Louis Johnson, co-founder of influential funk band The Brothers Johnson, has passed away. He was 60-years-old.
Reports Rolling Stone:
Louis Johnson, founding member of funk band the Brothers Johnson and an in-demand bassist who appeared on Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” died on Thursday, May 21st. He was 60. Johnson’s nephew Troy confirmed his death to Rolling Stone, though a cause of death has yet to be revealed.
“I’ve never been given parts to play in my whole life. I’m the most rare bass player in the whole world,” Johnson told Rolling Stone contributing writer Steve Knopper in 2013 for the upcoming book MJ: The Genius of Michael Jackson. “No one ever gave me music paper to read; no one ever gave me anything to read. They tell me, ‘Here’s a track, play what you want.'”
Best known for hits like “Stomp” and “Strawberry Letter 23,” the work of The Brothers Johnson have long been mined by Hip-Hop producers for funky samples.
“Strawberry Letter 23” was sampled by DJ Quik for “Safe & Sound” while “Ain’t We Funkin’ Now” was sampled by D.O.C. (“It’s Funky Enough”) and Kid ‘N Play (“Last Night”), for example.
Rest in power Louis Johnson.
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