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Bill Johnson

1905 – 1955

American musician and banjoist

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About Bill Johnson

Lived 1905 – 1955 (aged 49–50). Bill Johnson was an American banjoist, singer, jazz guitarist and guitarist.

William K. Johnson (died August 13, 1955) was an American jazz banjoist, guitarist, and vocalist.

Johnson was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, where he played locally until relocating to New York in 1926. There he worked with the Dixie Ramblers and George Howe, then joined Luis Russell's orchestra in 1927. He remained with Russell until 1932 and during this time recorded with King Oliver, Red Allen, and Jack Purvis. He worked with Fess Williams in 1933-1934 and continued working actively until the end of the 1930s. After retiring from music he moved back to Lexington; in 1955 he died in a house fire.

He is often confused with William Manuel Johnson, a jazz bassist, in published works.

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Important facts

Born
1905, Lexington
Birth century
Died
1955, Lexington
Occupation
Banjoist, singer, jazz guitarist, guitarist
Nationality
Also known as
Will Johnson, William K. Johnson

People in Bill Johnson's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Bill Johnson's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Bill Johnson?

American musician and banjoist (1905–1955)

When was Bill Johnson born?

Bill Johnson was born in 1905 in Lexington.

When did Bill Johnson die?

Bill Johnson died in 1955 in Lexington.

What was Bill Johnson's occupation?

Bill Johnson was a banjoist, singer, jazz guitarist and guitarist.

What nationality was Bill Johnson?

Bill Johnson was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Bill Johnson

· Wikidata: Q862206

· DBpedia: Bill Johnson (banjoist)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Bill Johnson. https://biography.guide/bill-johnson-banjoist/

MLA: "Bill Johnson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/bill-johnson-banjoist/.

Chicago: "Bill Johnson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/bill-johnson-banjoist/.

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