Wayne Township in Richmond in Wayne County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Lonnie Johnson

— Starr-Gennett Walk of Fame —

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 29, 2023

1. Lonnie Johnson Marker

Inscription. Johnson was among the great blues performers of the 1920's. Best known for his guitar playing, he also played violin, piano, and celeste on anonymous recordings for Gennett in 1927.

Donated in loving memory of Ruth Gennett Roller, “Cousin Bunny” (daughter of Harry Gennett), by Joanna Roller Cardinal (Ruth's daughter) and Alice Martin Karlebach

Erected by The Starr-Gennett Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.

Location. 39° 49.461′ N, 84° 54.007′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Indiana, in Wayne County. It is in Wayne Township. Marker can be reached from South 1st Street, 0.2 miles south of South A Street (U.S. 40). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 131 S 1st St, Richmond IN 47374, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Vernon Dalhart (here, next to this marker); Uncle Dave Macon (here, next to this marker); Sidney Bechet (a few steps from this marker); Lawrence Welk (a few steps from this marker); Big Bill Broonzy (a few steps from this marker); Artie Shaw (within shouting distance of this marker); Blind Lemon Jefferson

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(within shouting distance of this marker); The Gennett Recording Studio (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Also see . . . Alonzo “Lonnie” Johnson (1889–1970). He grew up hearing an eclectic mixture of musical styles ranging from jazz, ragtime, and country blues to old-time country, European classical, and Tin Pan Alley. His father, a violinist, led a string band, and Johnson’s six brothers and five sisters all played instruments. (Patrick Huber, Missouri Encyclopedia) (Submitted on May 4, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 29, 2023

2. Lonnie Johnson Marker

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 29, 2023

3. Lonnie Johnson Marker

Alonzo "Lonnie" Johnson (c. 1889-1970) image. Click for full size.

Russell Lee via Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (cropped) (Public Domain), April 1941

4. Alonzo "Lonnie" Johnson (c. 1889-1970)

He began performing in 1910 as a violinist and guitarist in the brothels, saloons, and cabarets of Storyville, the red-light district of his native New Orleans.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 3, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 60 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 3, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 4. submitted on May 4, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.