Author Archives: Johnny Sumrall

About Johnny Sumrall

Johnny Sumrall grew up in Jackson, Mississippi in the midst of the Rock and Roll Era of the 1950s and is a true aficionado of the music of his youth. His book, Classic Magnolia Rock—History of Original Mississippi Rock and Roll 1952-1970, is a unique and wholly authentic account of those heady times. While researching his book, Johnny secured personal interviews with almost all the local artists who were making their mark on the music world at that time and place, and the stories are told from their perspective.

Mississippi Firsts in Original Rock ‘N’ Roll, Part 2

Posted on September 4, 2018 by Johnny Sumrall

Mississippi Firsts in Original Rock ‘N’ Roll, Part 2 By Johnny W. Sumrall Jr., Author of Classic Magnolia Rock — History of Original Mississippi Rock and Roll, 1953 – 1970 Dick Clark, Cliff, Barbara, and Ed Thomas Cliff Thomas began … Continue reading →

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Mississippi Firsts in Original Rock ‘n’ Roll

Posted on August 8, 2018 by Johnny Sumrall

Mississippi Firsts in Original Rock ‘n’ Roll by Johnny W. Sumrall Jr. Author of Classic Magnolia Rock History of Original Mississippi Rock ‘n’ Roll from 1953 – 1970 One of the first bands in the Mississippi Rock and Roll genre … Continue reading →

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Almost Famous—Hoppy Bennett and the Esquires by Johnny W. Sumrall Jr

Posted on May 13, 2014 by Johnny Sumrall

In 1964 The Surgeon General of The United States issued a report stating that smoking is bad for you. James “Hoppy” Bennett took that as an opportunity to write a the song “Smoking is Bad for You”. Hoppy Bennett and … Continue reading →

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Mississippi Fred McDowell – I do not play no rock’n’roll By Johnny W. Sumrall Jr

Posted on January 24, 2014 by Johnny Sumrall

From the back cover of the album “Mississippi Fred McDowell…I do not play no rock’n’roll”  Fred introduces himself and his music with these words: ” My name is Fred McDowell. They call me Mississippi Fred McDowell. But my home’s in … Continue reading →

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Fuzzy Buffer—Man or Group by Johnny W. Sumrall Jr.

Posted on January 1, 2014 by Johnny Sumrall

Editor’s Note: Johnny Sumrall writes about Mississippi’s Rock-n-Roll history.   I first learned about Fuzzy Buffer when interviewing Gerald “Wolf” Stephenson for my book, Classic Magnolia Rock. Wolf was one of the owners of the then MALACO recording studio located … Continue reading →

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Rock and Roll Firsts from Mississippi by Johnny Sumrall

Posted on October 17, 2013 by Johnny Sumrall

  Although Mississippi is noted for Blues music, there are many firsts in Rock and Roll music from the Magnolia State. The first rock and roll record to be released world-wide was a song by the original Rolling Stones from … Continue reading →

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Rock History Rocks on in Mississippi Part II by Johnny W. Sumrall

Posted on September 27, 2013 by Johnny Sumrall

  Editor’s note:  This is the second of Johnny Sumrall’s two-part series on early Rock and Roll bands in Mississippi.  His comprehensive book, Classic Magnolia Rock—History of Original Mississippi Rock and Roll 1952-1970, is available in our on-line store. Among … Continue reading →

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Rock History Rocks On In Mississippi by Johnny W. Sumrall Jr

Posted on September 18, 2013 by Johnny Sumrall

Editor’s Note: This is the first of two posts on Mississippi’s rock history by Mr. Sumrall. This post takes you back to the heady days of the most successful local band of the time, Andy Anderson and the Rolling Stones. … Continue reading →

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