Gus Johnson (November 15, 1913 – February 6, 2000) was an American swing drummer in various jazz bands, born in Tyler, Texas, United States. After learning to play drums from his next-door neighbor, Johnson occasionally played professionally at the age of ten in the Lincoln Theater, and performed in various local groups, most notable McDavid's Blue Rhythm Band. Upon graduating from Booker T. Washington High School, Johnson moved to Kansas City, where he took up drumming full-time. He joined Jay McShann's Orchestra in 1938, with his music career being interrupted by his conscription into the military in 1943. In 1945, Johnson returned from his stint in the military, and relocated to Chicago to perform in the Jesse Miller Band. Johnson played on Willie Dixon's debut album, Willie's Blues. He subsequently played alongside Count Basie, and was recorded on the album, Basie Rides Again, in 1952. Following a recovery from appendicitis, Johnson was featured in numerous groups and dozens of recordings in the 1960s. In 1972, his former bandmates from Jay McShann's Orchestra reconvened to record Going to Kansas City. Although Johnson continued to tour into the 1980s, he developed Alzheimer's disease in 1989, which he struggled with until his death on February 6, 2000.

Discography

With Manny Albam With Count Basie With Lawrence Brown With Ray Bryant With Buck Clayton With Al Cohn With Willie Dixon and Memphis Slim With Ella Fitzgerald With Coleman Hawkins With Johnny Hodges With Willis Jackson With Herbie Mann With Gerry Mulligan With Joe Newman With Chico O'Farrill With Freda Payne With Oscar Pettiford With Al Sears With Zoot Sims With The Staple Singers With Rex Stewart and Cootie Williams With Ralph Sutton and Ruby Braff With Ralph Sutton and Jay McShann With Ralph Sutton and Kenny Davern With Buddy Tate With Frank Wess With Lem Winchester With Kai Winding