It all started in the early 60’s with Johnny Vernazza‘s involvement in the San Francisco music scene. This led to joining San Francisco blues group, the Elvin Bishop Band, as second lead and slide guitarist, recording five albums in the following four years. This included the hit record, “Fooled Around and Fell In Love”. At the time, Johnny Vernazza averaged 290 dates a year, touring all over the US.
We now find legendary slide bluesman, Johnny Vernazza, living and recording in Southern California, where he is currently wrapping up production on his second solo album, titled, “Jungle Out There”.
It wasn’t until he relocated to the San Diego area in 2001 that he put together his own group, “VERNAZZA”, and began to promote himself as a solo artist.
He can be seen in recent DVD re-issues of NBC’s Midnight Special, where he performed many shows with the Elvin Bishop Band, and once pressed into service on the show by Van Morrison. Presently, Johnny finds time to teach guitar to the brave men, women, and their families of the Marine Corps, based at Camp Pendleton, CA.
Music from Johnny Vernazza‘s CD, “Feel Like Goin’ Home”, is featured on the NBC series, ‘My Name Is Earl’. He earned a gold record (One million sold) for his signature guitar part on “Fooled Around and Fell in Love,” and the song can be heard in numerous movies (Boogie Nights, Big Daddy) and current TV shows, Entourage & Brotherhood.

Currently, John Vernazza is touring as lead guitarist with Norton and the Knockouts (famous for Norton Buffalo, who sadly passed away in October, 2009). He has toured with this band for over 20 years and is keeping the tradition alive.

Recommendations

Johnny V is a very tasteful guitar player and an all around great guy. He’s been out there “in the trenches” playing great blues a looooong time and making a lot of people happy”
- Charlie Musselwhite

“I have had the pleasure of knowing and sometimes playing with Johnny V for many years. Not only is he a true gentleman, he plays the guitar with a passion I have always admired. He always seems to reach out a little further for that uplifting passage to propel the music higher and higher. His latest CD (it’s great!) keeps me company all the time on my iPod. I can hardly wait to hear what he comes up with next.”
- Pat Simmons - Doobie Brothers

“Johnny Vernazza did such a great job backing Ian Siegal I thought he was a long time member of the band; the rhythm section he put together was unreal! Johnny ”V” is someone any artist would want on their side.”
- Otis Taylor

“A master showman and guitarist, Johnny V is the real deal and one of the great unsung heros of live music!”
- Mick Martin, The Blues Party: KKTO, KQNC, KUOP & KXJS



Discography  

Johnny “V” Vernazza :
“Feel Like Goin’ Home “

Elvin Bishop : Delta Groove Records
“The Blues Roll’s On “

Norton Buffalo & the Knockouts : Blind Pig Records
“King of the Highway”

Bob Brozman : Rounder Records
“Truck Load of Blues”

Elvin Bishop : Capricorn Records
“Hog Heaven”

Mickey Thomas : MCA Records
“As Long as You Love Me”    

Marshall Tucker Band : Capricorn Records
“Where We All Belong “

With The Elvin Bishop Band : Capricorn Records
“Let it Flow”
“Juke Joint Jump”
“Struttin’ My Stuff”
“Raisin’ Hell Live”
“Home Town Boy Makes Good “