Johnny Jenkins

Johnny Edward Jenkins (March 5, 1939 – June 26, 2006) His flamboyant style of guitar playing also influenced Jimi Hendrix. As Jenkins did not have a driver's license, Redding also served as his personal driver. In 1964, Jenkins released an instrumental single, "Spunky" (Volt V-122).

With Phil Walden concentrating on Redding's flourishing career, Jenkins was sidelined, and it was not until after Redding's death in 1967 that Walden again concentrated on Jenkins's career. Several tracks on Ton-Ton Macoute! featured Duane Allman on guitar and dobro.

With Walden again becoming involved in other projects, Jenkins became disillusioned with the music industry and did nothing of note until 1996. By then Walden had persuaded him to make a comeback, and he released the album Blessed Blues, recorded with Chuck Leavell.

Jenkins died from a stroke in June 2006 in the same town where he was born: Macon, Georgia. He was 67.

Discography

Solo Ton-Ton Macoute! (1970) Blessed Blues (1996) Handle With Care (2001) All in Good Time (2005)

With Otis Redding Pain in My Heart (Atco Records, 1964) The Great Otis Redding Sings Soul Ballads (Atco Records, 1965)