Tribute

Darrel Dean Johnson was born at home in a small farmhouse in Solano, New Mexico on August 27, 1935. His parents had migrated from Oklahoma during the Depression with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Darrel was the youngest of four children. and was a very talented musician who could play the piano by the age of six. At the age of 17, his father experienced a stroke and was unable to work. With no family income, Darrel decided to join the US Navy. Serving one tour of duty during the Korean War, he sent his paychecks to his mother. Darrel was discharged from the Navy in 1956 and immediately entered the music business working as a studio musician with individuals such as Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Waylon Jennings, and Johnny Cash. Darrel was generous with regard to his talent. Up until his passing, he would travel to various senior centers with his keyboard in hand to entertain those who thoroughly enjoyed his music. His final wish was to be laid to rest in the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Rest in peace, dad. Your son Larry.

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