A mournful, often gripping singer and a good guitarist, Chicago performer L.V. Johnson actually did better as a writer than a lead artist. His songs "Are You Serious" and "True Love Is Hard to Find" were big hits for Tyrone Davis, while "Country Love" did moderately well for Bobby "Blue" Bland, and "Give Your Baby a Standing Ovation" was among the Dells' finest soul performances. Johnson played with Davis before going on his own in the '80s. The nephew of Elmore James, Johnson learned guitar from B.B. King. Besides working with Davis, Johnson was a staff guitarist at Stax, playing on sessions for the Bar-Kays, Johnnie Taylor, and the Soul Children. He recorded for ICA, Phono, and Ichiban, although his sound and approach to soul were far too deep for the Urban marketplace. Johnson was also part-owner of a steakhouse and nightclub in Chicago. ~ Ron Wynn