Johnny Rawls at Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen

Johnny Rawls is a soul blues legend. In fact, the term “soul blues” was invented to describe his music. With a career spanning more than 50 years, he’s done it all. He’s an internationally recognized recording artist, music producer, and songwriter who tours extensively throughout North America and overseas.

The Blues Music Awards, Blues Blast Awards, Living Blues Critics Poll Awards, and the W. C. Handy Awards have all acknowledged Johnny with multiple awards and nominations, including Soul Blues Album of the Year and Soul Blues Male Artist of the Year. Johnny is honored to be mentioned on two markers along the Mississippi Blues Trail.

Born in Mississippi in 1951, Johnny’s interest in music began in early childhood. By high school, Johnny was playing professionally, backing artists including ZZ Hill, Little Johnny Taylor, Joe Tex, and The Sweet Inspirations. In the mid-1970s, Johnny became the band director for soul singer O.V. Wright and toured with O.V. until his death in 1980. 

About the venue:

Cottonmouth - Bradenton, Florida’s music venue serving southern soul cuisine and live music on our beautiful patio in the Village of the Arts. Dave Shiplett and crew will serve you and give you an evening you will long remember, with seating inside and outside, and art from local artists on display. Cottonmouth is the place to hang and feed your soul.