The book will be released in April by the University of North Texas Press in their "Lives of Musicians" series. The book is about one of the most important musicians of the 20th Century, Lonnie Johnson (1894-1970). Lonnie was the greatest guitarist in the original generation of both Blues and Jazz, and was prime Founding Father of the powerful, virtuoso guitar solo in popular music. (Before Lonnie, the guitar was primarily used as a rhythm instrument.)

Lonnie Johnson's influence was tremendous throughout The Blues and Jazz; he was a principal early influence on BB King and Robert Johnson, for two examples. And his influence extended to the great Rock guitarists, Eric Clapton being the leading example. Lonnie was also a very good singer from the mid-1920s into the 1940s; he developed into a great singer from the late 1940s through the 1960s.

The book discusses Lonnie's extraordinary instrumental and vocal music and his musical influence, as well as his remarkable life story in general. It also places his music in the context of the development of the music of African-Americans and Twentieth Century music overall. That includes Lonnie as the original prime force leading the guitar to become the dominant instrument for all of popular music in the second half of the century. It also discusses the role of music in Black culture in America. And with that, it details the impact of musicians like Lonnie Johnson and Duke Ellington on progress towards Civil Rights. Lonnie, Duke and some other Black musicians were artistically brilliant and presented themselves in an urbane, sophisticated, and dignified manner. And in so doing, working in the only realm Blacks could be prominent in on a national stage, music, they were models for their race; they were remarkably creative, dignified individuals who embodied a refutation of the racist stereotypes in America, from the 1920s into the 1960s.

Dr. D interviewed B.B. King for the book, and B.B. is interested in and supportive of the project. Also interviewed have been Chicago Blues guitar great Buddy Guy, Howlin' Wolf's long time lead guitarist, Hubert Sumlin, etc. These musicians and a series of leading Blues writers are supportive of the book project.
BB King and Dr. Dean Alger

“This book is great! Besides the superb review and assessment of Lonnie Johnson’s music and life, the perspectives on development of artistry on the guitar and broader societal impacts make this a profoundly meaningful book. Lonnie Johnson’s importance for 20th century music is monumental; this book is long over due in spelling out why.”
— Lawrence Cohn, former Vice President of Columbia/Epic Records, Grammy-winning producer of “Robert Johnson – The Complete Recordings,” editor of Nothing But The Blues