Johnny Jay
Johnny Jay (* 9. October 1934 in Duluth , Minnesota , as John J. Huhta ) is an American rockabilly musician . Jay co-wrote Dave Dudley's 1972 hit It Takes Time .
Life
Childhood and youth
Johnny Jay grew up in Minnesota. He played the saxophone in high school and later learned guitar and banjo as well . At 17 he had his first own radio show on the local broadcaster WEBC together with his band, the Sunnysiders . A year later, Jay was called up for military service and served in the Korean War . After his release, he lived in Montana .
Career
In 1956 Jay founded the Shuffle Kings with his two younger brothers Mike and Max and performed in clubs in the evenings. In 1957 Jay and his brothers traveled to Nashville , Tennessee , and were soon taken on the tour by Hawkshaw Hawkins and Jean Shepard . After the three brothers met country star Ernest Tubb , he gave them the opportunity to perform in his Midnight Jamboree at WSM . With Tubb's help, Jay and his brothers got a manager who organized an appointment in Studio B of the RCA Victor label . With The Jordanaires and Hank Garland two titles were produced, SugarDoll and Tears (Keep On Falling) which at Mercury Records were published. The Billboard magazine wrote in its November issue 1957, both entitled "hit potential" to have.
During the next few years Jay recorded for various labels such as Play Records, DEK and Stop Records. Over the years he has performed with well-known musicians such as Johnny Cash , Tammy Wynette , Buddy Knox , Jim Reeves , Claude King , Wynn Stewart , Marvin Rainwater and Dave Dudley , with whom he wrote his hit It Takes Time . Jay still performs today and occasionally writes songs. He lives near Brainerd.
Discography
| year | title | Record company |
|---|---|---|
| 1957 | Sugar Doll / Tears (Keep On Falling) | Mercury Records |
| 1958 | I'm gonna keep it / send me love | Mercury Records |
| 1958 | That's What I Like About Love / Let Me Keep Your Company | Play Records |
| 19 ?? | The Bartenders Song / Tears (Keep On Falling) (as John J. Huhta) | DEK Records |
| 19 ?? | Buck $ 2.80 /? | Stop records |
Web links
- Entry into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame
- Discography with audio samples
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Jay, Johnny |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Huhta, John J. (real name) |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American rockabilly musician |
| DATE OF BIRTH | October 9, 1934 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Duluth , Minnesota |