In the ’70s, Johnny expanded his sound, playing with gospel group Gideon and Power, appearing on national TV, and immersing himself in the blues scene alongside legends like Luther Tucker and Sunnyland Slim. His most famous work came with Elvin Bishop, where their twin slide guitar attack helped shape the Southern Rock sound—most notably on the hit “Fooled Around and Fell in Love.”
Johnny “V” remains a vital force in blues and rock, bridging generations with his signature style and soulful playing.
Learn More about Johnny Vernazza
Johnny Vernazza is a Bay Area slide-guitar firebrand whose tone moves from greasy roadhouse growl to singing sustain. Cutting his teeth in San Francisco clubs, he built a reputation for soulful phrasing, open-tuned bite, and a showman’s touch. Over the years he’s logged countless miles on festival and theater stages, fronting bands and lending his unmistakable slide voice to session dates that blend grit with melody. Onstage Johnny favors songs that breathe—swampy shuffles, slow-burn ballads, and chooglin’ boogies—always leaving space for conversation with the rhythm section. Audiences come for the slide, but stay for the stories, the humor, and the deep-pocket groove. Today he brings a seasoned, good-time energy to every set: singable hooks, stinging solos, and a big-hearted nod to the blues and roots traditions that shaped him. Whether he’s roaring through a barn burner or whispering on a bottleneck ballad, Johnny Vernazza delivers feel-first blues that turns a room into a party.