Johnny Nicholas at Susanna’s Kitchen

Johnny Nicholas may not be a household name, but among musicians his is a name looked up to. A multi-instrumentalist and singer described as having a “warm, toasty growl of a voice that can roll from rumble to croon and back,” Nicholas is also a consummate songwriter. Johnny Nicholas takes the stage at Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse on the third Thursday in July.

Early in his five-decade career, Nicholas learned firsthand from legendary musicians Robert Lockwood Jr., Howling Wolf, and Big Walter Horton, to name a few. His music reflects the many flavors of music from cities where he soaked up vibrant music scenes such as Ann Arbor, Chicago, South Louisiana, and Texas, which has been his home for the last forty years. His music is a rich mix of the blues, Cajun, swing, folk, and barrelhouse rock ‘n’ roll.

Nicholas takes the elements of the American roots music tradition and “writes instant classics and sings them to break your heart and rock your soul,” says Marcia Ball, who calls him “an extremely engaging innovative traditionalist.” And the late Stephen Bruton declared that “Johnny Nicholas is one of the best bluesmen ever, black or white.”

He has recently released his long out-of-print album, Too Many Bad Habits, along with previously unreleased material. Goldmine Magazine rated the album, which originally came out in 1977, as one of their Top Ten Albums of the year.

Don’t miss Johnny Nicholas on July 19 at Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse, located at Wimberley United Methodist Church (corner RR 12 & CR 1492). The concert starts at 7:30, and doors open by 7:00 p.m. Pizza, tamales, pie, coffee, and soft drinks are available. Tickets are sold at the doors. Admission is $20 for adults, $5 for kids (under 18). Proceeds benefit The Barnabas Connection, Operation Good Shepherd, Camp Good Sam Wimberley, and Bright Beginnings Preschool.