This Jim Johnson-penned piece was originally a post on his Facebook page that the Pencil Storm Editorial Board asked if we could use as a blog entry.
I just came home from seeing The Frank Harrison Experience. Those that know Columbus guitar players are familiar with Frank. Frank is one of Columbus’ finest guitar players. He’s a legend. I was lucky enough to play with Frank, in Frank Harrison & the Straights back in the ‘70’s and early ‘80’s. We were pretty much a straight ahead Rock band, doing covers and original material. Frank was already known about town as the fiery guitar player in Shakedown, a killer Columbus band.
I left Frank's band to go and play with Willie Phoenix, another hometown legend. I stayed with Willie for the better part of 25 years, and I enjoyed every single minute. Over the years, I went on to play with Mike Parks, yet another legendary guitarist, first with Willie’s band The True Soul Rockers, and then in The League Bowlers, with yes - another Columbus legend - Colin Gawel. Even now, I’m lucky enough to be playing with Billy Zenn (yet another Columbus legend) in The Beatdowns. My purpose in writing this is not to post my resume, but to point out the obvious: Columbus has more than its share of legends, doing Original Music.
Yes, they’re writing their own songs, and they’re every bit as good as what you hear on Spotify. I urge you to go out and see these players in our great town of Columbus. The talent we have here is every bit as good as any other major city. These legends don’t play out as often as they used to. The years and the miles have left their mark, and it takes a little effort to find these acts in our city. They’re every bit as good as they’ve always been, and I guarantee you will have a good time seeing them. They still bring it. See them while you can.
Jim Johnson currently drums in The Beatdowns. And from Frank Harrison & the Straights to Willie Phoenix & Shadowlords to The Retreads to The True Soul Rockers to Colin Gawel & the League Bowlers, Jim has been the beating heart of so many great Columbus bands from the 70’s to 2025 it’s legendary.