Join us at the Ravenswood Manor Music Crawl this Saturday for some blues! Delmark Artist Shirley Johnson and Carlos Showers perform at 4pm
Shirley Johnson — Blues Singer and Delmark Artist
Shirley Johnson is a Chicago-based blues and R&B vocalist nicknamed the “Sweetheart of the Blues” by Blue Chicago staff. Known for her husky, gospel-influenced voice and ability to blend traditional Chicago blues, smoldering R&B, and soulful pop, she has been a fixture on Chicago’s blues scene since the 1990s
Early Life and Career
Born in Franklin, Virginia and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, Johnson grew up in a very religious family and began singing in a church choir at age six. In the late 1970s, she transitioned from gospel to secular music, performing in Norfolk’s blues and R&B circles. She opened for major artists like Aretha Franklin and Jerry Butler, and recorded singles for regional Virginia labels
In the early 1980s, she was invited to Chicago to record, though the session label folded. She chose to stay in Chicago, becoming active on the city’s blues circuit, working with musicians such as Little Johnny Christian, Artie “Blues Boy” White, and Professor Eddie Lusk
Musical Style and Influences
Her influences span Mahalia Jackson, Koko Taylor, Etta James, and Ruth Brown, giving her music a rich, soulful texture. She can handle ballads, uptempo love songs, and gospel numbers, often hitting “gravel” when pushing her voice
Delmark Recordings
Johnson has released multiple albums on Delmark Records, a Chicago-based label specializing in blues and jazz. Her 2002 debut with Delmark, Killer Diller, showcased her blues-R&B blend. Her 2009 release Blues Attack (Delmark DE 798) features 14 tracks, mostly original compositions, plus covers of “Unchain My Heart” and “634-5789”. The album was recorded at Riverside Studio, Chicago, with production by Steve Wagner and arrangements by Roosevelt Purifoy
Live Performances
She has performed at major venues, including Blue Chicago, The Venue (Chicago), and even at Wrigley Field for a first-pitch concert. She has also collaborated with artists like John Primer, Mike Wheeler, and Nate Manos
Legacy
Shirley Johnson is celebrated as “The Queen of Blue Chicago” for her decades of live performances and recordings that bridge gospel, blues, and soul. Her work with Delmark Records has helped preserve and promote Chicago’s rich blues tradition.
Manor Music Crawl
Saturday, September 12, 2026 • 10am-7pm
John O’Connell Summer Concert Series, Horner Park Advisory Council, and the RMIA present the Manor Music Crawl.
Come out and enjoy a day filled with music — stroll through the neighborhood, relax in the park, chat with old and new friends, all while taking in various music performances throughout the day.
See the schedule of events below.
Between the afternoon sets, neighbors around the Manor will perform as well. View the interactive map to find performances for you to enjoy while strolling to your next show.
Schedule of Events
10am – Wiggleworms‘ Amanda Payne
Ravenswood Manor Park – 4626 N Manor
12pm – Rachel Drew
Eastwood at the River – 2800 block
1:15pm – 1:45pm – Neighborhood Stoop Performances #1
Various locations – Map Available Here
2pm – Richard Bandini
4500 N Block of Francisco
3:15pm – 3:45pm – Neighborhood Stoop Performances #2
Various locations – Map Available Here
4pm – Delmark Records artists Shirley Johnson & Carlos Showers
LaPointe Park – 4741 N Manor
5:15pm – 5:45pm – Neighborhood Stoop Performances #3
Various locations – Map Available Here
6pm – Gerald Dowd & Friends
Ravenswood Manor Park – 4626 N Manor
