March 1–8, 2001
critic pick| rock/pop
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Johnnie Johnson is not a household name, yet in 1998 he patented and trademarked the title "Father of Rock & Roll." Nerve? No, he was merely late to claiming his rightful place. Johnnie states that while his former partner Chuck Berry was a clever wordsmith, the melodies and arrangements to classics like "Maybellene" and "Roll Over Beethoven" are largely his work. How does it feel to be still playing the blues and rocking at age 76? "For anybody who loves music the way I do, it’s a blessing. I’ll be playing as long as I can." Proving that point, Johnnie will play the North Star with members of the Conan O’Brien house band, then jet off to New York to become part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, then off to Australia for a three-week tour. As we go to press a CD tribute to Johnnie is rumored to be the works with contributions from Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards and other rockers who honor his influence on their work.
With Stevie La Rocca, Sun., March 4, 7 p.m., The North Star Bar, 27th and Poplar Sts., 215-684-0808, www.northstarbar.com, $20.
