JOHNNY SHINES

Although a native of Tennessee, Johnny Shines made Alabama his home in the late 60s. The world renown Blues musician has been declared a "Living Treasure" of Alabama, been nominated for a Grammy, received the Chicago Blues Living Legend Award, been inducted into the Delta Blues Museum, and awarded membership to the "Hot Club Du France". A leading exponent of the Delta Blues style, Shines traveled with Robert Johnson during the 30s playing get backs, juke joints, street corners, and The Elder Moten Hour radio program in Windsor, Canada. The two split up shortly before Johnson's mysterious death, and Shines went on to fame as one of the innovators of the Chicago Blues style. In the mid-50s he retired from performing following a dispute over royalties, but was coaxed back into recording a decade later. In addition to many recordings for a variety of labels, Shines has performed throughout the United States, Europe and Japan. In the late 60s, Shines daughter died leaving 10 children. He moved to Tuscaloosa to raise his grandchildren. In 1980, Shines suffered a career threatening stroke, but his strength and determination returned him to the concert stage until his death in 1992.

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