Johnny "Guitar" Watson, born John Watson Jr. on February 3, 1935, in Houston, Texas, was an influential American musician whose career spanned over four decades. Known for his flamboyant showmanship and electric guitar prowess, Watson's music encompassed rhythm and blues, funk, and soul. His early musical influences included T-Bone Walker and Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, which drew him to the electric guitar despite his initial piano training from his father, John Sr.

Watson's career began in the early 1950s when he moved to Los Angeles with his mother after his parents separated. He quickly became a fixture in the West Coast blues scene, performing in local juke joints and recording for Federal Records in 1952 under the name Young John Watson. In 1954, inspired by the film "Johnny Guitar," he adopted the stage name Johnny "Guitar" Watson. His 1954 instrumental single "Space Guitar" was notable for its pioneering use of guitar feedback and reverb.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Watson recorded several tracks, including "Gangster of Love," which became his most famous song after being re-recorded in 1978. He collaborated with artists like Larry Williams, Little Richard, and Sam Cooke, and adapted his style to the changing musical landscape. By the 1970s, Watson had reinvented himself as an urban soul singer, complete with a distinctive style characterized by flashy clothing and extravagant performances.

Watson's albums "Ain't That a Bitch" and "A Real Mother for Ya" were significant contributions to the funk genre. Despite personal setbacks in the 1980s, including the death of his friend Larry Williams, Watson made a comeback in 1994 with the album "Bow Wow," which earned a Grammy nomination.

Johnny "Guitar" Watson passed away from a heart attack on May 17, 1996, while performing in Yokohama, Japan. His legacy endures through the numerous artists who have sampled his music, including Redman, Ice Cube, and Dr. Dre. Watson's influence is evident in the works of hip-hop and funk musicians, cementing his place as a pivotal figure in American music history.