Page 20 - BiTS_09_SEPTEMBER_2024_Neat

throw from Oak Cliff, separated only by the Trinity River. Most everyone has a story about

Johnnie. Even those in later generations remember him from listening to their parents
talk about him and playing his music, so not only do the 'old-timers' have special memories,
but their kids and grand-kids know and love him. I test this theory when I meet a younger

person and they say, “I love me some Johnnie Taylor” by asking them what their favourite
song is, and they always respond promptly with a recognizable song. To answer your
question, to the Black residents, he's a local legend. He is virtually unknown to the majority
of White citizens.

ND: How easy was it to write the book?

GH: The book was in ways difficult to write. I had to walk a tightrope between the
acknowledged kids of Johnnie's and the unacknowledged children. T.J. and Fonda, being

unacknowledged, gave me strict instructions not to contact the others. The two factions
are at odds and I was told the acknowledged may try to sabotage the project. What’s sad
is they’re missing an opportunity to celebrate their dad, rather than their petty bickering.

Finding pictures of Johnnie and his family was also difficult - most Black people during
that era didn’t have cameras and very few had any quality photos. I quickly found out that
any history about Johnnie is beginning to disappear. At times it was difficult to find

anything written about him, especially his youth - there wasn’t much documented at that
time.

ND: How important was T.J. Hooker and in what ways?

GH: T.J. was important in a number of ways. First he was a strong proponent to having
his father recognized, which was his primary goal. It was his idea for the book. He was
also instrumental in making introductions to local blues artists, studio musicians,

promoters, other unacknowledged children, their parents and others that provided quotes
throughout the book. Without these introductions I wouldn’t have been able to complete
the project. T.J. served as a strong advocate for the story and was a constant source of
information and inspiration. He also supplied many of the photos that found their way
into the book.

ND: How do the blues artists in the area recall Johnnie?

GH: Everyone still has fond memories of Johnnie. I frequently talk to Bobby Patterson,
Ernie Johnson, Bobi Bush and Gregg A. Smith, long-time, local blues entertainers and they
have the highest regard for him both as a person and as an entertainer. Most said he was

'just a regular guy', very down to earth, and seemed to remember where he came from.
He was admired, respected and revered. To a person, they all looked up to Johnnie for
direction, support and advice. He was wise in ways and would help anyone who wanted
to get ahead.

ND: How do the churches consider Johnnie?

GH: The local Black churches thought the world of Johnnie. They considered him a local
superstar who would grace their congregations whenever he would appear and sing. He
was a celebrity of the highest calibre and received a great amount of love from congregant