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Key Information

John Antonopoulos (born November 14, 1952, in Malden, Massachusetts, United States),[1] known professionally as Johnny A., is an American guitarist, and songwriter.

Early life

[edit]

Johnny A. was born in Malden, Massachusetts, of Greek heritage. Growing up in the Boston area, he became interested in music, starting with drums at the age six. Upon being exposed to The Beatles in 1964 at the age of 11, Johnny's parents bought him a $49 Lafayette Electronics guitar. He stated his last name, Antonopoulos,[2] which is of Greek origin, was frequently mispronounced. "It's always been Johnny A. since age eight.”[3]

Career

[edit]

1970s

[edit]

In the 1970s, Johnny A. formed a band called The Streets, performing mostly in the Boston area. They had several popular radio singles, including "What Gives", which reached the top spot on WBCN "The Rock of Boston". As well as headlining in Boston clubs, The Streets toured with and supported several major artists including Aerosmith and Bob Seger. They also competed in the first WBCN "Rock 'n' Roll Rumble" in 1979.

1980s–1990s

[edit]

In 1980, Johnny formed the band Hidden Secret. They had several local hit singles including "No More Lonely Nights," which occupied the top spot on WBCN for 26 weeks.

His next band, Hearts On Fire, placed second after Gang Green in the 1986 WBCN Rock & Roll Rumble, and continued to produce local hit singles, including "Miss Me Bad," which was the number one local song on WBCN for thirty-three weeks.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, while working as a sideman, Johnny played with Santana percussionist Mingo Lewis, blues and soul duo Delaney & Bonnie, Derek & the Dominos keyboardist Bobby Whitlock, and briefly with Creedence Clearwater Revival drummer Doug Clifford. He then began a seven-year role as guitarist and musical director for the J. Geils Band front man Peter Wolf. He played on Wolf's albums, co-produced his album Long Line, and joined him on world tours.

In 1999, Johnny A. launched his solo career and independently released his debut CD Sometime Tuesday Morning.

2000s

[edit]

In 2000, Johnny A. signed a licensing deal to re-release his first album with Steve Vai's Favored Nations Entertainment.

In 2001, Sometime Tuesday Morning was re-released on Vai's Favored Nations Entertainment label Sony/RED distribution. The album spawned the #1 single "Oh Yeah" across the USA on the AAA radio format. It marked the first time in over a decade that an instrumental had achieved the top spot on radio. Sometime Tuesday Morning sold over 150,000 copies.

In 2003, Sometime Tuesday Morning was then picked up for distribution by Danny Goldberg at Artemis Records, and Gibson Custom Guitar company, in close collaboration with Johnny, released a "Johnny A." Signature Model guitar, designed to the artist's specifications.[4]

Creating an artist signature model guitar is not something we take lightly. But sometimes a player comes along who is not only a musical innovator and artist of the highest-caliber, but has innovative ideas about designing a totally new instrument. And that's Johnny, who just knocked us off our feet.

— Rick Gembar, Gibson Guitars Senior VP

In 2003, Johnny A. signed a multi-record contract with Steve Vai's Sony/Red distributed Favored Nations Entertainment and saw the release of the "radio-only" promotional Johnny A. Christmas single "Sleigh Ride", released on the label.

In 2004, Get Inside was released on the Favored Nations Label, yielding two radio singles, "I Had To Laugh", which made the Grammy nominations ballot, and a radio edit of the title track "Get Inside".

In 2006, Warner Bros./Alfred Publishing released a Johnny A. instructional DVD entitled Taste, Tone, Space.

In 2007, Gibson Custom guitar company released a second Johnny A. signature guitar, the Johnny A. Standard.

2010s

[edit]

In 2010, Johnny A. released One November Night (2010 Aglaophone Records), a live DVD/ CD set recorded at Sculler's Jazz Club in his hometown of Boston, Massachusetts.[5] In 2010, Johnny also became the recipient of The Boston Music Award's Blues Artist of the Year 2010.[6]

In June 2014, Johnny A. released, Driven,[7] marking his engineering debut, as well as mixing and producing. On this album he played every instrument.[8] On December 14, 2014, Johnny was inducted into the Boston Music Hall of Fame at the Boston Music Awards.[9] The same year, Gibson Custom released a "new" version of the Johnny A. Standard.[10]

In 2015, Johnny A. joined The Yardbirds,[11] touring and playing with the group as lead guitarist. On July 23, 2018, after playing with the band for three years, he announced on his website that he would not be appearing at any future Yardbirds performances.[12]

In 2017, Epiphone guitar company released the limited-edition Johnny A. Custom Outfit, which comprised a guitar, case, and autographed certificate of authenticity.[13][14]

2020s

[edit]

In 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, Johnny A. broadcast a 90-minute free morning livestream from his Facebook page. This ran for five days a week, producing over 300 episodes.[citation needed]

In 2021, also during the COVID-19 lockdown, Johnny A. recorded a 21-song, instrumental re-imagining of songs by The Beatles under the working title "From A. To Beatles," which is yet to be released.[citation needed]

On September 15, 2022,[citation needed] the Fender Custom Shop launched the Johnny A. "Signature" Stratocaster made to the artist's specifications and released in two first-time colors for Fender; Lydian Gold Metallic with chrome hardware and Sunset Glow Metallic with gold hardware.[15]

On November 11, 2024, in a remarkable blend of musical talent and charitable spirit, renowned guitarist Johnny A. unveiled his latest project, "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away." In this homage to John Lennon and Jeff Beck this special audio/video endeavor not only showcases Johnny A.'s exceptional artistry but also contributes to a noble cause: all proceeds from the project will benefit the Greater Boston Food Bank.

Style

[edit]

Johnny's style often recalls Danny Gatton, as well as some aspects of Jeff Beck and Pat Martino.[16] He encompasses elements of rock, jazz, and blues, and he often uses a whammy bar.[17] He cites artists such as The Beatles, The Yardbirds, Everly Brothers, Wes Montgomery, Chet Atkins, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix and Les Paul as many of his musical influences.[18]

Discography

[edit]

Sometime Tuesday Morning

[edit]

Release 1999 (Aglaophone Records) - International Re-Release 2001 (Favored Nations/Aglaophone Records)
Tracks:
1. "Sometime Tuesday Morning"
2. "Oh Yeah"
3. "Wichita Lineman"
4. "Two Wheel Horse"
5. "In The Wind"
6. "Yes It Is"
7. "You Don't Love Me"
8. "Up In The Attic"
9. "Walk Don't Run"
10. "Tex Critter"
11. "Lullabye For Nicole"
12. "Walkin' West Ave."

"Sleigh Ride"

[edit]

2002 Radio Promo Single (Favored Nations/Aglaophone Records)
Tracks:
1. "Sleigh Ride"
2. "Oh Yeah"

Get Inside

[edit]

2004 (Favored Nations)
Tracks:
1. "Hip Bone"
2. "I Had To Laugh"
3. "Poor Side of Town"
4. "Sing Singin'"
5. "Get Inside"
6. "Bundle Of Joy"
7. "Krea Gata"
8. "The Wind Cries Mary"
9. "Ignorance Is Bliss"
10."Sway A Little"
11."Stimulation"
12."Another Life"

Taste • Tone • Space

[edit]

2006 (Alfred Publishing)
Instructional Guitar DVD

One November Night

[edit]

2010 – Live DVD/CD 2 – Disc Set (Aglaophone Records)
Tracks:
1. "I Had To Laugh"
2. "Sing Singin'"
3. "The Wind Cries Mary"
4. "Tex Critter"
5. "Lullabye For Nicole"
6. "Two Wheel Horse"
7. "Get Inside"
8. "The Night Before"
9. "Krea Gata"
10."Ignorance Is Bliss"
11."Wichita Lineman"
12."Memphis, Tennessee"
13."Jimi Jam"
14."Walk Away Renée"

Driven

[edit]

2014 – (Aglaophone Records)
Tracks:
1. "Ghost"
2. "A Mask You Wear"
3. "C'mon, C'mon"
4. "The Night I Said Goodbye"
5. "From A Dark Place"
6. "To Love Somebody"
7. "Out Of Nowhere"
8. "The Arizona Man"
9. "It Must Have Been You"
10."Backbone Slip"
11."Gone... (Like a Sunset)"

Other contributions

[edit]
  • Bobby Whitlock Live at The Bottom Line – NYC −10/92 (1992)
  • For The Love Of Harry, (tribute to Harry Nilsson) Peter Wolf & The Houseparty 5 (1995), guitar "You're Breakin' My Heart"
  • Long Line, Peter Wolf (1996), guitar/co-producer
  • Fool's Parade, Peter Wolf (1998), guitar on "Ride Lonesome, Ride Hard"
  • Beloved Few, Beloved Few (1998) bajo sexto on the song "The Beloved Few"
  • Sometime Tuesday Morning songbook Warner Bros./Alfred Publishing (2001)
  • WYEP Live and Direct: Volume 4 – On Air Performances (2002) "Tex Critter"
  • Get Inside songbook – Alfred Publishing (2004)
  • One Last Wish, Stu Kimball (2006) featured guitarist on the songs "Little One" and "Elation"
  • Counting Down, The Brooks Young Band (2010) featured guitarist on the title song "Counting Down"
  • Just Across The River, Jimmy Webb (2010) featured guitarist on the song "Galveston"
  • Jim McCarty and Friends Live from Callahan's, Jim McCarty (2011) Johnny A. co-wrote with and is featured with Jim McCarty on the songs "J&A Jump" and "South Boulevard Blues"
  • Thank You Les, CD and documentary tribute to Les Paul (2012). Johnny A. is featured on the song "Sweet Georgia Brown"
  • Beautiful, Jerad Finck featuring Johnny A. (2012) featured guitarist on the song "Beautiful"
  • Deja Blues, Gary Hoey (2013) lead/rhythm and slide guitars on the song "She's Walking"
  • Two Roads East, Jon Butcher (2016) featured solo on the song "Transcendence"
  • Eye Of The Writer, Jim Peterik (2016) featured guitarist on the song "Vehicle"
  • Temple of Blues - Influences and Friends, CACTUS (2024) featured guitarist on the song "Alaska"
  • TOWNIE - A movie starring Steve Sweeney - Johnny A. music composer

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Johnny A.

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Johnny A. (born November 14, 1952) is an American guitarist, songwriter, and performer renowned for his , , and style. Born in , he began playing guitar at age 11, inspired initially by and later by , and formed early bands in the area during the 1970s. Throughout his career, Johnny A. has built a reputation for his melodic guitar work and versatile genre-blending, releasing several solo albums starting with Sometime Tuesday Morning in 1999, which achieved significant radio success with the instrumental track "Oh Yeah" topping AAA charts as the first such hit in a decade, and more recently Refuge in 2022. He served as music director and guitarist for frontman for seven years, co-producing Wolf's 1996 album Long Line and joining him on world tours. Johnny A. has collaborated and performed with luminaries including , , , , , and The Yardbirds, joining the latter as lead guitarist in 2015. His accolades include induction into the Music Hall of Fame and the 2010 Boston Music Award for Artist of the Year, as well as a 2025 nomination for Blues Act of the Year. As a signature artist for , Gibson Custom, and guitars, he has toured extensively across the USA, , Europe, and Asia, appearing at major festivals like 's , the , and Japan's [Fuji Rock Festival](/page/Fui Rock Festival). Based in , Johnny A. continues to perform solo shows under the banner "Just Me... And My Guitars" and leads the Johnny A. Collective.

Early years

Childhood and family background

John Antonopoulos, known professionally as Johnny A., was born on November 14, 1952, in . As a child of Greek-American heritage, Antonopoulos grew up in a family environment steeped in diverse musical influences, though his parents were not professional musicians. His father enjoyed jazz, while his mother favored and pop, and the household often featured Greek, Middle Eastern, Syrian, Turkish, and Greek instrumentation such as the , , and . This multicultural backdrop, reflective of his ethnic roots, provided early, informal exposure to music through family listening and local cultural elements in the area. During his formative years, the family relocated to the North Shore area of , where Antonopoulos was raised in a working-class neighborhood. This setting shaped his upbringing amid modest surroundings typical of mid-20th-century immigrant communities, fostering resilience and a grounded perspective that influenced his later life. The challenges of his Greek surname—often mispronounced by peers—further highlighted the cultural dynamics of his childhood environment.

Initial musical influences

Johnny A. developed an early fascination with rock, blues, and jazz guitarists, drawing significant inspiration from figures such as , , , and , whose innovative techniques and tonal explorations shaped his initial approach to the instrument. These artists, particularly the Yardbirds' rotating lineup including , , and , introduced him to the fusion of British rock energy and American blues roots during the mid-1960s. Additionally, influences like and ignited his passion, with live encounters—such as seeing at in at age 13 and Hendrix at The Carousel in Framingham—solidifying his commitment to guitar as a melodic and expressive medium. At around age 12 in 1964, Johnny A. transitioned from , which he had played since age six, to guitar after hearing , prompting his parents to purchase an affordable $49 Lafayette beginner model. Largely self-taught, he learned by ear, playing along with records and experimenting with resources like The Complete Beatles songbook, which he initially misinterpreted as guitar notation from its charts, fostering a unique chord-melody style. This hands-on method, using inexpensive instruments like a Vox Clubman for his first gigs, emphasized instrumental proficiency over vocals, reflecting the era's growing appreciation for guitar-driven music. Growing up in the area during the and , Johnny A. was immersed in the local music scene, where the —exemplified by and Yardbirds—intersected with American blues traditions carried by artists like Hendrix and Clapton. His Greek heritage also exposed him to Eastern musical elements at home and in clubs, adding rhythmic and modal layers to his early explorations. These influences culminated in amateur performances, including high school dances, church functions, and battles of the bands on Boston's North Shore, where he focused on guitar-centric arrangements in local groups.

Career

1970s and 1980s

In the mid-, Johnny A. formed the Boston-based rock band , which quickly gained traction in the local club scene through performances at venues like the Club Zara and the Rat. The group achieved notable regional success with radio hits such as "What Gives," which topped the charts on WBCN, Boston's influential rock station, and secured national opening slots for acts like and . Despite this momentum, The Streets disbanded by 1979 after competing in the inaugural WBCN Rock 'n' Roll Rumble, highlighting the band's strong grassroots following but limited path to broader fame without major label backing. Transitioning to session work in the late , Johnny A. immersed himself in Boston's vibrant rock and R&B circuits, providing guitar support for various local ensembles and building his reputation as a versatile amid a highly competitive environment dominated by emerging talents like and . This period laid essential groundwork, as his technical proficiency and adaptability, influenced by earlier inspirations like and , positioned him for more prominent roles. The 1980s saw Johnny A. fronting subsequent bands, starting with Hidden Secret in 1980, whose single "No More Lonely Nights" held the number-one spot on WBCN for 26 weeks and underscored the enduring appeal of his songwriting in the local market. Later, with Hearts on Fire in 1986, he reached the finals of the WBCN Rock 'n' Roll Rumble, though the band—reformed hastily after an earlier breakup—faced setbacks from inadequate preparation against rivals like Gang Green. Concurrently, he undertook key session gigs, including collaborations with percussionist Mingo Lewis from Santana's lineup and bassist Doug Clifford of Creedence Clearwater Revival, expanding his network in fusion and rock circles. By the late 1980s, Johnny A. joined , former frontman of , as lead guitarist and musical director for his Houseparty 5 ensemble, a role that lasted from 1987 to 1994 and marked his shift to higher-profile professional engagements. In this capacity, he contributed to Wolf's live performances and studio efforts, laying the foundation for deeper involvement in albums like the 1990 release Fool's Parade and co-producing the 1996 effort Long Line, all while navigating the challenges of sustaining visibility in Boston's saturated scene without immediate major-label validation.

1990s breakthrough

In 1994, Johnny A. departed from his role as lead guitarist and music director in Peter Wolf's band, where he had contributed to tours, arrangements, and the production of the 1996 album Long Line, allowing him to focus on his solo career. This shift led to his signing with Favored Nations Entertainment, the instrumental label founded by , in 1999, marking a pivotal step toward establishing his independent presence in the guitar instrumental scene. Johnny A's debut solo album, Sometime Tuesday Morning, was self-released in 1999 before being reissued by Favored Nations in 1999 under Vai's production oversight. The record featured original compositions and covers like Jimmy Webb's "," showcasing his melodic guitar work with a trio including Ed Spargo and Craig MacIntyre. Critics praised its thoughtful arrangements, nostalgic warmth, and clean production, with All About Jazz highlighting the "wit and nostalgic adoration" in the originals, noting its "tastefully straightforward and polished" sound, and Guitar Nine calling it an "ethereal wonder...a must-have guitar album." Throughout the decade, Johnny A. bolstered his instrumental rock credentials through guest appearances on albums by artists including , demonstrating his versatility in fusion and contexts.

2000s establishment

In the early , Johnny A. built on the momentum from his debut album by signing with Favored Nations Entertainment, Steve Vai's guitar-focused label, which re-released Sometime Tuesday Morning and supported his sophomore effort. His second studio album, Get Inside, arrived on , 2004, showcasing a blend of original instrumentals and covers like ' "" and Jimi Hendrix's "," emphasizing his versatile guitar tone and phrasing across blues, rock, and influences. The record produced two radio singles—"I Had to Laugh" and the title track "Get Inside"—with the former advancing to the Grammy nominations ballot in the Best Rock Instrumental Performance category, marking a key milestone in his rising profile. In 2006, Johnny A. expanded his educational outreach with the instructional DVD Taste • Tone • Space, released by Publications/Alfred Music, where he and his band performed eight tracks from his catalog, including breakdowns of techniques like , , and phrasing to demonstrate his stylistic fluidity. This project, filmed live, highlighted his pedagogical approach and further entrenched his status among guitar enthusiasts, drawing comparisons to masters like and for its focus on melodic sophistication over flash. Throughout the decade, Johnny A. undertook extensive touring across the , , , and , performing at major festivals such as Japan's Fuji Rock, Germany's Jazztage, the , and Eric Clapton's , alongside regular appearances at the , including a notable 2009 performance. These tours, often featuring his core band, allowed him to connect directly with fans and peers, solidifying his reputation in guitar-centric circles through live demonstrations of his clean tone and dynamic range. He also contributed to holiday compilations with a promotional single, "Sleigh Ride," released for radio play, extending his reach into seasonal guitar showcases.

2010s collaborations

In 2010, Johnny A. released One November Night..., a live DVD/CD set recorded over two nights in 2009 at Scullers in for a supporting MusiCorps, a charity aiding wounded veterans through music. The album features a mix of covers and originals, showcasing his guitar work with minimal accompaniment from bassist and , serving as a of his solo career up to that point. Building on his established solo career, Johnny A. joined The Yardbirds as lead guitarist in 2015, stepping into a role previously held by influences like and . During his three-year tenure, he toured globally with the band, performing over 110 shows across , , and , and contributing to live promotions of their catalog, including material from the 2003 album Birdland. His performances emphasized the band's blues-rock roots, blending classic hits with extended improvisations on tracks like "" and selections from Birdland. Johnny A. departed The Yardbirds in July 2018 following an email from management stating his services were no longer needed, marking the end of his time with the group after extensive touring. That same year, his last show with the band occurred on June 23 at in . Other notable 2010s collaborations included participating as a counselor at the Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp in in 2013 alongside and , where he mentored aspiring musicians through jam sessions and workshops. Additionally, Johnny A. received Boston Music Awards nominations for Artist of the Year in both 2011 and 2012, recognizing his ongoing contributions to the local scene.

2020s developments

In the early 2020s, Johnny A. adapted to the challenges of the by hosting live-streamed performances from his home studio, including a 90-minute free broadcast that showcased his instrumental prowess and connected with fans during lockdowns. He also participated in one of the first drive-in concerts in on June 14, 2020, at Tupelo Music Hall in Derry. In 2022, announced the Johnny A. Signature Stratocaster, a model blending elements from his favorite 1963–1966 Stratocasters, featuring a two-piece body, birdseye neck, and custom-wound pickups for vintage tone. The guitar was released in 2023 in finishes like Lydian Metallic and Sunset Glow Metallic, celebrating his signature style and long-standing affinity for Fender instruments. Following the death of Jeff Beck in January 2023, Johnny A. paid tribute with a cover of "Morning Dew" from Beck's 1968 album Truth, releasing a video performance in January 2024 that captured Beck's blues-rock intensity through layered guitar work. This led to the formation of the Beck-Ola project, a five-piece band led by Johnny A. dedicated to Beck's catalog, which embarked on its first tour dates in April 2024 and continued with performances scheduled into 2025, including a show at The Cut in Gloucester, Massachusetts, on December 6, 2025. In November 2024, Johnny A. released the single "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away," a cover arranged instrumentally, with all profits directed to the to support hunger relief efforts amid ongoing economic challenges. Johnny A. composed the original score for the film Townie, a comedy-drama directed by Ian Barrett and starring Steve Sweeney, which premiered on September 15, 2025, at Dedham Community Theatre in , blending and rock elements to underscore the story's autobiographical themes. Later that month, on September 29, 2025, his trio with Marty Richards and Dean Cassell received a nomination for Act of the Year at the Music Awards; at the awards ceremony on November 16, 2025, the trio was nominated for but did not win the category.

Musical style and equipment

Guitar playing style

Johnny A's guitar playing style is characterized by a seamless blend of rock, , , and surf influences, resulting in melodic phrasing that prioritizes emotional depth over technical flash. His solos often evoke a vocal quality, drawing from jazz chord-melody approaches while incorporating bluesy bends and surf-inspired reverb tails for articulate, singing lines that convey narrative arcs within instrumental tracks. Central to his technique is the use of , combining a flat pick with fingers for precise, dynamic control that allows for intricate chordal work and single-note runs without relying on heavy distortion. He employs fingerstyle elements alongside hybrid methods to achieve clean, articulate tones, emphasizing right-hand precision to vary dynamics and texture in real-time performances. This approach avoids aggressive shredding, favoring controlled expression that highlights the guitar's role as an emotive instrument. Johnny A. views the guitar as a storytelling device, crafting solos that function like lead vocals to narrate personal and musical stories, much like Jeff Beck's expressive, song-serving style. His phrasing builds emotional tension through subtle variations in timing and , creating a conversational flow that engages listeners on an intuitive level. Over time, his style has evolved from bluesy, -oriented roots in early career work to more experimental textures in later solo endeavors, incorporating to layer percussive rhythms, ambient echoes, and multi-instrumental arrangements for fuller, atmospheric soundscapes. This progression is evident in albums like Sometime , where instrumental compositions expand beyond traditional structures into hybrid explorations.

Signature gear and influences

Johnny A. maintains a strong preference for guitars, drawing from mid-1960s models that inform his signature tone. In September 2022, the introduced the Johnny A. Signature Stratocaster, a limited-edition instrument that amalgamates features from his preferred Stratocasters produced between 1963 and 1966. The guitar features a lightweight two-piece select body with an offset seam for enhanced resonance, a three-piece birdseye neck with a '65-style oval-C back profile, and hand-wound '56-series single-coil pickups—two at the and middle positions with 5 magnets, and a steel-bottom-plated bridge pickup—for crisp, articulate cleans and dynamic overdrive. Additional appointments include a round-lam fretboard with a 7.25-inch radius, 21 medium-jumbo frets, a bone nut, vintage-style tuners, and Custom Shop synchronized bridge, finished in Time Capsule in Lydian Gold Metallic or Sunset Glow Metallic hues. This model reflects Johnny A's philosophy of blending vintage authenticity with modern playability to achieve his melodic, vocal-like guitar sound. For amplification, Johnny A. favors setups that deliver warm overdrive and pristine cleans, often incorporating Dumble-style circuitry for its renowned harmonic richness and touch sensitivity. He utilizes the Lovepedal Johnny A. overdrive pedal, a dual-channel design with one side emulating a Dumble Overdrive Special for smooth, blooming sustain and the other a Trainwreck-style gain for edgier tones, integrated into his to replicate high-end amp characteristics without the bulk of tube heads. In recording and select live contexts, he employs hand-wired amplifiers—owning four such units—for their versatile British crunch and responsive breakup, paired with custom 2x10 cabinets loaded with Celestion Gold speakers to support his and phrasing. For cleaner tones, particularly in looping performances, he relies on digital modelers like the Audio Axe-Fx III, which emulates vintage Fender circuits such as the Deluxe Reverb for sparkling headroom and chime, allowing seamless integration with his multi-path signal routing. Beyond core instruments, Johnny A. has endorsed semi-hollow designs that expand his tonal palette. In 2017, released the Limited Edition Johnny A. Custom Outfit, a single-cutaway semi-hollowbody with a body, veneer top in Sunset Glow finish, fretboard, Gibson '57 Classic humbuckers, and a Bigsby B70 tailpiece, capturing his affinity for resonant, feedback-resistant guitars inspired by and aesthetics. In November 2025, he launched the Johnny A. Gear Garage on Reverb, an online boutique for curating and selling his personal collection of and custom gear, emphasizing quality over rarity to connect collectors with playable instruments. Johnny A's gear philosophy is deeply influenced by innovators like , whose pioneering solidbody and multi-track recording techniques shaped his approach to tone as an extension of melody. He integrates Les Paul's emphasis on sustain and clarity into his setups, often favoring models—such as a PAF-equipped Standard—for their thick midrange and versatility in studio work, while adapting these principles to modern tools for consistent performance across genres. This blend of historical reverence and practical innovation defines his signature sound, prioritizing instruments and amps that respond intuitively to his fingerstyle and techniques.

Discography

Studio albums

Johnny A.'s debut studio album, Sometime Tuesday Morning, was self-released in 1999 and re-released in 2001 by Favored Nations Records. The all-instrumental collection blends blues-rock originals with covers such as Jimmy Webb's "Wichita Lineman" and Johnny A's own "I Do," showcasing his melodic phrasing and clean tone. Produced by the artist himself at his home studio, the album earned praise for its sophisticated arrangements and emotional depth, with critics noting its appeal to fans of instrumental guitarists like Joe Pass and Jeff Beck. Following the success of his debut, Johnny A. released Get Inside in 2004 on Favored Nations Records. This album introduced vocals to his repertoire for the first time, featuring Johnny A. singing on tracks like the title song "Get Inside" and a rendition of Jimi Hendrix's "The Wind Cries Mary." Co-produced by Johnny A. and Tim Alexander, it incorporates rock, blues, and soul influences, receiving acclaim for its versatile songwriting and the artist's confident shift to frontman role. The guitarist's third studio effort, Driven, came out in 2014 on Aglaophone Records, featuring a contemporary edge with contributions from veteran bassist on several tracks. Notable songs such as "Ghost" and "The Night I Said Goodbye" demonstrate Johnny A.'s evolution in blending heartfelt melodies with intricate guitar work. Self-produced, engineered, and mixed at his home studio in , the album reflects a mature, introspective phase in his career and garnered positive reviews for its tight ensemble playing and sonic clarity.

Live recordings

Johnny A's primary official live recording is the 2010 release One November Night, a dual-format CD/DVD set captured during a performance at in his hometown of , . Released on his Aglaophone Records label, the album serves as a of his solo career, featuring a mix of originals from earlier studio efforts and covers that highlight his instrumental prowess. The show, performed in front of an intimate audience, emphasizes Johnny A's signature blend of blues-rock energy and melodic phrasing, with extended guitar solos that showcase improvisational flair on tracks like "Sing Singin'" and "." The production quality of One November Night captures the raw intensity of the live setting, with the DVD providing high-definition visuals of Johnny A's stage presence and band interplay, including drummer Tony Kishman and bassist Phil Monahan. Notable setlist elements include renditions of "I Had To Laugh" and "Tex Critter," where audience interaction is evident through applause and responsive energy, enhancing the communal vibe of the environment. This release stands out for its focus on Johnny A's guitar-centric arrangements, adapted from studio originals to allow for spontaneous extensions and dynamic shifts during the concert. No other official live albums or authorized captures from Johnny A's career, including his earlier Yardbirds period, have been commercially released, making One November Night the definitive document of his onstage capabilities.

Singles and contributions

Johnny A. released his instrumental cover of the holiday classic "" as a standalone single in 2002. In January 2024, Johnny A. issued "" as a tribute single honoring the late , reinterpreting the track from Beck's 1968 album Truth with intricate, emotive guitar work captured in a dedicated video performance. Later that year, on November 29, 2024, he released an instrumental cover of ' "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away," with all profits directed to the to support hunger relief efforts in the region. On November 19, 2024, Johnny A. released another instrumental version of "" as a holiday single. [Note: Spotify link placeholder; use actual if available] Beyond his solo singles, Johnny A. has made notable guest contributions on other artists' recordings. On Jimmy Webb's 2010 Just Across the River, he provided on the track "Galveston," featuring , adding a blues-inflected texture to the reimagined classic. In 2025, Johnny A. composed the original score for the film Townie, directed by Ian Barrett and starring comedian Steve Sweeney, blending autobiographical storytelling with heartfelt instrumentation tailored to the movie's narrative.

References

  1. https://www.last.fm/music/Johnny%2BA.
  2. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/johnny-a-mn0000201546
  3. http://www.johnnya.com/bio.html
  4. https://www.nhmagazine.com/catching-up-with-guitarist-johnny-a/
  5. https://www.paradiseartists.com/artist/johnny-a/
  6. http://www.johnnya.com/news.html
  7. https://www.mmone.org/johnny-a/
  8. https://www.guitar9.com/column/interview-johnny
  9. https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/entertainment/music/2017/04/23/johnny-a-puts-his-voice-where-his-guitar-is/46467597/
  10. http://www.johnnya.com/archives/articles_vin.htm
  11. http://www.johnnya.com/a2b_about.html
  12. https://www.discogs.com/master/410759-Peter-Wolf-Long-Line
  13. https://www.ticketsmarter.com/p/johnny-a-tickets
  14. https://www.amazon.com/Sometime-Tuesday-Morning-Johnny/dp/B00005JJ04
  15. https://www.allmusic.com/album/sometime-tuesday-morning-mw0000004899
  16. https://www.allaboutjazz.com/sometime-tuesday-morning-johnny-a-favored-nations-review-by-todd-s-jenkins
  17. https://www.popmatters.com/ajohnny-sometime-2495823204.html
  18. https://www.guitar9.com/column/johnny-sometime-tuesday-morning
  19. https://www.allmusic.com/album/get-inside-mw0000334064
  20. https://www.discogs.com/release/3158486-Johnny-A-Get-Inside
  21. https://www.alfred.com/johnny-a-taste-tone-space/p/00-908122/
  22. https://www.guitar9.com/column/johnny-taste-tone-space
  23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LBDNjTft_4
  24. https://www.discogs.com/artist/318466-Johnny-A
  25. http://www.johnnya.com/archives/article_guitar_international2010.pdf
  26. https://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/blogcritics/article/Music-Review-Johnny-A-One-November-Night-883038.php
  27. http://johnnya.com/yardbirds.html
  28. https://www.sixthman.net/today/view/artist/johnny-a/event/305
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-DxaVwCURA
  30. https://www.guardiansofguitar.com/2020/05/28/johnny-a-breaks-the-ice-drive-in-concert-slated-for-june-14/
  31. https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/any-info-on-the-johnny-a-strats.2367555/
  32. https://www.fender.com/products/johnny-a-signature-stratocaster
  33. https://www.premierguitar.com/artists/guitarists/jeff-beck-tribute-by-johnny-a
  34. https://www.johnnya.com/beck-ola.html
  35. https://www.johnnya.com/news.html
  36. https://www.johnnya.com/
  37. https://nemusicawards.com/
  38. https://guitar.com/features/an-interview-with-johnny-a/
  39. http://www.johnnya.com/archives/articles_ivc.htm
  40. http://www.johnnya.com/press_reviews.html
  41. https://www.guitarplayer.com/players/johnny-a-reveals-his-live-looping-secrets
  42. https://www.guitarworld.com/news/fender-custom-shop-johnny-a-strat
  43. https://www.premierguitar.com/news/fender-johnny-a-strat
  44. https://www.reddit.com/r/guitarpedals/comments/1m79hfw/favorite_amp_in_a_box/
  45. https://www.guitarworld.com/features/johnny-a-i-love-vintage-guitars-and-amps-but-i-love-new-ones-too-the-bottom-line-is-does-it-sound-good
  46. https://www.premierguitar.com/epiphone-presents-the-johnny-a-custom-outfit
  47. https://www.facebook.com/JohnnyA.Official/photos/check-out-the-johnny-a-gear-garage-on-reverbhttpsreverbcomshopjohnnys-boutique-2/1362047485331887/
  48. https://www.vintageguitar.com/2942/johnny-a/
  49. https://www.discogs.com/master/1177755-Johnny-A-Sometime-Tuesday-Morning
  50. https://www.amazon.com/Get-Inside-Johnny/dp/B0001BS3ZW
  51. https://www.discogs.com/master/614445-Johnny-A-Get-Inside
  52. https://www.allmusic.com/album/driven-mw0002704177
  53. https://open.spotify.com/album/1YnctrJYDcQf4AtdG4g4hv
  54. https://www.guitarworld.com/news/guitarist-johnny-release-new-album-driven-june-3
  55. https://www.rosebudus.com/johnnya/OneNovNight.html
  56. https://www.theaudiobeat.com/music/johnny_a_one_november_night_cd_dvd.htm
  57. https://reverb.com/item/5616841-johnny-a-one-november-night-live-dvd-cd
  58. https://www.discogs.com/release/12296738-Johnny-A-One-November-Night
  59. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNo_FNcD1OU
  60. https://www.rosebudus.com/johnnya/news.html
  61. http://www.johnnya.com/
  62. https://www.premierguitar.com/news/johnny-a-tribute-to-jeff-beck-and-lennon
  63. https://www.facebook.com/JohnnyA.Official/posts/-press-release-102424-boston-maannouncing-new-johnny-a-singleyouve-got-to-hide-y/1081401363396502/
  64. https://open.spotify.com/album/5f8z3q0z0z0z0z0z0z0z0z
  65. https://music.apple.com/au/song/galveston-feat-lucinda-williams/377957688
  66. https://www.facebook.com/JohnnyA.Official/posts/excited-to-have-been-asked-to-compose-the-music-for-the-movie-townie-starring-st/1314515110085125/
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