed.

Returning to St. Louis

In 1964, Stacy got married. He felt overworked and underpaid from touring. His wife encouraged him to leave the revue, which he did while they were in Dallas, Texas. He moved back to St. Louis and rejoined Benny Sharp's group, which was now called the Sharpees.

The Sharpees included Herbert Reeves, Horise O'Toole, Vernon Guy, and Benny Sharp. Stacy had sung with O'Toole and Reeves before in the Arabians. In 1965, the Sharpees released a song called "Tired of Being Lonely," with Stacy singing the lead.

Later Years and Legacy

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Stacy Johnson continued to perform with different bands in St. Louis. He stopped singing for a while after his second wife passed away in the early 1980s.

In 1985, Stacy and Vernon Guy brought the Sharpees back together. In 1986, Robbie Montgomery, a former Ikette, invited Stacy to tour Europe. They performed with other musicians from the Kings of Rhythm as the St. Louis Kings of Rhythm. They even became official ambassadors for the City of St. Louis! After this tour, Stacy formed his own group called Broadway Rhythm. He also sang on musician Johnnie Johnson's first solo album in 1987.

Stacy continued to perform in St. Louis until his health declined. In his last 10 years, he had three strokes. One of his last public appearances was at a fundraiser for him in 2012. Stacy Johnson passed away in St. Louis on May 11, 2017, at the age of 72, after battling cancer.

Discography

Singles

• 1963: "Don't Believe 'Em" / "Remove My Doubts" (Sony 113)
• 1963: "The Hunter And The Rabbit" / "My Life Time Love" (Sonja 2002) – Vernon & Stacy
• 1964: "Don't Believe Him" / "Consider Yourself" (Modern 1001)
• 1966: "I Stand Alone" / "Don't try To Fool Me" (M-Pac! 7230)

Albums with Ike and Tina Turner

• 1964: Ike & Tina Turner Revue Live (Kent Records)
• 1965: Live! The Ike & Tina Turner Show (Warner Bros. Records)
• 1993: The Ike & Tina Turner Revue Live!!! (Kent Records)
• 1994: I Like Ike! The Best Of Ike Turner (Rhino Records)
• 2012: Ike Turner Studio Productions: New Orleans and Los Angeles 1963–1965 (Ace Records)

Other Album Appearances

• 1986: Rhythm And Blues Showtime With St. Louis Kings Of Rhythm (Timeless Records)
• 1987: Blue Hand Johnnie (Pulsar Records) – Johnnie Johnson
• 1999: West Coast Modern Blues 1960's (P-Vine Records)
• 2012: Move with the Groove (Hardcore Chicago Soul 1962–1970) (Charly Records)
• 2019: Los Angeles Soul Volume 2 (Kent-Modern's Black Music Legacy 1963–1972) (Kent Soul)