Artist page

Bill Johnson and his Musical Notes originated in mid-1946 with a record released on Alert under the name "Bill Johnson and Orchestra." They partnered with Joe Glaser's Associated Booking Corp., which managed and booked them for their entire career. Their initial recordings were for J. Mayo Williams' Harlem label, featuring the songs "Don't You Think I Oughta Know" with Gus in the lead and the instrumental "Stuff In D Flat," released in March 1947. On March 5, 1947, they recorded their first session for RCA Victor, which included eight songs. By the late 1950s, the group underwent significant changes. Guitarist Skeeter Best left to pursue jazz studies at Juilliard, while bassist Jimmy Robinson and pianist Lonnie Slappey also departed. The remaining lineup included Bill Johnson (vocals and alto sax), Gus Gordon (vocals and drums), soprano Shirley Moore (vocals and piano), and alto Eileen "Bassy" Chance (vocals and bass), who had previously performed with Tiny Davis' Hell-Divers and had a vocal style similar to Gus's. In December 1950, they were advertised performing at the Rose Room of the Majestic Hotel in Cleveland, and they returned there in May 1951 after touring across the country and completing a month-long engagement in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

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