Johnny Rivers
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Biography
Singer / guitarist Johnny Rivers â born John Henry Ramistella in New York City on November 7, 1942 â is best-known for a string of hits in the 1960s (âMemphis,â, âMountain of Love,â âSecret Agent Man,â and âPoor Side of Townâ) as well as the 1977 single âSwayinâ to the Music (Slow Dancinâ)â. While generally known for his rock and pop recordings, Johnny Riversâ musical career took many turns over the years as he embraced every genre including soul, folk, reggae, and psychedelic rock. His musical journey began when his family relocated to Baton Rouge, Louisiana and he became fascinated by the sound of music from the area. He began playing guitar at the age of eight and by the age of 14, he had formed a band called The Spades while still attending high school. Visiting New York City in 1958, he met controversial rock icon Alan Freed, who gave him his stage name and guided him through the release of his first three singles. Returning to Baton Rouge in 1959, he began to play at various clubs throughout the region. Hank Williamsâ first wife Aubrey suggested a move to Nashville, Tennessee would help his career, and he focused on songwriting. One of his songs was recorded by Ricky Nelson, which encouraged Johnny Rivers to move to Los Angeles, California. He worked as a songwriter and session musician while also building up a following as a live performer. Right in the midst of the British Invasion in 1964, he remained a popular attraction, signing a one-year contract to perform at the now-iconic club the Whisky a Go Go (located on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood). His first album, Johnny Rivers at the Whisky a Go Go, was released in 1964 and was a commercial success, as was the single âMemphis,â which reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Johnny Riversâ next Top 10 hit was âMountain of Loveâ (1964), which was included on the album In Action. Further Top 10 and Top 20 hits followed including âMidnight Specialâ (1965), âSeventh Sonâ (1965), âSecret Agent Manâ (1966), the number 1 single âPoor Side of Townâ (1966), âBaby I Need Your Lovinââ (1967), and âSummer Rainâ (1967). While he continued to release a series albums and singles throughout the remainder of the decade, most of them fell outside of the Top 40. Johnny Rivers experimented with several styles â folk, soul, easy listening, and psyche - during this period, moving away from the sweaty rock sound that informed his series of Whiskey a Go Go albums. He scored a surprise hit with 1972âs âRockinâ Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Fluâ (from the L.A. Reggae album), which reached number 6 on the Hot 100. Johnny Riversâ final Top 10 hit was the soft rock classic âSwayinâ to the Music (Slow Dancinâ)â in 1977. While his albums remain critical favorites, he remains best known for his hit singles, which have been collected on many different compilations over the years. Johnny Rivers announced his retirement from the music business in 2023.
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Albums
Top Tracks
- Track Popularity
- Secret Agent Man
- Baby, I Need Your Lovin'
- Rockin' Pneumonia - Boogie Woogie Flu
- Seventh Son
- Memphis
- Poor Side Of Town
- The Tracks Of My Tears
- Where Have All The Flowers Gone
- Midnight Special
- Summer Rain
- Uptight (Everything's Alright)
- The Way We Live
- You Must Believe
- In The Midnight Hour
- Respect
- I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)
- You Dig
- Run For Your Life
- Every Day I Have To Cry
- Foolkiller
- Enemies And Friends
- You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
- Apple Tree
- Green, Green
