Edward T. "Noon" Johnson

Edward T. "Noon" Johnson (August 24, 1903—September 18, 1968) was an American jazz musician. He played "bazooka", ukulele, tuba, and guitar, and also sang.

Life and work

Noon Johnson was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on August 24, 1903.

A multi-instrumentalist from an early age, he is known for playing his creation of the "bazooka", a cross between a horn and a kazoo. Radio comedian Bob Burns is credited with inventing this instrument in the 1910s. Another notable musician to play bazooka was Sanford Kendrick, a member of the western swing band Bob Skyles and His Skyrockets.

By age fourteen, Johnson had begun learning the ukulele, banjo, harmonica, and various other assorted instruments he invented. His performance in local New Orleans bands led to an appearance on Bob Burns radio show, broadcast from Los Angeles.

Johnson began his career in the 1920s, playing banjo with Louisiana jazz musicians Kid Rena (1898—1949) and Chris Kelly (1890—1929). In 1924, he traveled to Biloxi, Mississippi, to perform with comedian Walter Coquille (a.k.a. "Mayor of Bayou Pom Pom"). Around that time, he started taking guitar lessons from guitarist "Black" Walter Nelson.

In 1930, Johnson led a trio called Noon Johnson's Bazooka Band. In 1944, he sang "Noon's Blues" and "The Cat's Got Kittens" on Bunk Johnson's album 1944/45. He was accompanied by George Lewis (clarinet), Lawrence Marrero (banjo), Baby Dodds (drums), and Alcide Pavageau (string bass).

In the 1940s, he played tuba with New Orelans' Kid Howard's Brass Band and John Casimir's Young Tuxedo Brass Band. In the 1950s, Johnson replaced banjoist Lawrence Marrero in clarinetist George Lewis's band.

In 1960, Johnson's Bazooka Band was recorded at The Preservation Hall in New Orleans, Louisiana, for the ninth volume of The Larry Borenstein Collection. He recorded 14 tracks and was accompanied by George Guesnon (banjo and vocals, tracks 10 to 14), Lawrence Sam Rankins (guitar and vocals, tracks 1 to 14), Harrison Verrett (banjo and vocals, tracks 1 to 9), and Kid Thomas Valentine (trumpet, tracks 10 to 14). The album had a total of 23 tracks, with the remainder recorded by New Orleans ukulele maestro Lemon Nash. In 1961, he performed with the first Preservation Hall Band tours and also played occasionally with Percy Humphrey's band at Preservation Hall.

Johnson also performed as a street musician and in restaurants in New Orleans.

Death

Johnson died in New Orleans, Louisiana, on September 18, 1968. He was 65.

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