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Willie Johnson Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Willie Johnson
Karen Pierson
May 4, 2011
Woke up this morning, heard the rain (it's been raining all over the world for days!) and could hear Willie singing Rainy Night in Georgia - had to take a few minutes to listen to him and cry! It's been a year since he passed. I think he was singing to me! God Bless you, pooch.
Amy Wickliff-Slone
September 9, 2010
amanda (spencer), I am so sorry to learn of Willie's passing. I saw an article about a tribute this coming Saturday to him. I will keep you and your family in my prayers!! Much love..amy
May 18, 2010
willie was nicks father i grew up with nick and i always remeber how sweet n kind willie was i always remember nick tellings me storys how his dad sang blues u will always b remembred rip! kim peitsmeyer
Rainbow
May 15, 2010
Willie gave so much to the Columbus community between Comfest and Hot Times, his spirit, voice, and the way he gave back to this community, his selflessness, traits admired by so many, and the memories of Willie will last a lifetime...and Comfest will never be the same, but his spirit will always be felt looking down upon us as we dance by the light of the moon next month at Comfest. Rest in peace, Willie, and to his family, may you be comforted by the wonderful memories that Willie gave to so many of us and how he showed us how to cope with grace and a smile. With much love and a very heart-felt condolence from us Comfest veterans for over thirty years. -Rainbow and Rusty aka.....Cindi and George and our beloved best friend for just as long,
Bob Studzinski
Pat Moore
May 15, 2010
Somewhere in Heaven a great band just got a great singer. I can't wait to hear you again. You always sang with all your heart and soul. I will hold your memory with me. Thank you for your music, thank you for your stories, and thank you for that wonderful smile. God Bless The Blues Man
Rick & Tammy Kohl
May 14, 2010
We will miss your great music and wonderful personality. You will be missed and we will always cherish the memory of my husband's 40th birthday party when you put on an awesome show!!
Our prayers and thoughts are with your family.
Willie, David Friedlander, Spencer Jarrett 1978
David Friedlander
May 13, 2010
David Friedlander
May 13, 2010
Willie, From the bottom of my heart, I will miss you greatly. Your legacy is HUGE and you were loved by so many people. I always looked up to you, your big heart and wonderful talent. As a musician, I learned so much from you and will always most highly honor the privilage of playing music with you over the years. You had so much music in your heart that it was overflowing. I love you so much and will keep your memory in my heart and mind as long as I live.
Back in the Day
Karen
May 13, 2010
Angie Cremeans
May 13, 2010
I worked with Willie Poo(my nickname for him) for many years at Buckeye Steel. He was one of my chippers. We had a great time and fun at work. There would be times at work that he would sing for us and give us a preview of his latest songs.
The gang would go and see Willie sing and play and we again would have a great time.
God blessed him with alot of talent.
May 12, 2010
A truely great talent, he will be greatly missed.
V.Coates Col. OH
Roger Miller
May 12, 2010
My condolences to the Johnson family.
Thank you so much, Willie, for the many hours
of entertainment you afforded me over the past
30 years. Your performances never failed to please.
May you joyfully enter into the kingdom of
heaven. Rest in peace. I will miss you.
sandy higginbotham
May 12, 2010
How lucky we were to have such a great blues entertainer as Willie here in Columbus. Our Deepest Sympathy to the Family. R.I.P. Herb & Sandy Higginbotham
The Willie Phoenix Band
May 12, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with Willie Pooch's family, friends and fans.
Jacob R Clark
May 12, 2010
I loved Willie Pooch, and was looking forward to his comeback. My thoughts and prayers to his family--know he made MANY folks VERY happy.
My condolences, Jacob R Clark
May 12, 2010
Somebody knows of Willie Pooch in every corner of the world! For his music and his kindness.
I 'd say that a statement has been made.
Elliott (Enorman) Harris
Michael Weber
May 12, 2010
My prayers are with the family during this difficult time - take comfort in the fact that this man made sooo many people smile during his lifetime! A great performer "yes" - an even better man! RIP Willie - you'll be missed but your memories will live on forever!
Steve Wells
May 12, 2010
Willie Pooch was a great musician, a great showman, a great entertainer, the consummate bluesman...perhaps the last of his breed. Thanks for the music, Willie. RIP.
Amy Backus Courtheyn
May 11, 2010
Willie was one in a million--a great musician, a kind person and someone I considered a friend. May he rest in peace.
Bella Bailey
May 11, 2010
The passing of a Living Legend. WOW... so hard to believe, and so many great memories. Thinking about the Johnson Family, and hope their memories will help heal their grief.
Frank Harrison
May 11, 2010
Willie Pooch+Music=The Original Columbus Ohio Bluesman!
God Bless You My Friend and May You Rest in Peace.
Teresa Brown
May 11, 2010
May God continue to care and watch over your family during this time. I've had the privilege of working and meeting Mr. Willie when he worked at UCP. He will be greatly missed!
Betty Cox
May 11, 2010
prayers to the family. every time i heard willie sing the blues ,it would send my mind back to texas ,my home . good memories.nothing like the blues and he sure could sing them.the sky is crying.rest in peace.
Jeffrey Davis
May 11, 2010
Willie, I will never forget the smile you put on my 12 yr old sons face, the first time he saw you sing. God bless you and all of your family. The Columbus music scene will never be the same. "Heaven just called another blues singer back home" Jeff
Dave Caldwell
May 11, 2010
I worked many years with Willie at Buckeye Steel.He was a terrific man to have as a friend and a joy to be around. Loved the music and loved the man. He will be greatly missed.
Charles (red) Bateman
May 11, 2010
to define the blues the naked cry of the human heart longing to be in union with God.Iknow for Willie it was all consuming.To be able to express his joys' sorrows' fears and hope - a place where you can be totally honest on the journey home.What a gift.What a treasure.Get it all out so it doesn't get twisted up inside (a bit of salvation)it feels good to sing about something that hurts so bad.What a gift Willie had r.i.p Mr.Pooch
Comfest Willie
May 11, 2010
Dave West
May 11, 2010
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand
Bob Atwood
May 11, 2010
Yesterday was the day I learned of the passing of Willie Pooch. I never knew him as Johnson. But I did remember he had worked at Buckeye Steel.
As a former decendent of Mr. Brown’s I had enjoyed many Friday and Saturday evenings listening to Willie and Dave Workman. Probably at least fifty shows if not more. I’ve been gone for twenty years and was surprised to learn he was a front man and no longer played bass guitar. In the day, I considered him one of the finest Bass players I’d ever heard.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and countless fans. He never knew me but I knew him. Now he belongs to the world. If there’s a Columbus Hall of Fame, he belongs there for his contribution to the Columbus music scene. He was an important part of it.
May 11, 2010
No more trials and tribulations that made you sing the blues so beautifully here on earth. Thanks for the music.
May God take care of your grieveing family and friends. Rest east now.
Rod & Lisa Cave
May 11, 2010
My husband and I have known and followed Willie wherever he sang for the last 30 years. I was honored to have presented him the "Lifetime Achievement in Blues" award when I President of the Columbus Blues Alliance. Everytime we went to see Willie sing I would request "The Sky Is Crying" and he would say this is for you 'Miss Margaret'. The sky is crying today as he is laid to rest but it's tears of joy as he is no longer suffering. RIP our dear friend! Maggie(Margaret) and Dave West
Mary Kathleen Stone/Nesbitt
May 11, 2010
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Dave Workman
May 11, 2010
My condolences to Amanda and to Willie's sons. Thank you Willie for thirty some years of good times and great music together.We will all miss you greatly. As you liked to say... Good night, and God Bless.
Wendy DeWitt
May 11, 2010
I'll always remember Willie at Biscuits and Blues in San Francisco coming on stage and booming out ..."Hello San Francisco..." and tearing the house apart.
What a voice, what a heart. Irreplaceable.
So many happy people because of WIllie Pooch.
What a thrill to play behind him. Always about the song and the feeling, and so much compassion. But too he could've sung the menu and you'd 've bought the record.
Robert Hughes
May 11, 2010
Music is a cosmic symphony which has no beginning, and no end. It reveals unique new creations, whose mystery remains eternal.
Chip Willis
May 11, 2010
A wonderful man, A wonderful blues giant.I'm glad to have played a part in getting you and the talented Dave Workman together back in 1967/68 at the Lemon Drop Club. You have left us a blues legacy, now go and demonstrate your talents to the one who gave them to you. I'll miss you.
May 10, 2010
DEVEAN C WINBUSH
Marcy Vaughn-Forte
May 10, 2010
My condolences to the family. Willie Pooch is a name that will never be forgotten along with the music that he shared with us.
Olivia Flak
May 10, 2010
We will miss you Willie!! Thanks for all the great music and memories. Your up there with all the greats that guided and influenced you. Now your looking down and helping guide the Blues community who love you dearly. Deepest Sympathy to Willie's family and friends in the Columbus Blues Community!
Skeeter Wolfe
May 10, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with Willie's family and friends. Willie will be greatly missed. Skeeter Wolfe and family...and The Silverado Band.
THATCHER ELY
May 10, 2010
HAVE FUN PLAYING IN HEAVEN THE BLUES WITH GERRY.LIFE HERE WILL BE LESS COLOURFUL
Steve Hobler
May 10, 2010
My condolences to your family.....you will be missed.
Steve Woods
May 10, 2010
Willie put Columbus on the blues map. Always a gentleman on stage. Now he is home.
Margaret Battle
May 10, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Margaret Battle, Richmond, VA
May 10, 2010
Be at peace Willie and keep singin' from the heart!
Tony/Phil Dirt & The Dozers
Willie Pooch @ john Scales Bldg
Kathy Battle
May 10, 2010
I love seeing Willie Pooch perform.Me, my Mom(Ms.Pig)and my husband went to a cabaret at the John Scales Bldg. My husband had a cast on his leg and on crutches. We had to see Willie Pooch that night we always have a good time where ever he performed. Rest in peace Willie Pooch
Margaret Battle
May 10, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Patti Robinson
May 10, 2010
Dear Amanda,
My name is Patti Robinson. I am Andy's wife.
I am so sorry to see Willie go, but we all know that he will always be a legend.
I am so sorry that I can't come to Willie's Funeral,but I just started a new job and that would not go over well.I hope you understand.
You and Willie will be in my prayers and thoughts tomorrow during the services.
Andy and I would love to know you better.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Patti Robinson
Lawrence Barnett(r), Lester Howell(l) getting down with Mr. Pooch at the Thirsty Ear.
Lawrence Barnett
May 10, 2010
Liz Quinichett
May 10, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Kathy Fouse- Johnson
May 10, 2010
Wow I should would like to hear the sounds they are making up in Heaven ! Pooch is difently showing them how to wear the big brim and bringing the style and color. He will surly be missed but not forgotten. many blessings to the family .Our prayers are with you.
Kathy, Joshua , Danielle Fouse
Beth Coats
May 10, 2010
You were an inspiration. You will be missed by many.
crystal butler
May 10, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
May 10, 2010
Willie you were always SO nice to me....I`m honored to have known you. May God help your family through these difficult times..Jimmy D. Rogers Dayton-Middletown, Ohio
Patrick McLaughlin
May 10, 2010
I'll never forget my time with Willie. I will miss him very much.
Bob Maxwell
May 10, 2010
Columbus was blessed to have Wille.
Gregg Swan
May 10, 2010
"A true Icon! You will be sorely missed! R.I.P!" ...GreggSwan
Richard Boals
May 10, 2010
Rest Gentle my friend let the sound of blues fill the heavens
Richard P. Boals
Joanna Valentine
May 10, 2010
RIP Willie Pooch! I know they were glad to see you knocking on heavens doors. We will miss your talent, showmanship, and spirit!
Charles ' red ' Bateman
May 10, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the freinds and family of Willie he will be greatly missed i wish i could hear the show him and the angels are puttin on in heaven i can just see him shinin and smilin in the clouds today ! thanks for the memories...
Karen
May 10, 2010
Won't be another like Willie. God Bless and condolonces to his family and friends and fans (like myself). I have watched that man for years and never got tired of listening to him singing the blues. He was also a mentor to my son Jack who played drums in his band these past few years. Many many happy memories and fun and comfest won't be the same again.
May 10, 2010
Willie. I never had the guts to talk to you-my fault- please keep spreading your message as we all will remember what we had here on earth with you. Thank you. Gary
Dale Gayhart
May 10, 2010
Heaven done called another bluesplayer home. R.I.P. brother, you will be missed.
May 10, 2010
R.I.P. Godfather... Micah Kesselring and family
Dave Workman
May 10, 2010
My sincere condolences to Amanda and Willie's sons. After almost forty years of good times and great music together, I will surely miss the great, the one and only Mister Willie Pooch. As you always used to say, Willie - good night and God Bless.
May 10, 2010
Wille was a HUGE talent and a joy to be around. His smile always lit up the room and he was always kind and wonderful to us at the Hot Times Festival and to me as his long time friend. His voice on our CD LIVE at Hot Times singing Members Only is beautiful - his whole set that day was an experience that held everyone there spellbound. We send our love and support in this most difficult time.
Candice Watkins
May 10, 2010
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Theresa Caldwell
May 10, 2010
I feel blessed to have been touched by Willie's performances. He will be missed but never forgotten.
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May 10, 2010
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Parkwest Nursing department
Mike Stuhldreher
May 10, 2010
There will never be another like Willie Pooch. Columbus is blessed that he made his home here. Thank you Willie for all the joy you brought over the years.
Terry Davidson
May 10, 2010
We'll miss Willie's fantastic voice and true blues spirit. Thanks to Willie for bringing real Blues to Columbus.
Micah Kesselring
May 10, 2010
Willie was the first person I ever played blues with up in Columbus.. Although, unfortunately, I never got to know him on a personal level, he was, and still is, a legend in my eyes. Rest in Peace, Willie.
cinda anderton
May 10, 2010
Thank you, Willie. Many great memories.. Cindy
Cary Dachtyl
May 10, 2010
“The blues ain't nothing but a good man feelin' bad” - Leon Redbone
No more troubles, Willie. Rest easy.
Ellen Lackey
May 10, 2010
A great many fun memories from Dick's & the original Stache's with Willie's music. Thanks, Willie!
May 10, 2010
I was lucky enough to know Willie, and sad that he's gone, but have a lot of great memories. My thoughts are with his family.
RIP Willie
Carol DeLelles
Newark Ohio
Sandor Gulyas
May 10, 2010
The begining, present, and future of the blues coming out of Columbus. Will miss you big man. Say 'HEYYYYYYYYY!!!!!' the rest up there for us.
Dave Uhas
May 10, 2010
Willie Provided us with MANY hours of musical bliss, he will surely be missed !!!
May 10, 2010
Willie,you have always been a good friend and teacher...I will remember the many gigs over the years we have done..and you will be missed always...
Tommy Carroll
James Fresh
May 10, 2010
Our Thoughts & Prayers Go Out To The Johnson Family. "Blues Isn't Blue, Unless You Feel It"
May 10, 2010
My condolences to those close to Willie. I have wonderful memories associated with watching him entertain us through the years.
K. Foreman (Columbus)
Billy Zenn
May 10, 2010
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of a man whose life and music inspired us all.
Linda Dachtyl
May 10, 2010
I enjoyed hearing Willie in Columbus for years and was happy to sub in with him on occasion a few years back on keyboards.
He was always a happy upbeat person and very encouraging. I enjoyed listening to his experiences and learning from him. I was very honored when I was asked to fill in with his group for that period of time.
Performing with him at the January tribute was a special day for me and I am glad he was able to see and feel all the love Columbus had and will always have for him. I am sure it was encouraging and uplifting to his spirit to know first hand how concerned the community was and how much his absence was felt since he started dealing with the major health issues he had in the past year.
RIP, Willie.
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