Darlington natives Buddy and Ella Johnson have been inducted posthumously into the Blues Hall of Fame in Memphis, Tenn.
Earl Johnson Sr. and Earl Johnson Jr. of Darlington were present for the gala induction ceremony last month in downtown Memphis. Earl Sr. is the brother of Buddy and Ella.
Buddy and Ella formed one of the most successful brother-sister teams in the history of rhythm and blues and big band music. They were a top national attraction during the 1940s and 1950s when the Buddy Johnson orchestra was one of the most tireless touring unit on the chittlin’ circuit.
“It was a great ceremony and we felt privileged to attend,” Earl Sr., a retired teacher, said Friday. “I’m just as proud of Buddy and Ella today as I was when they were performing all over the place. They had a great ride during their time.”
The Johnsons are best remembered for the silken ballad “Since I Fell for You.” They scored a number of hits on the Decca and Mercury labels, including some that reappeared in the records of Chicago bluesmen such as “I’m Just Your Fool” (covered by Little Walter) and “That’s the Stuff You Gotta Watch” (recorded by Muddy Waters).
Buddy composed most of their songs. He was one of the few bandleaders to keep a big band when many bandleaders had to disband or downsize.
The Johnson band even thrived as a rock ‘n’ roll act. They appeared on many bills with Bill Haley and the Comets, Chuck Berry, LaVern Baker and others.
Ella’s vocals were always a popular feature. Various male singers, most notably Arthur Prysock, also worked with the group.
The Blue Hall of Fame is organized by the Blues Foundation, a nonprofit founded in 1980 to preserve music history, celebrate recording and performance excellence, support blues education and ensure the future of this uniquely American art form.
The foundation is headquartered in Memphis. It serves the blues community around the globe through programs and activities that fulfill its mission.
Buddy and Ella join the likes of Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Bessie Smith, Robert Johnson and other legendary performers in the Blues Hall of Fame
A 25-member board of directors governs the hall. Jay Sieleman is the executive director.
Buddy was born in Darlington on Jan. 10, 1915, followed by Ella on June 22, 1917. Buddy moved to New York in the 1930s. He was joined by Ella in 1940.
Buddy died on Feb. 9, 1977 and Ella on Feb. 16, 2004.
This article originally appeared on SCNow.com.
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