Johnnie Bassett
Johnnie Bassett was born in Marianna, Florida in 1935, the son of a bootlegger and grandson of a loving lady who ran a back yard fish fry, which featured amongst others his father’s friends Big Bill Broonzy, Tampa Red and Big Boy Cruddup.
Moving to Ferndale, Michigan in the late 40’s he played basketball with Jackie Wilson and attended High School with his lifelong friend Mack Rice (Mustang Sally). Playing alto sax, clarinet, harmonica and guitar he jammed outside school with older players including Uncle Jessie White. Leaving college he immersed himself into the thriving local blues scene, working house party’s and juke joints with Little Sonny, John Lee Hooker, Eddie Burns and Mr Bo before ending up with the Joe Weaver Combo. This fine group of talented musicians were quickly in demand, backing local and out of town artists including Little Willie John, Hank Ballard, Washboard Willie, Johnnie Mae Matthews, Faye Adams, Lowell Fulson and Alberta Adams. They eventually became the house band for the famed Fortune Label. Here they recorded behind the likes of Andre Williams, Noland Strong and Nathaniel Mayer in addition to recording in their own right.
From the 60’s onwards he worked for the Tamla/Motown Complex Band and with Frank Brown’s R&B Revue backing Big Joe Turner, Big Maybelle, Arthur and Red Prysock, Bobby Lewis and Laura Lee, amongst others.
In the early 90’s he recorded his first album for No Cover Records and at last he stepped into the spotlight. Six further albums followed bringing festival dates, European tours and even a Paul Jones Show session! It was a long time coming and he certainly had paid his dues – but as far as those of you lucky enough to have had tickets for his UK appearance at The Village Hall, Castor in March 2005 – it was well worth the wait.