Alonzo "Lonnie" Johnson was an incredibly influential blues and jazz musician, recognized for his masterful guitar playing and smooth vocal style. Born on February 8, 1899, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Johnson came from a musical family and developed his talents at an early age. Over the course of his long career, he contributed significantly to the shaping of both blues and jazz music.

Lonnie Johnson's skillset was unparalleled; he was one of the first to play single-string guitar solos, a style that would heavily influence modern electric guitar playing. Crossing over between blues and jazz effortlessly, Lonnie's fluid and technically proficient guitar work made him a sought-after musician in the 1920s and '30s. He recorded with legendary artists such as Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong, solidifying his place in music history. His influence can be heard in the work of later guitar heroes, including B.B. King and Eric Clapton. Though his popularity waned in the post-war period, a resurgence of interest in folk and blues in the 1960s brought Johnson back into the spotlight. Lonnie Johnson passed away on June 16, 1970, but his music and legacy continue to resonate with blues aficionados and musicians worldwide.