Johnson did much of his major work during his first recording period, 1925–32. He was among the first guitarists to play single-string solos, and his energy, swing, melodic ingenuity, and good taste were important elements in recordings by Louis Armstrong’s Hot Five (“Hotter Than That”), Duke Ellington, The Chocolate Dandies, McKinney’s Cotton Pickers, and King Oliver. He also recorded guitar solos and exceptional duets with the other major early jazz guitarist, Eddie Lang (“A Handful of Riffs”).
Despite his urban style, Johnson’s blues also influenced rural performers, most notably Robert Johnson. Lonnie Johnson was an unusually gifted lyricist, his subject matter ranging from highly serious to amusing, as suggested by such songs as “Blue Ghost Blues” and “He’s a Jelly Roll Baker.” In time, his blues often became repetitious, and he added sentimental ballads to his repertoire. One ballad, “Tomorrow Night” (1948), was a million-selling hit. Johnson was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1990.