Johnnie Bolin: Rest (and Rock) in Peace

Sioux City native was a member of great musical family

Drummer Johnnie Bolin grew up in Sioux City and followed a musical path that led him all over the world.

Bolin, who passed away at age 70 on September 5, left a legacy.

His most famous band was Black Oak Arkansas, but he kept the beat for many other groups during his long career.

Bolin’s notable musical family including his brother Tommy (1951-76), a guitarist who played in Deep Purple and the James Gang.

Johnnie Bolin was inducted into the Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Music Association’s Hall of Fame in 2022. (Photo by John Naughton.)

On Saturday, Johnnie Bolin will be honored at a musical memorial starting at 2 p.m. at Sioux City’s Orpheum.

I had a chance to meet Johnnie in 2022 at his induction into the Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Music Association’s Hall of Fame in Arnolds Park.

Johnnie liked my outfit (yellow jacket, purple shirt, turquoise tie and hat) and asked to me to have a photo taken with him. How cool is that?

That summed up part of Johnnie’s personality. He was a rock star who could be completely down to earth. (Two things that don’t often go together.)

Johnnie Bolin speaks after his induction in 2022. (Photo by John Naughton.)

Iowa has produced a number of well-known drummers. Among them:

*Richie Hayward (born in Clear Lake, grew up in Ames) of Little Feat.

*Keith Knudsen (born in Le Mars), who played and sang with the Doobie Brothers, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band.

*John “JR” Robinson (born in Creston), an incredible session drummer who has played on 30 No. 1 hits, including “We Are The World.”