(4CD)
BIOGRAPHY
“Big A” is a current bluesman that performs regularly in town. His
natural showmanship that moves and plays with tremendous fun and passion
personifies that one can hear authentic music in Clarksdale today… that
is as good as it ever was historically. At present Anthony has a
weekly residence at Red’s Lounge, the famous authentic juke joint in
Clarksdale’s historic downtown Arts & Culture District.
Like his deep delta blues forefathers, young Anthony’s
introduction to music was found in the church. His father, E.J.
Johnson, was a gospel singer that performed with The Golden Stars gospel
group. By age 6, Anthony started playing, and he hasn’t stopped
since. He is professionally proficient on bass and guitar,
and he also plays drums, keyboards, and is the lead vocalist in his
current band, Big A and the Allstars.
Anthony is also a wonderful example of the success of the blues music
education after-school program at the Delta Blues Museum.
There Anthony studied under bluesman, Mr. Johnnie Billington,
where he not only developed a keen appreciation for the blues and it’s
historic Clarksdale legacy, but he also learned to play and craft his
music through Billington’s experienced mastery, where he tutored young
Anthony with a strict practice schedule of both music development… and a
focus on learning important life lessons as well.
As a young bass player, Anthony took the stage with Buddy Guy in
Clarksdale. He regularly played at Delta Blues Museum events and
held a Thursday gig at an important former Clarksdale venue, Sarah’s
Kitchen. He has also appeared in a documentary film, played
overseas, and regularly performs throughout the region and at festivals
in the Mississippi Delta and across the country.