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Johnny Rivers Biography
Johnny Rivers had seventeen songs in the top 40 from 1964 to 1977. His contributions to the recording industry and meaningful. Rivers full name is John Henry Ramistella. He is originally from New York City, born November 7th 1942 and he grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He went to Baton Rouge High School. Of Italian ancestry, he was married to Vicki Ellision from 1968 – 1969 and Christi Marie Zabel (21 March 1982 – August 1988). Alan Freed suggested the name change to ‘Rivers’ whom he met in New York in 1958. Rivers gained notoriety by playing at the Whiskey A Go Go on the Sunset Strip in 1963, where he became the main attraction to packed audiences. In 1964, ‘Johnny Rivers Live At The Whiskey A Go Go’ his #12 on the charts and the single ‘Memphis’ hit #2. He earned most of his success in the 1960’s with a series of hit songs, including “Secret Agent Man”, “Poor Side of Town” and “Seventh Son.”
His number one hit was ‘The Poor Side of Town’ and it stands as his only #1 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100. He is famous for, among other things, his version of “Secret Agent Man” which was recorded for the British Spy series ‘Danger Man.’
Overall, Rivers has sold over 30 million copies. His Chart achievements include 9 ‘Top 10’ Hits in addition to his 17 songs in the top 40. He started playing the guitar when he was only eight years old.
Rivers continues to tour, doing up to 60 shows a year.
Discography
| Shadows on the Moon |  |
| Reinvention Highway | |
| Last Train to Memphis | |
| The Memphis Sun Recordings | |
| Not a Through Street | |
| Borrowed Time | |
| Outside Help | |
| Wild Night | |
| New Lovers and Old Friends | |
| Help Me, Rhonda | |
| Rockin’ Rivers | |
| Road | |
| Blue Suede Shoes | |
| L.A. Reggae | |
| Home Grown | |
| Slim Slo Slider | |
| Realization | |
| Rewind | |
| Changes | |
| Johnny Rivers Rocks the Folk | |
| In Action | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Johnny Rivers Real Name?
John Henry Ramistella, better known by his stage name Johnny Rivers, is an American rock ‘n’ roll singer, songwriter, guitarist, and record producer. His repertoire includes pop, folk, blues, and rock.
What Nationality Is Johnny Rivers?
Johnny Rivers is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and record producer. He was born in New York City and raised in Louisiana.
When Was Poor Side Of Town Johnny Rivers Released?
The Poor Side of Town was released in 1966 by Johnny Rivers. The song peaked at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and is considered one of his signature songs.
What Were Johnny Rivers Hits?
“Rockin’ Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu”, “Seventh Son”, “Secret Agent Man”, “Poor Side of Town” and “Baby, I Need Your Lovin'” are some of Johnny Rivers’s hits.
Most Searched For Johnny Rivers Songs
| Do You Want To Dance? | |
| The Poor Side Of Town | |
| Summer Rain | |
| Rockin’ Pneumonia And The Boogie Woogie Flu | |
| Whiter Shade Of Pale | |
| Baby, I Need Your Lovin’ | |
| Oh, Pretty Woman | |
| Tracks Of My Tears | |
| By The Time I Get To Phoenix | |
| Rhythm Of The Rain | |