THE LEGENDARY
BILLY “SHOES” JOHNSON
BILLY “SHOES” JOHNSON’S MUSICAL JOURNEY began at the tender age of 6 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His drumming career has spanned over five decades, showcasing his versatility and talent across various genres and collaborations.
In the early 1970s, Johnson’s career took off as he played with notable artists such as Patti LaBelle, Jean Carn, and Pablo Cruise. A significant milestone was his recording with Donny Hathaway on the song “You Were Meant for Me,” produced by Dexter Wansel.
Johnson honed his skills under the tutelage of Philadelphia drummers Gerry Brown and Cornell Rochester. He frequently traveled to New York City to jam, which led to collaborations with the Eubanks brothers – Kevin on guitar and Robin on trombone.
As the mid-70s approached, Johnson began touring with artists like LaBelle, Carn, and Dexter Wansel. His first major touring gig came in 1974 with Major Harris, known for “Love Won’t Let Me Wait.” He then worked with the Philadelphia International female vocal trio, First Choice.
The 1980s saw Johnson relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area to join Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. He toured and recorded three gold albums with the band: “Joy and Pain,” “Live in New Orleans,” and “We Are One.” He also reunited with fellow Philadelphian saxophonist George Howard, co-writing the title song of George’s “Dancing in the Sun” album.
Johnson’s career reached new heights in the 1990s when he joined Santana for the first time in 1990, staying for two years. He returned to Santana in 1994, remaining until 1997. During this period, he played at Woodstock 2 and recorded on the “Brothers” album. He also toured with MC Hammer on the “Too Legit to Quit” tour in 1992-93.
Throughout the late 90s and early 2000s, Johnson worked with various artists including Pablo Cruise, Patti Austin, and Angela Bofill. He had a long-standing collaboration with guitarist Joyce Cooling starting in the late 90s.
The 1980s saw Johnson relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area to join Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. He toured and recorded three gold albums with the band: “Joy and Pain,” “Live in New Orleans,” and “We Are One.” He also reunited with fellow Philadelphian saxophonist George Howard, co-writing the title song of George’s “Dancing in the Sun” album.
Johnson’s career reached new heights in the 1990s when he joined Santana for the first time in 1990, staying for two years. He returned to Santana in 1994, remaining until 1997. During this period, he played at Woodstock 2 and recorded on the “Brothers” album. He also toured with MC Hammer on the “Too Legit to Quit” tour in 1992-93.
Throughout the late 90s and early 2000s, Johnson worked with various artists including Pablo Cruise, Patti Austin, and Angela Bofill. He had a long-standing collaboration with guitarist Joyce Cooling starting in the late 90s.
In 2000, Johnson rejoined Santana for the Supernatural tour, drumming on “Yaleo,” the opening track of the Supernatural album. His diverse career also includes work with artists like Rosanne DeMalanta, Ray Obiedo, and Dan Ashley.
Today, Billy “Shoes” Johnson continues to make music as a member of the World Jazz band “FIVE TEN,” demonstrating that his passion for rhythm and groove remains as strong as ever.
Billy “Shoes” Johnson proudly endorses the BOOM CRD™, a revolutionary new device that enhances the sound of a drum. He has been collaborating with inventor Sam Millender for a number of years on the product which is coming to market this year.