Johnnie Temple, born John Alexander Temple on October 18, 1906, in Canton, Mississippi, was an American blues singer and guitarist. His musical style was rooted in the Delta blues tradition, but he also added a sophisticated urban vibe to his playing, which helped him gain popularity during the pre-war blues era. Temple's career began in earnest when he started recording in the mid-1930s. His records, characterized by his smooth vocal style and skilled guitar work, quickly found favor among blues enthusiasts.

Despite not being as widely remembered as some of his contemporaries, Temple made significant contributions to the blues genre. His songs often dealt with the classic themes of love, loss, and hardship, resonating with the African-American experience of the time. Among his noteworthy recordings are "Lead Pencil Blues," a testament to his witty songwriting and storytelling abilities. Johnnie Temple’s music has been revisited through various compilations, such as "Johnnie Temple Vol. 1 1935-1938," "Johnnie Temple Vol. 2 1938-1940," and "Johnnie Temple Vol. 3 1940-1949," which serve to showcase the evolution of his sound and his impact on the blues landscape. Temple's influence carried on through the generations, contributing to the wider appreciation of the Delta blues legacy. He passed away on November 22, 1968, but left behind a catalog that continues to be celebrated by blues aficionados around the world.