Rockin ’ Johnny Burgin is a blues guitarist and singer who came up in the Chic ago blues scene during the 1990 s and recorded with Delmark Records. H e became friends with Arkansas native and veteran blues singer Tail Dragger Jones who took Burgin under his wing and introduced him to the blues world of Chicago's Wes t Side . “I’ll alway s owe him a debt of gratitude ' cause he hired me when I could hardly play at all.” When Jones was convicted of manslaughter and sent to prison, Burgin went to the prison with his band and performed a show featuring Jones on vocals. After a short time away from music, Burg in is back to touring and recording and is busier than ever . “Going away from music, it kinda hurt my soul , man. It’s not the right thing for me.”
Still frame from Pryor Center video interview with Rockin' Johnny Burgin at Bubba's Blues Corner; Helena, Arkansas, 2017
© Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, University of Arkansas
