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**Tommy Johnson** **Born:** January 1896, George Miller's Plantation, near Terry, Hinds County, Mississippi **Died:** November 1, 1956, Crystal Springs, Copiah County, Mississippi Tommy Johnson was a notable Delta blues guitarist and singer, recognized for his distinctive falsetto singing and dramatic performance style. He was known for his wide vocal range, capable of delivering everything from a low throaty snarl to a high falsetto. His influence on the blues genre was significant, particularly in the early days before Robert Johnson, where he was second only to Charley Patton and Son House. While not a virtuoso on the guitar, Johnson had an original and evocative style that complemented his theatrical delivery. He played a crucial role in shaping the performances of later blues greats such as Muddy Waters, Robert Nighthawk, and especially Howlin' Wolf, who would carry on the tradition of intense showmanship that Johnson exemplified. Johnson's life was marked by a reputation as a "blues bad boy," characterized by rampant womanizing and a struggle with alcohol, which led him to extreme measures, including consuming denatured alcohol when regular alcohol was unavailable. This habit inspired his original song "Canned Heat," which later influenced the name of a 1960s blues-rock band. Although Johnson recorded for only two years, from 1928 to 1930, he left behind a small yet remarkable collection

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