Johnny J has just released his new record “Below the Bible Belt”. Backing him on this recording is his band the Hipshots, Jack Cole on guitar, John Veninata on bass, Mike “Melvis” Sipos on drums and percussion, Derek Huston on saxophone and Johnny J on Vocals and guitar. “Below the Bible Belt” was produced by J. It was recorded and mixed by Tom Stern and mastered by Bruce Barielle
Johnny moved to New orleans from New York in the late 70’s. Along with his band the Blue Vipers he was at the forefront of the reemergence of Rockabilly. Unfortunately The Blue Vipers never released an LP. Johnny recorded his debut album “Nuclear Hayride” with his band the Hitmen. It was released on Great Southern Records and was produced by former Boxtops and Big Star frontman, Alex Chilton. Substantial radio airplay of the release throughout Europe and Scandinavia lead to tours of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark, earning Johnny J. and The Hitmen an international following.
1991 brought Johnny J.’s sophomore release entitled “Wizard of Odds,” produced by legendary Nashville producer and Neil Young band member, Ben Keith (who also produced Jewel’s multi-platinum debut CD) for Germany’s Zensor label. The release, and subsequent European tour, further cemented the sounds of Johnny J. and The Hitmen with European audiences. While popular in Europe, the CD was never released in the United States, and was available only as an import.
Johnny J. is the guitarist of choice for rockabilly as well as blues and R&B legends performing in New Orleans – He has performed with Alex Chilton, Lazy Lester, Wayne Bennett, Eddie Kirkland, Wanda Jackson, Joe “Ducktail” Clay and Carl Perkins over the years. He also toured and recorded with the late great Dale Hawkins of Susie Q fame.
