Johnny Starr, whose real name was John Michael Arnold, was a musician with a diverse career that spanned several genres and collaborations. He is noted for his work with Jimi Hendrix (then known as Jimmy Hendrix) on Curtis Knight studio recordings in New York City around 1965-1966. Although detailed information about his life and career is scarce, Starr's contributions to music include both solo and band recordings.

Starr's early musical journey began when rhythm and blues singer Jackie Wilson discovered him at the age of 13 in Louisville, Kentucky, and invited him to join his band. This opportunity marked the start of Starr's life on the road as a guitarist. He later formed a band called "Johnny Starr and Friends," which performed around Connecticut, USA.

Johnny Starr was also associated with various musical scenes across the United States, including New York, New England, Nashville, and Detroit, indicating a wide geographic influence. He was linked to the Midnight Movers, a group that initially toured as Wilson Pickett's backing band, and later performed independently with Starr as their vocalist.

Starr's discography includes singles such as "The Way You Look Tonight / Love That Girl Of Mine" (1959), and collaborations with The Alaskans on tracks like "The 49th Star / Son Of A Sourdough" and "Move Over Rover/When The Ice Worms Nest Again." His work was released under labels such as Cecilia and Alaska Records.

Despite his talents, Johnny Starr remains a somewhat enigmatic figure in music history, with his contributions often overlooked. His connections to notable musicians and his varied career across different music genres highlight his versatility and influence in the music world. Unfortunately, Johnny Starr passed away in September 1997 at the age of 50 in St. Petersburg, Florida.