Johnnie Bassett

Guitarist, singer, and songwriter Johnnie Bassett grew up with blues music all around him in his native Florida. His unique ability to combine jump blues and Delta stylings gave his playing a distinctive sound. The self-taught guitarist recalled seeing Tampa Red, Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup, and other classic blues artists at fish fries in his grandmother's backyard. Bassett cited Aaron "T-Bone" Walker as a major influence, as well as B.B. and Albert King, Tiny Grimes, and Billy Butler. After Bassett's family moved to Detroit in 1944, he made his debut as a guitarist with Joe We...