Renowned blues legend, Jimmy Johnson, will perform at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) University Center Encore at 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31.

Sponsored by UWSP�s Centertainment Productions, the performance is free to students with a valid UWSP ID and $3 for the public.

"�there�s no mistaking the emotional power Johnson can trigger with his voice and guitar," The Washington Post. In a New York Time�s revue, "Mr. Johnson is one of the best performers on the blues circuit."

It is no surprise to blues aficionados throughout the country to read such glowing tributes to Jimmy Johnson. Johnson rose out of the Chicago blues scene playing with Freddie King, Otis Rush and many other Chicago blues musicians in the early 1970s. In 1978 he got his first break with a Grammy nomination for his contributions to "Living Chicago Blues, Vol. 1."

A native of Mississippi, Johnson was raised in a musical family with both his younger brothers becoming professional musicians prior to his entering the profession. He began his career in the late 1950s playing with Magic Sam, Freddie King, Slim Willis and others. Over the next two decades Johnson was a successful R&B artist and bandleader on Chicago�s west and south sides. But his talents could not be kept in the background and his life took a turn toward greater personal success in 1974 when he signed on as rhythm guitarist with Jimmy Dawkins.

Johnson�s blues talent has brought him both national and international acclaim. He received his first W.C. Handy Award, presented by the International Blues Foundation, in 1985 for best contemporary foreign blues album of the year, "Bar Room Preacher." A decade later he won the coveted award again for his album, "I�m a Jockey." His latest release was in 1999 and entitled, "Every Road Ends Somewhere."

His talents have taken him from Japan to Europe, as well as festivals, college campuses, and concert halls throughout the United States. He has appeared on Canadian Television, as well as on CBS Radio and National Public Radio.