Johnny
"V" Vernazza
was born in San Francisco and raised in Daly City. As we
all know, the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1960's was a
hotbed of music. Clubs were everywhere and to go out and
jam at four or five clubs a night was the norm, not to
mention the Fillmore, Avalon Ballroom and concerts in
Golden Gate Park.
Starting out playing guitar in 1963, Johnny Vernazza
also played bass for a time with a rock band that worked
the Fillmore and toured as the opening act for
Quicksilver Messenger Service, War, and Big Brother and
the Holding Company. About 1970, he joined a gospel
band, which toured the United States, and appeared on
the Sonny & Cher television show.
As the blues scene gathered national and international
momentum, Johnny "V" got to work (hired or special
guest) and record with many blues greats like Luther
Tucker, Sonnyland Slim, Chuck Berry, Steve Miller, Greg
Allman, George Thorogood, Charlie Daniels, Commander
Cody and Elvin Bishop.
Johnny was recruited into Elvin Bishop's band that
led to 6 albums, endless touring and the #3 song in the
nation by 1974 "Fooled Around and Fell in Love."
Elvin and Johnny's dual lead and slide parts set a style
that was part of the Southern Rock Sound and continues
to live on today. |
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