Johnny Shines (1915–1992) — American blues singer and guitarist

Musical characteristics

Shines' style combined elements of Delta and Chicago blues. His playing frequently used bottleneck slide techniques, alternate tunings, and rhythmic drive that supported storytelling lyrics. His performances ranged from solo, intimate country-blues sets to fuller electrified appearances in urban venues. Listeners and scholars cite his vocal phrasing and phrasing economy as hallmarks of his sound.

Career and development

Born in 1915, Shines began performing in the American South and later worked in northern cities as many blues musicians did during the Great Migration. In the 1930s he spent time performing with Robert Johnson, an association that has shaped his historical reputation. Like several peers, Shines experienced periods away from recording and touring, then re-emerged during the 1960s and 1970s when audiences seeking traditional blues helped revive the careers of older artists.

Recordings, performances and legacy

• He recorded studio and live material that documented both his country-blues roots and later urban work.
• During the blues revival he performed at folk festivals and clubs, introducing his music to new audiences and younger musicians.
• Shines is regarded as an important link between early Delta traditions and later blues developments in American popular music.

For concise summaries and discographies consult specialist sources and archives. Further reading and online references are available: biographical entry, general blues genre resources, and musical credits or discographies via music databases.