Johnny Powers was an early Detroit rock and roll musician known for songs including “Long Blond Hair.”
- Died: January 15, 2023 (Who else died on January 15?)
- Details of death: Died at his home in Michigan after a series of health issues at the age of 84.
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Musical career
Powers was playing country music with Jimmy Williams & the Drifters when he began to be inspired by early rockers including Carl Perkins (1932–1998). He formed his own band, Johnny Powers and the Rockets. With his new band, Powers began adding rock and roll influences to his music and turned out rockabilly classics including “Long Blond Hair” and “Honey Let’s Go (To a Rock and Roll Show.” He was signed by Sun Records, releasing the 1959 single “With Your Love, With Your Kiss.” After a brief period with Sun, Powers joined Motown Records, and he is believed to have been the only artist to work with both Sun and Motown. With Motown, Powers concentrated on writing and producing. He was a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
Tributes to Johnny Powers
Full obituary: Detroit Free Press
