Johnny Rawls
My Turn to Win
(JSP 2116)
It isn't often upon giving a new CD a first
listen that one of the songs jumps up and shouts 'hit'. But Johnny Rawls with his new CD
My Turn to Win has accomplished this feat with the song 'Lucy'. Lucy is a tale about a
fine dancin' girl from Georgia. The lyrics and music to this song are just a wonderful
blend that make it deserving of the title 'the song' of this summer. Although this is a
blues CD there is no reason that this song cannot be heard on R&B and pop stations as
well as blues shows. Not to be lost in the shadow of this song it should be noted that
there are 10 other fine original compositions on My Turn to Win, JRs third CD for JSP
Records. Johnny Rawls was born in Purvis, Mississippi in 1951. In 1969 Johnny moved off
the beaten blues track by moving to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. But, that did not deter his
guitar and songwriting education. By the mid 70s he had become band director for the
legendary soul singer, O.V. Wright. Johnny has also played with Z.Z. Hill, Joe Tex and
Little Johnny Taylor. Johnny is not only creating his own niche with the fine songs he has
been putting out on his recordings. The JSP catalog includes 7 other CDs that Johnny Rawls
has produced, along with upcoming number 8, a production with Phil Guy to be recorded this
June. As with many other blues artists of his talents, but no skyrocketing record sales,
Johnny Rawls continues to tour heavily on the small blues club circuit. If you go to see
his live performances you will not be disappointed. You can also go up to Johnny before or
after the show. He will be glad to talk about his music with you. And you will walk away
happy, having had a conversation not only with a fine musician, but a darn nice person as
well. My Turn to Win is a wonderful CD that does just representation to the depth of
talent that Johnny Rawls possesses. This collection just oozes with the warmth and joy
that makes Johnny Rawls who he is.
- Scott Ferman -
Southwest Blues CD Review - April 1999
Current Reviews - 1999 Reviews - available at our store
