Remembering Smokey Johnson
November 14, 1936 – October 6, 2015
One of New Orleans’ greatest drummers
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Smokey Johnson, said to play better than any other two drummers put together, was born in New Orleands in 1936.
Johnson picked up the drums at age 12, and by age his early twenties he was playing for Fats Domino.
Johnson’s style has influenced drumming in Motown, jazz, rock and roll, and even rap.
Johnoson left his home after Hurricane Katrina, and lived in Musician’s Village in New Orleans until his death on October 6th.
