George Johnson Documentary on the Brother's Johnson

Backstage George Johnson reveals the entire Brother's Johnson story. It's an incredible story, one any true fan would relish the opportunity to hear. It had been cataloged and filed away, but with the recent events that have happened, we felt it important to share it. Here is the real deal...R.I.P. Louis. God bless George and the entire Johnson family. Heartfelt condolences. Please... share with the world.

[@scrapiron]

I met George once in Altadena, California by chance. He introduced himself and I then recognized who he was. This was in maybe 2013, he was a very nice and humble person. We had maybe a 10 minute conversation, the Brothers Johnson are legends to me. I grew up on their music in the late seventies and saw them in concert, once or twice. Good people.

[@deegeorge5711]

Nobody could touch The Brothers Johnson’s funk! Still listenable today!

[@karenmackie4136]

TRUTH!!!!

[@fothgt]

I beg to differ! There was a group called Slave!

[@deegeorge5711]

@@fothgt Unfortunatley not so. Slave came after the Brothers Johson and while they were certainly funky (for a time before Steve Arrington split) they, IMO, couldnt touch the Brothers Johnson

[@deegeorge5711]

@@fothgt Slave came after the success of The Brothers Johnson and while they were funky for a hit (before Steven Arrington split) they, IMO, were not on the level of the Brothers Johnson

[@angelainyt]

Right On!

[@williamdupar3580]

His father saw his enthusiasm and cultivated it. Thank you Mr. Johnson for sewing the seeds that became The Brothers Johnson.

[@coffeebrown7056]

I remember seeing these brothers in concert. The show was off the chain. 💃 this was back in the early eighties. I loved it I had a damn good time. Definitely underrated. They were some talented Brothers. That's when music was music. People used to play their own Shit. Was NO sampling other people's records then. I miss those days

[@bigcheese2128]

No shade to sampling I think it’s a valid art form that opens a new world of creativity but I do wish I grew up when legit bands were still cool

[@louisclark7903]

My Brothers, My Heroes Forever!

[@Shamelessrue]

One thing about older musicians they are gonna stay hip!

[@JTThomas82]

George Johnson looks great for his age.

[@shawnlgore]

+JT STAR bennie boo what it doo

[@JTThomas82]

Yo Mr. Gore LOL. I see where you at lmao

[@andrejeffries7038]

He sure does

[@dailmcdavid5883]

He still looks the same

[@jckeentunes7217]

Highly under rated cats

[@tonybarber3535]

You can’t be underrated if you’ve made music with Quincy Jones he produces the best

[@spellerlittlewing]

Not really their seen and heard more than Most R&B funk jazz acts

[@khylearmourwaters171]

Understatement

[@stanislouse4168]

bull. THEY WERE GREAT.

[@ezedikeohamadike9003]

Everyone knows the Brothers Johnson were well known. Louis was a monster bassist.

[@sporkfindus4777]

Their dad sounds like he was a wonderful guy

[@lisayantorn6917]

I love you, George, just as handsome as the day you recorded STOMP!!!

[@michaelbowman7428]

Unfortunate there has YET to be an Unsung episode done on the Brothers Johnson.

[@bishophartselcliftonshirle7859]

I agree! OVERDUE for less worthy acts!!

[@qowens4474]

Heatwave has been done

[@PearsonJd2]

I've been waiting since Unsung premiered for the Brothers Johnson, now Louis has passed and still no episode.

[@dewaynewhite2928]

I'm pretty sure it won't be long, they can't be denied much longer, its probably up to George if he wants to or not!

[@jsamc]

maybe its because they were sung.

[@lawannalov52]

The Johnson brothers were always, two handsome, talented fine brothers!!!!!! I loved all of their music, nonetheless, the instrumental "Tomorrow" will always one of my favorites....What a beautiful time!!!!

[@charlac0893]

I play along side with my flute!

[@defmaster88]

I could listen to George Johnson tell stories ALL DAY! This is music history! 👍👍👍👍👍

[@demetriharlan5887]

My mom has this album, I am so grateful to be a 70's baby.

[@bluejade1212]

Playing on a record player and better not touch it...good ol days

[@weirdal706]

Who didn't have that album, son!!!! 😅 You weren't cool if you didn't!

[@patrickcazeaux2874]

🎉I saw them at the HOB on sunset bvd in Hollywood. It was in 1995. Amazing ! We were just a few and they were invited to play for the 100th of Prince of Bel Air I think and famous people were on the upper floor. The bass solo of Louis Johnson on "stomp" was phenomenal.

[@morrisman64]

Thanks for the post a huge Brothers Johnson fan

[@DaVinciCelone1]

I love this guy!! George was my guitar hero growing up as Louis was my bass hero. Great interview. Rest In Peace to "Thunder Thumbs."

[@timdumah1006]

DaVinci Celone

[@weirdal706]

George was EVERYTHING

[@PhuckHue2]

its sad the family didn't give any details about the funeral. I would have gladly showed up to pay respects. Bass players from all around the world would have been there. I think they underestimated the impact he had on music

[@daviddesmond2143]

Yes but the family regarded Louis as Dad of Uncle and less of a bass player. Let us bass players celebrate Louis and we do that by watching his videos and appreciating all he did and the talents he had

[@faolanliath6687]

Back when there was REAL talent in the music industry.

[@nickyalousakis3851]

there is still talent today.... weekend for example.... but technology has made real talent harder to find and when you do find it. technology makes the talent lazy. you don't have to work as hard for the sounds.

[@faolanliath6687]

@@nickyalousakis3851 yes

[@liesdamnliesandstatsweird1934]

I LOVE the Brothers Johnson. Louis was too FINE😍😍😍. George is EXTREMELY talented as was the late Louis. RIP in Christ, Louis.

[@tribeofjudah3732]

R.I.P. Louis

[@sharonallen3990]

George and his wife Debbie were my good friends and there was never a nicer couple....Love them.....been to their house many times back then....Debbie passed ..almost 20 years ago...what a sweet sweet person she was, what a loss. Have moved away from Cali a few years back and lost touch with George....but will never forget the good times we had together....Deb and George even gave me a welcome back pool party/barbeque last time I was in L.A., at Irene Cara's house They always called me boo boo Kitty....I sure miss the old days and being young and carefree....RIP Debbie...love always....

[@OnALivingSpreeLLC]

Sharon Allen wow..respect to you ..

[@sharaa.5011]

That sounds incredible Sharon. As I read your words, I envisioned a time that was filled with great music, good times and fine men! 😍

[@waynefoote3781]

That is a beautiful story.

[@keitht47]

This is Golden!!! One of my favorite groups of all time!

[@lisaarnold-dempsey5877]

Here in 2020, listening to the vinyl "Right on Time" album that I got my parents to buy me for my 12th birthday.

[@l.m.a.d3901]

@@HipHipHooray1111 LOL, no baby here, LOL. But I was lucky to be exposed to good music from the womb. :)

[@bluejade1212]

Wow

[@TonyTwoStep96]

I listened to stomp for the first time this morning and it woke me up faster then my coffee. Amazing talent and GROOVE!

[@bjunk5344]

Thank you for uploading this interview. I have always said if o ever won the lotto I would fly these brothers 1st class to perform at my wedding along with Greg Phillinganes, Ray Parker Jr and Patrice Rushen and Larry Graham. It would cost a lot but it would be an evening I will always cherish.

[@rgordon2691]

This is Pure Gold..I have never heard an interview From George and heard how they all started as kids

[@RondaSmith144Empress]

I loved this group and I was a little girl in the 70s with ALL of the great music listening to them and I still do so thank you for this piece. The Brothers Johnson will forever be some fine talented brothers. RIP Louis 💖💖

[@kwanza122908]

George and Louis, Thanks for all the Brothers Johnson memories! All of its AWESOME!!!

[@Forever_Elegant]

When GOD sent us the gods of music they were the BOMB!!! Love you forever 💓

[@rubedogg6969]

George has always been pretty low key, it was good to hear him finally speak his mind.

[@mikeycapp1]

What a great story! Love these documentaries which tell you about the humble beginnings of these outstanding performers. Rest in Peace Louis Johnson. Always Remembered.

[@onionman4]

I used to listen to Rock and Punk etc all the time until I heard the Brothers Johnson. Since then Funk, R&B etc is all you will hear in my house and car, because of these guys. Thank you George, Louis and Co !!

[@motowninvestor]

This documentary is GOLDEN!

[@user-go5mv9uw8v]

This band is underrated, they’re legends

[@georgebarich2997]

Thank you, Andre. Been playin' and singin' their tunes since 1975 in Northern California.

[@webbgems67]

I thank you brothers for decades of wonderful musical compositions 🤗

[@YahluvIsrael]

This was one of my favorite funk groups when I was growing up as a little boy. Growing up around my older cousins playing Brothers Johnson and watching their afros, clothes and listening to the jive talk. Good ole r and b days for me and I'm glad I can think back that far as an adult. Thank you.

[@memeexclusive]

0 dislikes, damn right. This is intriguing and entertaining an interview as I've ever seen. True greatness.

[@passion4posh]

i had the biggest crush on George as a kid.

[@mzvee4280]

passion4posh i still do, lol

[@user-vp6gs3md8g]

One of the best groups ever!

[@tedkay3750]

Being at the place at the right time!

[@spell-boundlb3426]

Ohmygosh.. I Loved The Brothers Johnson from the 1st time I ever heard them on the radio 📻 years ago❣️🎧😎 Saw a live performance in Central Florida many, many years ago and it was phenomenal.. ❤🎸🎸

[@pearlharris4306]

The first time I saw the Brothers Johnson was in Ames Iowa, along with Earth Wind & Fire and the Emotions, you talking about a Concert, Been to many but the lighting was Awesome, they all put on a Show, never forget it.

[@MrNathan791]

Louis Johnson was one of my early inspirations to pick up the bass. Mr. Thunder Thumb himself. Boy did we have fun back in high school in ‘78-‘79 grooving to their music. I’m telling you that era of music, 60’s-80’s was the best music EVER. There was so many great bands and music. No music today comes close. RIP Louis Johnson. 🎼🎼👍🏾

[@kuladeeluxe]

Great Dad story

[@haylotroutman5871]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEORGE 🎉🎊🎂🎉🎁 Awesome we share the same birthday month!❤

[@flacoface]

Thanks for posting. He looks the same as he did 40 years ago.

[@alohadanielle5210]

Amazing. Such legendary songwriters and producers.

[@theodorek.credle7960]

Love George's explanation of the beginning of the Bros. Johnson. Similar to my musical beginnings. A real treat to hear!

[@MichelleMorrisMassage]

this is so beautiful. ...history. ..love this interview. thank you what a talented family.

[@timdumah1006]

Michelle Morris

[@nicholasdenton3888]

Back in the late 70’s I became a fan at the age of 12! You’re my favorite band of all times to this day! Anyone who ever gets a chance in life to know Q is blessed!

[@bluejade1212]

Good music indeed

[@garrisonthad]

The story of George’s dad 1:20 is the power of what a (good) father I the home can do for a kid.

[@Mary_305]

Legendary in music 🎸🎸🎶🎤

[@jimmyferris]

Saw them live twice! 🎉

[@jacquelynhale5429]

Thank you for creating this documentary and sharing. Truly legendary. I’ve been a fan since I can remember. Loved and still love their music.

[@ADF-fe7fv]

Can’t even BEGIN to tell y’all how big a fan I was of The Brothers Johnson! When they first hit the scene, I was hooked. What INCREDIBLE music they made and talent they had! George is missed, Rest In Power.

[@GQBlue3]

I first fell in love with their music as a teen in the nineties. Great music. Thanks for sharing.

[@JamesDavis-wq5lm]

Beautiful testimony

[@pehe77]

I was a teen in the 70's and fell head long into a lifelong love affair with their music

[@jonscott5079]

always loved these guys...had their albums since I was a kid...I especially loved Louis's bass playing...I followed him wherever he went musically...he played for lots of other musicians and u couldnt miss his distinct bass style.

[@weird9719]

Great music...never forgotten!

[@ashokmahesh2812]

Louis is my bass Mentor

[@mellyp3748]

Omg my favorite song is Stomp! I love them

[@skillonaire]

"I'll be good to you", produced by Quincy brought me here...

[@BaadBadBoy]

This is cool. First time I've heard George's perspective on their history. Would've been nice to hear Louis' as well but hey, we got what we got. Thanks for posting bro.

[@waynefoote3781]

These guys are and remain SO SPECIAL.....what talent! This by the way cannot be beat as a documentary sort of auto-biography.

[@carlosbright9615]

I miss the 70's. I was at Morgan State University when their song Strawberry Letter 23 came out. I was a junior at Morgan in 1977. We partied to that song smoking weed back in those days.

[@rhymeon]

Such a lovely video with some awesome history... thankfully the Q and Stevie are still with us to definitely corroborate what George has said about their professional beginnings... One very important thing... peace and love to George & Louis's Father, who according to George, gave them ALL the support and encouragement they needed to get into music, from him (George) sitting in front of his Dad who made him the milk carton instrument, then built him (with their Uncle assisting) his first electric guitar and then also listened to George who advised that he bought Louis a bass guitar etc.. and their mum who agreed to allow Louis to hit the road at short notice. R.I.P Louis.... peace to George, the Q and Stevie. Also this is an awesome video I had never ever seen before with the brothers and the Q -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKSkhJxom9ZkaZI&ab_channel=SoulTrain

[@dimpleface2163]

I will love the Brothers Johnson forever...I remember briefly speaking to George when he was at KACE 103.9 in L.A. interviewing. Soon after that, I became an intern at the station. lol

[@WinsomeJohnny]

This is a treasure!

[@MrTR76]

Love it George is the spittin image of my. Late Uncle James his favorite jam was Strawberry Letter 23 Much Love Brothers Johnson Rip Louis🙏💯

[@latroniajaranilla529]

I just luv this musical family.I' ve enjoyed some good music from them back in the 7o's and still now, continually listening to their music.Good Music!! Miss you Louis!!!

[@funk69ful]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!

[@jeannie20001]

They don't make them like this anymore. 🙏💗💙

[@goldenthug9]

this is incredible!

[@troysvisualarts]

Thanks for sharing this great interview, George's story on the early days of The Brothers Johnson is just amazing, love how his dad slapped together a milk carton rubber band guitar for him during the Ed Sullivan Show commercial break, that is just really cool!!! Anyhow I'm a fan from Australia, first heard their hit song "Stomp" when I was 16 in the 1997 absolutely loved it, a year later bought their album "Right On Time" from a local Sunday flea market, FANASTIC album and have grown to love their music ever since, they are a super cool funk band!!!

[@MissVerdine]

How awesome that must have been! Thanks for sharing. Love me some Luis. George was the pretty, IMO.

[@Ston247]

I saw them at Carnegie Hall back in 1977. This was after the Right On Time album had come out. INCREDIBLE show ! Louis took thumbing bass solos on Right On Time and Thunder Thumbs & Lightning Licks and TORE shit up ! Later, I heard a rumor that Louis got mad at trombonist Kenny Pickens for simulating playing bass while Louis was soloing. I don't know how true that is. The Bus Is Coming- Billy Preston Kick ass tune!

[@andreberry5618]

Yeah whoo-wee...Louis was a true animal on the bass! I mean other guys had cool, finesse...whatever. but Louis was a bass showman and a slap bass pioneer. He was lights out ridiculous. Gifted.

[@anchmcle]

Their promoter or something lived across the hall from me when I was a teenager. He gave me their Stomp album, man he didn't have to ask, I'm sure he heard it playing any time he was in the hallway. Loved that album!!

[@clarenceawalker1873]

Wow is right what really caught my attention is when Quincy told George I'm interested in hearing what the future of music sounds like which is evolution, A fascinating story.🦅

[@epat32]

great story! wish it was longer!!!

[@andyxeno]

thanks dude, much appreciated

[@hkincade76]

Great interview

[@David.962]

Back in the day, I used to hang out at the record store in my neighborhood, checking out music the latest LP, Louis Johnson with in demand, every LP you picked up, he would be in the credits, everybody wanted him to play on their albums, it's back in the early seventies, I mean he was on a lot of albums playing bass, he had a reputation in the industry. Rest in peace brother.

[@caveman726]

Great interview! Thank you so much for posting!!

[@cjjaxxon]

Good interview!

[@cathythomas9128]

great Interview George!

[@kyieberry]

LEGENDARY BEAUTIFUL MAN!

[@BigBrian]

Family-I remember Alex picking us up with Their Manager who'a name was Marvin at the time We went skating at shake n bake In Baltimore-then was backstage with the brothers Johnson when they played at the Capital Center in Washington DC back in the 80's hanging out in their dressing room :) R.I.P. Louis

[@anthonyglaude2221]

RIP brah"Louis J."

[@critter7052]

RIP Thunder Thumbs and thanks for posting< Andre!

[@ramirez368]

Great band from L.A

[@bill12616]

I saw them in concert in 1979 in Phoenix AZ promoting rhe stomp album

[@craiga.ballard8032]

Man i'am so amazed by this story all these genius in one circle GOD continue to bless OMG

[@brianj.3274]

Beautiful Upload...Thank you so much for Sharing. B

[@6402680]

Great interview, heard things that had not known about the Brothers.

[@jameshayden2538]

Man I Love This...All In Detail....Tell It All Bro. George.

[@GChizo]

Outstanding!!!

[@sonnet9100]

Long time fan...still a fan

[@BlackRootsUNLIMITED]

Supreme Musicians 👌🏿 ♥️

[@youlandaanderson5111]

They had their own unique style of music. FUNK