Johnny Adams

The Great Johnny Adams Blues Album (Rounder)

A soul crooner early in his career, Johnny Adams (1932-1998) explored the blues when he began recording on Rounder in 1984. These 12 tunes from that period reveal his ability to dig down deep on songs written by Doc Pomus (“Imitation of Love”), Percy Mayfield (“Danger Zone”), and Sam Cooke (“Laughin’ and Clownin'”), yet remain singularly serene. While not the best introduction to Adams’ overall body of work, Great is ideal for late-night chill-outs.

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This article appears in December 30 • 2005.

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