Gus Johnson worked steadily throughout his career, performing quite ably whether in big bands, combos, swing settings, or Dixieland. Johnson began playing piano before studying bass and drums. When he was ten in Dallas he started playing professionally at the Lincoln Theater in Houston. Other early jobs included working with McDavid's Blue Rhythm Boys and Lloyd Hunter. He moved to Kansas City after graduating from high school, playing drums and sometimes bass with a vocal quartet, the Four Rhythm Aces. Johnson worked in territory bands for a few years before becoming a key member of Jay McShann's Orchestra in Kansas City (1938-1943).
© 2009
