| Code | DS/UK/14282 |
| Name | Johnson; Wilko (1947-2022); English singer, guitarist and songwriter |
| Alias | John Peter Wilkinson |
| Dates | 1947-2022 |
| Gender | Male (cisgender) |
| Place of Birth/Origin | Canvey Island, Essex, England, United Kingdom (born) |
| Biography | Wilko Johnson (born John Peter Wilkinson; 12 July 1947-21 November 2022) was an English guitarist, singer, songwriter and occasional actor. He was a member of the pub rock/rhythm and blues band Dr. Feelgood in the 1970s. Johnson was known for his distinctive guitar playing style which he achieved by not using a pick but instead relying on fingerstyle. This enabled him to play rhythm guitar and riffs or solos at the same time creating a highly percussive guitar sound.
Johnson and Dr. Feelgood were an influence on the English punk movement. Paul Weller has said of Johnson: "Wilko may not be as famous as some other guitarists, but he's right up there. And there are a lot of people who'll say the same. I can hear Wilko in lots of places. It's some legacy." |