Introduction
Johnny Temple (October 18, 1906 – November 22, 1968) was an American Chicago blues guitarist and singer, who was active in the 1930s and 1940s. He was variously billed as Johnny Temple, Johnnie Temple and Johnnie "Geechie" Temple.
Life and career
Temple was born in Canton, Mississippi, and grew up around Jackson. He moved to Chicago in early 1930s and started playing with Joe McCoy in clubs. His most popular record, "Louise Louise Blues," released by Decca Records, was a hit in 1936. The Harlem Hamfats, a Chicago jazz band formed in 1936, provided backup music for Temple and other singers.
Temple continued recording with various labels through most of the 1940s. His connection with the record producer Mayo Williams provided him with recording opportunities until 1949. He returned to Mississippi in the mid-1950s, where he continued to perform in and around Jackson.
He died of cancer on November 22, 1968, aged 62, in Jackson.
Discography
| Artist | Recording Date | Matrix | Song | Catalog | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnnie Temple | 1935-05-14 | C-987-A | The Evil Devil Blues | Vocalion 02987 | 1935 |
| Johnnie Temple | 1935-05-14 | C-987-B | Jacksonville Blues | Vocalion 02987 | 1935 |
| Johnnie Temple | 1935-05-14 | C-983-B | Lead Pencil Blues (It Just Won't Write) | Vocalion 03068 | 1935 |
| Johnnie Temple | 1935-05-14 | C-986-B | Big Boat Whistle | Vocalion 03068 | 1935 |
| Johnnie Temple | 1935-05-14 | C-985-B | Morning Prayer Blues | Vocalion (unissued) | — |
| Johnnie Temple | 1935-05-14 | C-988-B | Cypress Grove Blues | Vocalion (unissued) | — |
| Johnnie Temple | 1936-11-12 | 90980-A | New Vicksburg Blues | Decca 7244 | 1936 |
| Johnnie Temple | 1936-11-12 | 90981-A | Louise Louise Blues | Decca 7244 | 1936 |
| Johnnie Temple | 1936-11-12 | 90981-B | Big Leg Woman | Decca 7244 | 1936 |
| Johnnie Temple | 1937-05-14 | 91249-A | Peepin' Through the Keyhole | Decca 7316 | 1937 |
| Johnnie Temple | 1937-05-14 | 91251-A | East St. Louis Blues | Decca 7316 | 1937 |
| Johnnie Temple | 1937-05-14 | 91247-A | So Lonely and Blue | Decca 7337 | 1937 |
| Johnnie Temple | 1937-05-14 | 91248-A | New Louise Louise Blues | Decca 7337 | 1937 |
| Johnnie Temple and the Harlem Hamfats | 1937-10-06 | 62653-A | Gimme Some of That Yum Yum Yum | Decca 7385 | 1937 |
| Johnnie Temple and the Harlem Hamfats | 1937-10-06 | 62654-A | Hoodoo Woman | Decca 7385 | 1937 |
| Johnnie Temple and the Harlem Hamfats | 1937-10-06 | 62655-A | Mama's Bad Luck Child | Decca 7416 | 1937 |
| Johnnie Temple and the Harlem Hamfats | 1937-05-14 | 91246-A | Snapping Cat | Decca 7416 | 1937 |
| Johnnie Temple | 1937-05-14 | 91250-A | Pimple Blues | Decca 7444 | 1937 |
| Johnnie Temple | 1937-10-06 | 62656-A | Mean Baby Blues | Decca 7444 | 1937 |
| Johnnie Temple | 1937-10-28 | C-2046-2 | Beale Street Sheik | Vocalion (unissued) | — |
| Johnnie Temple | 1937-10-28 | C-2049-2 | The Hoodoo Plan | Vocalion (unissued) | — |
| Johnny Temple with the Harlem Hamfats | 1938-04-22 | 63670-A | What Is That Smells Like Gravy | Decca 7456 | 1938 |
| Johnny Temple with the Harlem Hamfats | 1938-04-22 | 63674-A | County Jail Blues | Decca 7456 | 1938 |
| Johnny Temple with the Harlem Hamfats | 1938-04-22 | 63671-A | Every Dog Must Have His Day | Decca 7495 | 1938 |
| Johnny Temple with the Harlem Hamfats | 1938-04-22 | 63672-A | Fare You Well | Decca 7495 | 1938 |
| Johnny Temple with the Harlem Hamfats | 1938-04-22 | 63673-A | Stavin' Chain | Decca 7532 | 1938 |
| Johnny Temple with the Harlem Hamfats | 1938-04-22 | 63675-A | Gonna Ride 74 | Decca 7532 | 1938 |
| Johnny Temple | 1938-10-17 | 91520-A | Big Leg Woman | Decca 7547 | 1938 |
| Johnny Temple | 1938-10-17 | 91523-A | Between Midnight and Dawn | Decca 7547 | 1938 |
Selected discography
| Year | Title | Genre | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | The Essential (original recording remastered) | Chicago blues | Classic Blues | 2 CDs, 36 tracks |