Blues/rock guitarist, Jay Jesse Johnson was born in rural Indiana and started playing guitar at the age of ten . One of his first gigs was in front of the "five and dime” store in Liberty Indiana.
    Jay was playing bars and night clubs in the Midwest by the time he was 16 years old , performing blues-based rock, influenced by the music of the late 60s and early 70s. The music he writes and performs is a testament to the loud and gritty sound that has inspired his own style of classic rock and blues.
    Jay was the guitarist in the East coast rock band Cryer was also the guitarist on the "Arc Angel” CBS/Portrait) album. He has appeared on several works by Arc Angel’s founding member, Jeff Cannata. You can also find him with friends, Neal Smith and Dennis Dunaway, original drummer and bassist for Alice Cooper, on the "Deadringer (Grudge/BMG) album, an arena rock, lost classic. Over the years he has had the good fortune of sharing the stage with some of his guitar heroes like Johnny Winter, Robin Trower, Rick Derringer and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath as well as bands that include Judas Priest, Steppenwolf, and Jefferson Starship.
    Jay Jesse Johnson’s STRANGE IMAGINATION released in 2006, features Jay on guitar and vocals with B J Zampa (House of Lords) on drums and bassist Ed Corvo. For those who like Hendrix, Trower and Marino inspired playing, this CD has a real voodoo groove.
In April 2008, Jay’s second CD, "I’VE GOT AN AX TO GRIND” was released. This album, with out a doubt, brands his signature sound into the depths of every track and encompasses the full spectrum of classic rock and blues.
   The new CD delivers 12 gritty songs with plenty of heavy guitar riffs and solid performances. It also features guest appearances by some of Jay’s good friends and well respected musician’s, such as, Charlie Huhn (Foghat, Humble Pie, Gary Moore), Matt Zeiner (Dickie Betts), B J Zampa (House of Lords), Steve Shore (Cryer) and Ed Corvo (Michael Cleary band). Guitar9.com