Happy birthday to Jai Johanny Johanson, aka Jaimoe, who turns 74 today. Jaimoe is Southern-rock royalty and one of the founding members of the The Allman Brothers Band, along with Gregg and Duane Allman, fellow drummer Butch Trucks, Dickey Betts, and Berry Oakley.
Before joining ABB in 1969, the Mississippi-born Johanson played with Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and Joe Tex. His versatility, jazz, blues rock, R&B, and soul mastery helped ensure ABB’s placement as one of the most influential classic-rock bands of the era.
In 1995, Johanson and his fellow ABB members were indicted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
At 74, with more than 50 years of drumming under his belt, Johanson shows no signs of slowing down. He performs around the US with his current group, Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band.
Celebrate Jaimoe with some classic Allman Brothers songs, as well as a few more contemporary numbers. The above video is a drum duo with fellow drummer Butch Trucks, from 1979 (RIP Butch!).
Allman Brothers Band, “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed”
From Live at the Fillmore East in 1970, this video is part of an unaired set from a PBS-TV special.
Allman Brothers Band, “Trouble No More”
The ABB arranged this Muddy Waters tune on their first album, and a few other subsequent albums.
Drum Solo at the Veteran’s Memorial Benefit
Sgt. Dave Kuzminski (36th Army Band) and Jaimoe drum it out at a Vet’s Memorial Benefit.
Allman Brothers Band, “Whipping Post”
Also from the Fillmore East performance in 1970.
Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band compilation
A compilation of Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band performances, recorded over three nights at The Iridium, in New York City.
Allman Brothers Band, “Ramblin’ Man”
And what tribute would be complete without the ABB classic? This one was recorded live in 1972 at Hofstra University.