THE AREA MUSIC SCENE LOSES ANOTHER FRIEND...

Post by **Jim Price** » Thursday Nov 06, 2003

The Altoona area music scene lost another good friend this past Tuesday with the passing of Robert "Willie" Johnson. He was 56.

Willie was a huge fan of live music, and would frequently show up at Peter C's and Pellegrine's to catch shows. I had just seen him at Pellegrine's Halloween Party with Backstreet Law back on the 26th. He also was a big fan of Felix & the Hurricanes; the photo below was taken on Feb. 6 of this year of Willie playing washboard during a 'Canes show.

Beyond music, Willie was very involved in the local community, always volunteering his time to help out others. He used to chaperone at Teen Fest, often mentored young people, and even worked on the restoration of the K4 steam engine at the Railroaders Museum. He was a genuinely nice and upbeat guy who I always looked forward to seeing out and about, and he was a man who made a difference in our community. Willie will be very sorely missed.

HurricaneBob · Post by **HurricaneBob** » Thursday Nov 06, 2003

Tonights show at Peter C's is dedicated to Willie.......

If you knew this great man, show up and sit in and pay some respects.
Thanks for the good times Willie.

songsmith · Post by **songsmith** » Thursday Nov 06, 2003

Damn, Willie too? We're losing a lot of good guys lately... I think it underscores the idea that we're only here for a little while. Live for the now, boys and girls. R.I.P., Willie.

oobie · Post by **oobie** » Thursday Nov 06, 2003

good man he was. and always will be. you'll bew missed willie "dirt bike"!!!

Big Jim · Post by **Big Jim** » Thursday Nov 06, 2003

Willie always had a smile, and was such a peaceful, pleasant man. He always took the time to say Hi and chat a bit when I saw him. I hadn't seen him for several months, sad to say, but I sure will remember him.

WitchChic · Post by **WitchChic** » Friday Nov 07, 2003

Willie I will miss u bunches......you were such a great guy always made me smile.....
your fave beer store bartender
Chell

grimmbass · Post by **grimmbass** » Saturday Nov 08, 2003

The sadness never ends, does it?

Willie was a great friend to The Grimm, and more particularly, to Otto and I. We have many fond memories of him dropping by "Tonkin Estates" to have a beer, talk music, and share a laugh. I just got home from San Diego last night....Otto gave me the news this morning.

Our thoughts and prayers go to Willie's friends and family. We'll miss you bro.

Kent, Bass, The Grimm

ZappasXWife · Post by **ZappasXWife** » Monday Nov 10, 2003

I have known Willie since the days I worked the counter at Burger Chef downtown (early 80's). He was a sweet man, always smiling and genuinely interested in others. LOVED music. One memory that sticks in my mind was dancing with him to Beginnings the night of Rossi's tribute show at the Convention Center, that was special. I can't believe I won't see him again at a Hurricane show. Rest in Peace Willie...

Mo Lester · Post by **Mo Lester** » Monday Mar 07, 2005

Damn, Damn, Damn, Damn, Damn, Damn, Damn, I am DAMN close to tears right now. sometimes I just randomly pick an old page of topics from B 4 I joined and browse them. and I run right into this.................
What a great guy, I always had a hug for him. He was at a bunch of Stix and Stones shows and end of summer Jams back in the day. I loved his van! yeah ,we did a lot of chillin' , Willie and me, and I was really glad that I saw this. not happy, just glad. I know this is an old, old topic, but I thought that I would bring it up top for everyone to see Willie again. He really touched my heart, and his passing must have passed me by because it was the same year that I lost my dad, so, needless to say, kind of a blurry time in my life.
I think I'll go puff puff and head down to the studio now.........................Ode to Willie, I love ya brother
take care, everyone