It is with a tinge of sadness that I write of John Eric Johnson's passing. Eric was an extraordinary musician, songwriter and singer. He will certainly leave his mark on Albuquerque's local music scene, having been an integral player since the mid-1980s.
Eric Johnson first gained notice as the front man for iconic Albuquerque country rock/cow punk outfit The Gutterleaves. In the mid- 90s he formed Mumble, an indie rock band that remains one of Albuquerque's best kept little secrets.
Most recently Eric had been involved with The Rivet Gang, a traditional music group that plays that ol' timey music that we all yearn for and love dearly. This return to roots music also allowed Eric to showcase his outstanding banjo picking skills.
There is regret in the passing of someone so talented, but the music itself didn't die. That's the beauty of recorded music, we'll always have it. Just as we'll always have the memory of a musician's musician and a dear friend to so many, John Eric Johnson.
