Legendary guitarist Danny Johnson of Steppenwolf will be the headline entertainment for the live music stage at Delta Hog Fest Vintage Chopper Show on Saturday, April 8, 2017, in Yazoo City, Mississippi.
Danny Johnson, guitarist/vocalist/songwriter, is excited about his visit to Yazoo. It has been many years since he last played in the area, and Yazoo City is excited to welcome him back.
Johnson was born and raised in Louisiana, where he was discovered by another one of rock & roll’s guitar greats, Rick Derringer. A young Danny Johnson can be heard on four of Derringer’s CBS projects, where Johnson’s talents are exhibited not only as a budding guitar master but also as a songwriter and vocalist. Johnson’s evolution from son of the South to world-renowned artist included a stint with his own trio, Axis. A contract with RCA followed.
Eventually, Rod Stewart became aware of Johnson and offered him the opportunity to write, record, and tour with him. The 1981 Warner Brothers release Tonight I’m Yours includes Johnson’s haunting style. Over the years, he’s been in demand by the likes of Eddie Van Halen, Alice Cooper, country/rockabilly kid Billy Burnette, Danny Tate, and Steppenwolf. While he holds an impressive place in the annals of rock history, he has also distinguished himself as a honky tonker, a contributor to the genre of country-blues, and a film composer whose credits include Wayne’s World, Gremlins II, and a documentary about baseball hero Nolan Ryan.
Delta Hog Fest will include a People’s Choice Chopper Award, Vintage Chopper Show (1985 & Earlier), Food & Beverage Vendors, and Merchandise Vendors. The Live Music will begin at noon with Burlap Rebellion (Belzoni, MS), followed by Bill Abel, “Bluesman” McKenney Williams (Jackson, MS) and finish with two sets by Danny Johnson. A Charity Poker Run begins at 9 am with all proceeds donated to the Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital.
Delta Hog Fest is presented by “Chopper” Joe Robertson and sponsored in part by the Yazoo County Fair Association, Southern Beverage, Inc. (Budweiser), Slop Shop Southern Customs (Jackson, MS), Yazoo County CVB, Lowbrow Customs, Main Street Hotel of Yazoo City, and friends. The event will be held at the Yazoo County Fairgrounds, 203 Hugh McGraw Drive, Yazoo City, Mississippi, with gates opening at 9 am. Admission for the all-day event is $25 at the gate. No pre-sold tickets.
