Evan Johns

Evan Johns (July 12, 1956 – March 11, 2017)[1] was an American guitarist specializing in a variety of music, including rockabilly.

Evan Johns
Born(1956-07-12)July 12, 1956
McLean, Virginia, United States
DiedMarch 11, 2017(2017-03-11) (aged 60)
Austin, Texas
GenresRockabilly
InstrumentsGuitar, vocal
Years activec.1974–2015
Associated actsEvan Johns and The H-Bombs, The LeRoi Brothers, Danny Gatton

Johns was born in McLean, Virginia, and began his musical career in the Washington, D.C. area.[2][3] There, Johns met and played with guitarist Danny Gatton, writing three songs (including the title track) for Gatton’s 1978 album, Redneck Jazz.[4] After his stint with Gatton, Johns founded his own band, called "the H-Bombs", which became popular playing regular gigs in the DC area.[2][3] Among the group's fans was Jello Biafra, founder of the Dead Kennedys, who in liner notes to an H-Bombs EP, described the H-Bombs' music as "a little Tex-Mex here, garage power there, all whipped into a witch's brew of spitfire guitar and Evan's trademark vocal growl. This is the real stuff."[3]

In 1984, Johns relocated to Austin, Texas, to join the band The LeRoi Brothers.[2] In Austin, Johns performed on the 1985 compilation album, Trash, Twang and Thunder by several Austin guitarists who styled themselves as Big Guitars From Texas; the album earned a Grammy Award nomination for rock-instrumental music.[2]

In 1985, Johns re-formed the H-Bombs in Austin and continued as its leader.[3] Johns and the H-Bombs played together for several years thereafter, becoming known for their eclectic repertoire, summarized by one reviewer as "cajun, rockabilly, punk, surf, blues, country – even spaghetti Western soundtrack music."[4]

In the mid 1990s, Johns began to suffer alcohol-related and other health problems and stopped playing regularly in 1998, but continued to write and record music until his death.[4]

Johns died on March 11, 2017, from complications following surgery, in Austin, Texas.[1]

References
  1. "Evan Johns, 60, left his mark on Austin music as a firebrand guitarist". Music.blog.austin360.com. Retrieved 2017-03-12.
  2. "The Life And Crazy Times Of Evan Johns - tribunedigital-chicagotribune". Articles.chicagotribune.com. 1987-03-06. Retrieved 2017-03-12.
  3. "The Return of the H-Bomb". Washingtoncitypaper.com. 1997-09-12. Retrieved 2017-03-12.
  4. Corcoran, Michael (2014-01-31). "If I Had My Way: Evan Johns ain't done yet - Music". The Austin Chronicle. Retrieved 2017-03-12.
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