Louis Johnson
My first major tour was 1978 when Fatback on the strength of a hit "I Like The Girls" opened up for THE OJAYS, and BROTHERS JOHNSON. I Like The Girls stayed in top ten charts for 24 weeks!
It was Louis's first tour and we hung out a few times at hotel. I did most of my hanging with The O'Jays, Norman Harris. The Brothers Johnson had a special catering clause in their contract. So while Fatback got salami sandwiches, The Brothers Johns band enjoyed fancier food like salmon and brie. I remember I used to sneak into their dressing room to grab some food while they were on stage.
Fifteen years later in LA, I met up with Norman again when he judged a Jimi Hendrix Tribute contest. He was a great guy and very humble, but he ended up voting for another band because they were all girls. Even though they were amazing musicians, I think he was impressed by the guitarist, Suzzane Thomas, who was one of the best female guitarists in LA. Suzzane, along with Laurie Von Lindstruth, could outplay most guys. However, it was a band contest, and the rest of her band couldn't match up to my rhythm section.
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Damn what a cool bill to be on. I could use one of those salami sandwiches.