Johnny Jenkins, an often under-recognized yet profoundly influential figure in the realm of Southern rock and blues, carved a unique niche for himself within the music industry with his distinctive guitar playing and gravelly vocals. Born in Macon, Georgia in 1939, Jenkins' career took a significant turn when he crossed paths with Otis Redding in the early 1960s, initially playing together in the Pinetoppers. It was Jenkins' driving to Stax Records that fortuitously introduced Redding to the label, marking a turning point in Redding's career. Despite this, Jenkins remained a seminal figure, especially noted for his left-handed guitar playing, which added a unique flavor to the Southern rock and blues genres.

Jenkins' most notable work, "Ton-Ton Macoute!", was released in 1970 after initially being intended as a Duane Allman solo project. The album stands as a testament to Jenkins' profound influence, blending elements of blues, R&B, and Southern rock into a cohesive, influential masterpiece. Subsequent works such as "Spunky", "All in Good Time", "Handle With Care", and "Blessed Blues" further showcased his versatility and depth as a musician, blending traditional blues elements with contemporary sounds. Johnny Jenkins' contributions to music, though perhaps not as widely recognized as some of his contemporaries, remain crucial to the development of the blues and Southern rock genres, earning him a revered place among musicians and aficionados alike.