And the greats, like Toni Morrison, Baldwin, Audre Lorde, Nikki Giovanni, Angela Davis those are the people I look up to. I hot-rodded it. In addition to his massive social media following actor. The songs lyrics describe a letter that the narrator received from his lover, which describes their love in a poetic and dreamy way. In 1921, Booker T. Washington appeared in the companys sixth film, By Right of Birth. However, the Lincoln Motion Picture Company started failing that year and couldnt recover. A fortuitous move, as it turned out, and a perfect fit with Jones's signature smooth production style. Brothers Johnson (aka The Brothers Johnson), is a band consisting of the musicians George Johnson ('Lightnin' Licks') and Louis Johnson ('Thunder Thumbs') (April 13th 1955 - May 22nd 2015).After touring with various artists like Bobby Womack and Billy Preston, Quincy Jones hired them for a tour in Japan and produced their debut LP Look out for Number 1, released in March 1976 (#9 US). Dish 786 Ad vertisement by StemwareAndSuch. Digital Library. Q: Why did The Brothers Johnson break up in 82? People, Places and Events by Adam Fletcher Sasse. came out in August 1978 and reached number 7 on the Billboard 200. They have the grasp of the language, and things that I am still working through at 35! When did you know you wanted to write your story?I knew it was time when Giovanni Melton was killed by his father, who said something to the effect of: I would rather have a dead son than a gay son. That was November 2017 and I was like: This has got to stop. So many black, queer young men being taken from us We have to talk about it. Quincy Jones hired them to play on his LP Mellow Madness, and recorded four of their songs, including "Is It Love That We're Missing?" his Basic income source is mostly from being a successful Musician, Singer, Song Creater. ### Thats how come the bass sounded like that.. Below you can check his net worth, salary and much more from previous years. Writing about the film, George described it as, the first successful, Class A Negro motion picture minus all burlesque and humiliating comedy.. I was always the arranger and producer of the group, keeping my eyes out. Johnson was a founding member of the Brothers Johnson, and a longtime collaborator of Quincy Jones'. "We're going out and do some dates and consider our next step," he says. Five years later, Johnson pe{grv}re built a real guitar from a Sears, Roebuck and Co. model kit. Or purchase a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can count on. They scored a number-one R&B and number-three pop hit with "I'll Be Good to You," and enjoyed R&B chart toppers in 1977 and 1980 respectively with "Strawberry Letter 23" and "Stomp!," while sustaining a consistent hit presence via such songs as "Get the Funk Out Ma Face" and "Runnin' for Your Lovin." By the early '70s, the two Johnsons (Tommy became a firefighter) were top Los Angeles session players. Get the Funk Out Ma Face was a commercial success and remains one of the Brothers Johnsons most popular songs. George Johnson (musician)s Estimated Net Worth, Age, Biography, Career, Social media accounts i.e. The Company was founded by three brothers: Robert Wood Johnson, James Wood Johnson and Edward Mead Johnson, all of whom have descendents. After touring with various artists like Bobby Womack and Billy Preston, Quincy Jones hired them for a tour in Japan and produced their debut LP Look out for Number 1, released in March 1976 (#9 US). Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1885, George graduated from Hampton Institute, Virginia, in 1904. Which writers inspire you?DaShaun L Harrison, Darnell Moore, Michael Arceneaux. Aint We Funkin Now by the Brothers Johnson is a high-energy funk track thats guaranteed to get listeners grooving. Change). Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker. Louis would kind of play with it, but he wasnt sure. His bass lines were legendary, including on I Keep Forgetting by Michael McDonald and everything on Michael Jacksons Off the Wall and much of Thriller.. I remember when my dad snuck and put it under the Christmas tree. I went right to it because I knew. When he and his brother, Louis Johnson, started doing their own music -- calling the band the Brothers Johnson, naturally -- he, in turn, not only influenced but provided a superior creative situation for a generation of popular performers including Ashford & Simpson, Toto, and Michael Jackson. The songs unforgettable hook and memorable guitar riff have made it a beloved classic of the genre, and it remains a must-listen track for fans of 70s R&B. According to one paper, the company was said to rely on a racist philosophy popular within some circles: If youre light, youre all right; If youre brown, stick aroun; But if youre Black, stand back.. Im the most rare bass player in the whole world, Johnson told Rolling Stone contributing writer Steve Knopper in 2013 for the upcoming bookMJ: The Genius of Michael Jackson. Q: How did you guys ended up in Billy Prestons band? The Brothers announced themselves on his "Mellow Madness," to which they contributed four songs, before stepping out on their own. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google. It was like a copy of a Strat[ocaster]. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. A new version of Last.fm is available, to keep everything running smoothly, please reload the site. I was into The Beatles. It's an incredible story, one any true fan would relish the opportunity to hear. Jones produced both of these, along with their third and fourth LPs, Blam and Light Up the Night. Being so young and therefore underage for licensing purposes, they would sometimes have to draw moustaches on their faces in order to get into the clubs where they were playing. But the book spans different topics. George and Louis Johnson teamed up with Rod Temperton in penning the lyrics to this song. He was 87. It was dark brown and tan and light-colored, and it looked like a tiger or a zebra. Noted, George Johnson (musician)s primary income source is Musician, Singer, Song Creater, We are collecting information about George Henry Johnson Cars, Monthly/Yearly Salary, Net worth from Wikipedia, Google, Forbes, and IMDb, will update you soon. Do you wish you had had a book like yours growing up?Yes, absolutely. All Rights reserved. Michael picked it because it sounded good. Everything is fine and happy. I did all the things I knew how to do to get the best sound. Where they were was at each other's throats, that show suggested, adding that the feud the brothers were embroiled in was so bitter, musically and spiritually, that any reunion tour or album appeared out of the question. Johnson lives in Newark, New Jersey. Q showcases the Brothers Johnsons musical prowess and their ability to create a funky sound that is both catchy and engaging. All rights reserved. George Johnson is not only a guitarist but a songwriter, arranger, and producer. Thats why his playing was so aggressive. Strawberry Letter 23. The Soul Train Award winner for "Best Soul Site," Singersroom features top R&B Singers, candid R&B Interviews, New R&B Music, Soul Music, R&B News, R&B Videos, and editorials on fashion & lifestyle trends. The song became a fan favorite and remains a testament to the duos impact on the funk and R&B genres. The songs lyrics describe a man who is searching for true love and realizes that he has found the real thing with his current partner. A: It kind of went as far as we could go. The songs lyrics, with their repeated promise to be good to the listener, are full of warmth and sincerity, and the Brothers Johnsons smooth vocal delivery adds an extra layer of emotional depth to the mix. The Brothers Johnsons musical influence can be felt in numerous artists who have followed in their footsteps, including Michael Jackson, who they collaborated with on several tracks, including Get on the Floor from his 1979 album, Off the Wall.. Maybe someday North Omaha will acknowledge Johnson as one of our own. Legendary guitarist on his brother, bassist Louis Johnson, In May 2015 the world lost a huge musical presence when funk bassist Louis Johnson died at the age of 60. A: We were always close. It was like an open door. The Brothers Johnson: albums, songs, playlists | Listen on Deezer Sign up for Deezer for free and listen to The Brothers Johnson: discography, top tracks and playlists. With the Brothers Johnson, the bassist would top the Hot R&B Chartsthree times with 1976s Ill Be Good to You,1977sStrawberry Letter 23 and 1980s Stomp! Their highly successful 1976 debutLook Out for #1 was produced by Jones, and by the groups fourth album (also their fourth to go platinum)Light Up the Night, they counted the King of Pop as one of their backup singers. The discs are filled to near capacity, and all but one of the Brothers Johnson's charting R&B singles (the minor hit "Dancin' Free") are included. The companys legacy is largely forgotten in Omaha today. George Johnson / Louis Johnson / Sonora Sam. The songs lyrics describe a man who wants to take his lover on a wild ride and experience the thrill of life. (LogOut/ Hi Crystal, The original Edward Mead Johnson and James Wood Johnson who founded Johnson & Johnson were brothers. The subsequent album, Winners, was self-produced by the brothers and released in July 1981, but was less successful, going only as high as number 48 on the Billboard 200. They recorded Kickin' in 1988, and co-wrote "Tomorrow" with Siedah Garrett for Jones' Back on the Block in 1989. According to Wikipedia, Google, Forbes, IMDb, and various reliable online sources, George Henry Johnsons estimated net worth is as follows. JOHNSON BROTHERS CONNECTICUT REALTY MANAGEMENT LLC is a Connecticut LLC filed on February 17, 2015. George Johnson's estimated net worth, monthly and yearly salary, primary source of income, cars, lifestyle, and much more information have been updated below.. George Johnson who brought in $3 million and $5 million Networth George Johnson collected most of his earnings from his Yeezy sneakers While he had exaggerated over the years about the size of his business, the money he pulled in from . Queer characters tend to die at the end of a lot of books! What discussions have you had with him around Black Lives Matter?It wasnt that he didnt know that racism existed. Tom Sizemore, Heat and Saving Private Ryan Actor, Dead at 61 The collection, which includes 70 boxes, is the largest and most thorough of its kind in the world and today is housed at the University of California Los Angeles. The first-ever Black-owned, operated and filmed theater company in the world was led from North Omaha. With films produced in Los Angeles, the company was based in the community for from 1915 to 1927. "My father used to work for North American Aviation building engines and his brother was into electronics, so them building a guitar was nothing," George recalls. The song became a popular hit and has since become a fan favorite, showcasing the Brothers Johnsons impact on the funk and R&B genres. George Santos Under Scrutiny . Dress & Shoe size Updated below scroll down and check all about height & weight. Ray Parker Jr., Michael Henderson and myself will do something together. Louis Johnson, founding member of funk band the Brothers Johnson and an in-demand bassist who appeared onMichael Jacksons Billie Jean and Dont Stop Til You Get Enough, diedon Thursday, May 21st. The Brothers Johnson's irrepressible blend of soul, rock, pop licks and funk, made these guys shine out in the grand era of groove and disco. The Registered Agent on file for this company is Howard M. Gould and is located at 205 Old Boston Post Road Gould &Amp Guillan P.C., Old Saybrook, CT 06475. He knew everything we were doing. All Rights Reserved. "We were like Q's babies," George recalls, "and after he left, we were no longer a focal point for A&M." George Johnson (musician) Wiki, Biography, Age, Wife, Net Worth, Family, Instagram, Twitter & More Facts, Ab-Soul Wiki, Biography, Age, NetWorth, Family, Instagram, Twitter, Social Profiles & More Facts. Fletcher. Johnson is also credited with creating the bass line from Michael McDonalds hit version of Leiber & Stollers I Keep Forgettin, a melody that was later sampled by Warren G and Nate Dogg for Regulate. Over his long career, Johnson also workedwith Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Herb Alpert and George Benson. I was there with the afro and the flag shirt. I welcomed it in a musical growth way. The company's principal address is 220 Old . Louis and George Johnson of The Brothers Johnson photographed in the 1970s. To order a copy go to guardianbookshop.com . The company's filing status is listed as Forfeited and its File Number is 0564296. Blam!! George Johnson and his wife and newborn lived at 2815 Pratt Street in the Bedford Place neighborhood, a house which still stands today. Your father was a policeman. his has a whopping net worth of $5 to $10 million. Louis appeared on Michael Jackson's "Off the Wall/Thriller/Dangerous" trilogy -- those are his vicious bass lines on "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Billie Jean" -- and opened a bass academy in North Hollywood, Calif. George played with Steve Arrington, among others. It was time for me to write the story of what it is like to grow up knowing, from a very young age, that you do not fit into this mould of what it means to look like a boy in society. After the brothers parted ways in the early Eighties to pursue solo careers, Louis became known for his bass-playing prowess, emerging asa prolific, in-demand session musician. Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. The Brothers Johnsons smooth, heartfelt vocals and expertly crafted instrumentation make Treasure a standout track thats sure to tug at the heartstrings of listeners. I definitely was against it. I loved my brother to death. However, there were a few notable early efforts for Blacks to break into the industry. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Working from the den of his rented house on Pratt Street, Johnson handled all aspects of distribution throughout the country. Question: When you and Louis were kids, did you say, Ill play guitar, Louis, you play bass and Tommy play drums?. After settling in Tulsa, Johnson started the first Black newspaper in the territory calledThe Tulsa Guide. The cause of death was gastrointestinal bleeding of the esophagus. Brianne Howeys Wiki Age, Height, Boyfriend, What is Bonnie Hunt doing now? Instagram, Facebook, Twiter, Youtube, etc. The brothers were introduced to the guitar at ages five and three, respectively. After the pair toured Japan in Joness band, he secured them a deal with the A&M label, and their Jones-produced debut album, Look Out For #1, released in 1976, rapidly sold more than 1m copies. It has been optioned for television by actor and activist Gabrielle Union. Long-running funk pioneers The Brothers Johnson have always been fronted by George and Louis Johnson, known respectively as "Lightnin' Licks" and "Thunder Thumbs". You write with a great deal of honesty about traumatic experiences. His death was confirmed by his nephew Troy on Instagram, though no official statement has been made by his estate. death was accidental and maintains at least one of the brothers was not on campus when Johnson . Why did you want to write for young adults?In the history of queer writing, a lot of it has been for adults, and for many, inaccessible until you are an adult. [1] They achieved their greatest success from the mid-1970s to early 1980s, with three singles topping the R&B charts ("I'll Be Good to You", "Strawberry Letter 23", and "Stomp!"). Stomp! Stomp. According to one article, the Johnson brothers movies featured black soldiers, black families and black heroes, concepts foreign to most mainstream films at that time. Other films they created were, A Mans Duty (1919); By Right of Birth (1921); Trooper of Troop K (1917), and; The Law of Nature (1921). and one of Sam's brothers was killed near Fredericksburg. When they became professionals, the band backed such touring R&B acts as Bobby Womack and the Supremes. Who was Howland Chamberlains girlfriend/Boyfriend. Success came shortly after the Brothers were taken up by the producer Quincy Jones, who became their manager, mentor and collaborator on several key recordings. Prolific funk bassist appeared on 'Off the Wall,' 'Thriller' and Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin tracks. I wrote a story that people can hold on to and know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Pack Louis a bag and bring him to the airport.. That company, of course, was Johnson & Johnson. Award winning Writer & EP. George P. Johnson died in October 1977, and is buried in Rose Hills Memorial Park in Los Angeles, California. Strawberry Letter 23 is a 1977 funk and R&B song by the Brothers Johnson. Wiki Bio, age, height, real name Members of the R&B/Funk band include vocalist/guitarist George Johnson and vocalist/bassist, performer: "Stomp" - as The Brothers Johnson, performer: "STRAWBERRY LETTER 23" - as The Brothers Johnson, performer: "Thunder Thumbs & Lightnin' Licks", "Get The Funk Out Ma Face" - uncredited. All images are copyright their respective owners. Before Lincoln closed, George Johnson made known his belief that the company suffered from the unwillingness of the white industry to handle movies made by Negroes that did not conform to the usual stereotypes. He also believed that since most Black movie theaters were owned by white people, there was a determination to show only burlesques and funny colored pictures which featured Black face and demeaning images of African Americans. Of course, once he made it, it only lasted two or three days before we had to get a new milk carton.". This is a biography of one of its founders, George P. Johnson (1885-1977). Many of his classic groovesfor artists like George Duke and Michael McDonald have alsoreceived a second life as some of hip-hops most popular samples. Or have really, really traumatic stories that dont leave you feeling healed or whole. And I'll be frank -- we've had friction. been filed in the 17-year-old Johnson's January 10, 2013 death. Louis was so into it. was Howland Chamberlain having any relationship affair? The house where the Johnsons lived in Omaha still stands, but isnt acknowledged as historically significant by any government entity today. I grabbed on to the guitar and said, This is mine! I could tell that wasnt going to be Tommys guitar. Henry Johnson joined the firm in 1888. Thunder Thumbs, as he came to be called, was also one of the pioneers of slap bass, making him an in-demand session player for everyone from Stanley Clarke to Donna Summer. Shown around 1970, he lived in North Omaha from 1912 to 1926. We have very sad news to report ILOSM family: Louis "Thunder Thumbs" Johnson, of The Brothers Johnson sadly passed away on yesterday, Thursday, May 21, 2015. He mentored under Quincy Jones following a childhood in which his ear was staple-gunned to the radio, following not only rhythm and blues, James Brown and Motown, but the British Invasion sounds of groups such as the Rolling Stones. twitter android baseball They were brothers Robert, James and Edward Mead Johnson, and in 1886, they brought together their respective talents to found a small family company that bore their surname. George Johnson who brought in $3 million and $5 million Networth George Johnson collected most of his earnings from his Yeezy sneakers While he had exaggerated over the years about the size of his business, the money he pulled in from his profession realenough to rank as one of the biggest celebrity cashouts of all time. The Lord blessed me with thatI prayed to God and my prayer he answered. The Idol: How HBOs Next Euphoria Became Twisted Torture Porn Quincy Jones Recalls Freaking Out at Michael Jacksons Death and His Private Nickname for the Pop Star. The Bureau focused on sharing Black news across the country, and it lasted until 1927. Released in 1980, the song features a lively, danceable beat and infectious horns that combine to create a sound thats impossible to resist. He picked up the ball and ran with it for a touchdown every time. In 1915, George and Noble launched the Lincoln Motion Picture Company in North Omaha. Today, Hampton University is an 150+ year-old HBCU. Hed pick one with the zebra wood on it. In 1915, D.W. Griffiths racist, white supremacist celebration movie called The Birth of a Nation was a smash hit in Omaha. The songs groovy beat and George Johnsons soulful vocals create a captivating sound that captures the listeners attention. This is George P. Johnson (1885-1977), a founder of the Lincoln Motion Picture Company. Get the Funk Out Ma Face. A: He would have loved it because Louis has always been a person of sharing and giving. Four more albums followed in the next five years, all but the last achieving platinum status. * To hear a free Sound Bite from the Brothers Johnson, call Post-Haste at 202/334-9000 and press 8112. Guitarist George "Lightnin' Licks" Johnson was holding down the funk in Freedom Plaza with such '70s dance floor classics as "Get the Funk Out Ma Face," "Ain't We Funking Now" and "Stomp," occasionally mellowing out with melodic chestnuts like "I'll Be Good to You" and "Strawberry Letter 23. (Hot 100 #7 and Hot Dance Music/Club Play #1 in 1980). As a member of the Brothers Johnson, we shared decades of magical times working together in the studio and touring the world. When I went to the session with Billie Jean, I took like 10 basses and I lined em up. George Johnson / Louis Johnson / Valerie Johnson / Rod Temperton. When he joined the police force it was 1978, and he had been in the military before I think he just saw it as a career, in many ways; I dont think he went into it with the mindset that thats a way that we can help our community. (LogOut/ Im working on a new CD of music. Academic papers have said of him that he was selling-out his race, and that he attempted to pass as white when it was profitable to him. But now I'm down with George.". Prolific songwriters, George and Louis wrote more than 250 songs of their own while they were on the road with Preston, and then quit in 1973 to form their own group, the Brothers Johnson. Oscar Micheaux, the most notable African American actor of this era, planned to move to North Omaha in 1918 to join Johnson in producing and distributing Black movies nationwide. . Im still here. At the recent Bass Player Live event, Johnson was honored with a posthumous lifetime achievement award. Copyright 2023 The Washington Times, LLC Whether youre in the mood for romance or simply appreciate great music, Treasure is a timeless classic that never fails to deliver. A: I sat with him and taught him how to deal with it from the best of my knowledge of what I had heard as the time. They had three guitars and drums. Awe man.Going to miss U Thunder Thumbs. My Morning Jacket bassist Tom Blankenshipand the Roots Questlove wrote similar tributesto Johnson. He started collecting newspaper clippings, photographs, publicity material, posters, correspondence, and business records related to early Black film companies, Black films, films with Black casts, and Black musicians, sports figures and entertainers when he began the Lincoln Motion Picture Company in 1915, and continued until he died. Born in Los Angeles, Johnson was the youngest of three brothers, after Tommy and George. The Brothers Johnson broke up in 1982, and Mr . July 29, 2022. 7 pop hit and disco chart topper that still resonates in dance clubs around the world. Louis had to be 4. "Louis had a problem with that, which I could understand, and that was one of the ways I used to try and get him to come out this time," George says. "Me and George are brothers. Whether youre a fan of funk or simply appreciate great music, this track is a must-listen. "It's been a long time since me and my brother got together," Louis says. The Brothers Johnson were an American funk and R&B duo consisting of brothers George and Louis Johnson. I loved my brother to death. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Its infectious groove and heartfelt lyrics make it a standout track that showcases the duos musical talent. Over the next five years, the Brothers Johnson racked up three Number One hits on the R&B charts: 1976s Ill Be Good to You, their 1977 cover of Shuggie Otis Strawberry Letter 23, and 1980s smash Stomp! (Their rendition of Strawberry Letter 23 was later featured prominently in Quentin Tarantinos Jackie Brown.) It reached number 11 on the R&B charts, and the Brothers had another hit with "Welcome to the Club" in 1982. Answer: We had the guitar that my dad built from a Sears Roebuck kit. Connect with us via social media below. Though that situation was resolved four years later, their career had lost its momentum. he is a famous person on social media i.e. When I told my mom, she said: We were pretty sure of it your whole life. When I told Nanny, it was the same thing: she was just very adamant about how, in the same way every other grandchild had to bring home their dates, I had to too! He played with such power that he regularly blew his bass amplifiers speakers. All Rights Reserved. George M Johnson is a writer and activist whose first book, All Boys Arent Blue, is a memoir about growing up black and queer in America. 2023 SingersRoom.com - All Rights Reserved. There are multiple generations using those names, or variations . ", Adds Louis, "Me and George are bad together. Brothers Johnson (aka The Brothers Johnson ), is a band consisting of the musicians George Johnson ('Lightnin' Licks') and Louis Johnson ('Thunder Thumbs') (April 13th 1955 - May 22nd 2015). Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Following his parent's separation, Johnson moved to Chicago with his mother, Priscilla, in 1929. He worked with the. The group produced its single "The Real Thing" in 1981. (LogOut/ Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Johnson Bros ( Brothers) England 1883 Old Britains Castles Pink Platter 12" at the best online prices at eBay! He was my brother. Johnson Brothers is a family-owned wine, spirits, and beer distributor with headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota. Have to Position Among the list of Most Popular Musician, Singer, Song Creater. "Stevie was in Studio B, Q was in Studio C when he heard us playing," George says. Way bigger than he was. What was the response from your family when you came out to them?Technically I didnt really come out till I was 25. They say, Any friend of Georges is not friend of mine. I just kind of laugh at it. The company's filing status is listed as Active and its File Number is 1168430. Today, Hampton University is an 150+ year-old HBCU. He is survived by his former wife, Valerie, his sons Kodi and Kenji, and by his brothers. George Johnsons brother Noble had moved to Los Angeles to join the film industry, and soon after The Birth of a Nations popularity, the brothers decided to partner together to make space for African Americans in this line of work. HOMETOWN Los Angeles, CA, United States of America FORMED 1975 Similar Artists Earth, Wind & Fire Ohio Players Brick Slave Average White Band Heatwave I released the funk on everybody.. The information presented within these pages is accurate to the best of my knowledge but is based upon information provided by various sources, and Adam Fletcher Sasse takes no responsibility for any problems resulting from use of the material as presented within. George E. Johnson, Sr. was born in Mississippi on June 16, 1927, in a three-room sharecropper's shack. StemwareAndSuch. Growing up, there was no one that looked like me in the books I had. Delivery charges may apply Gonna be the same as The Brothers Johnson. Every album he was on outside of us he was lending our sound to them. The Brothers Johnson were among the first artists to release a song under the title "Light Up the Night." "Light Up the Night" is the album title song to the band's fourth studio album. Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States. Also, learn details Info regarding the Current Net worth ofGeorge Johnson (musician) as well asGeorge Johnson (musician) s earnings, Worth, Salary, Property, and Income. Powerful bassist on Michael Jacksons albums Thriller and Off the Wall, he found fame in the 1970s with his funk band the Brothers Johnson. George Johnson / Louis Johnson / Quincy Jones. ". Funk and R&B bassist Louis Johnson died at age 60 on Thursday. In 1975, with brother Louis Johnson they formed the group Happy Birthday to George Johnson of the Brothers Johnson, born May 17, 1953. Brothers Johnson Net Worth 2023, Age, Height, Relationships, Married, Dating, Family, Wiki Biography . His dad had got him a guitar and amp. Initially their line-up also included their cousin Alex Weir. In 1971 George met the soul musician Billy Preston, who asked him to tour Europe with him as a guitarist; when Prestons bassist left the band, Louis then joined the group at his brothers suggestion. No one ever gave me music paper to read; no one ever gave me anything to read. "One minute it was in pieces in a box, the next we plugged it into an amp and it worked.".