Our Story:
The Blue Johnnies is an Amarillo, Texas based band who has been playing in the panhandle of Texas for over 35 years. They started out in the early 1980s as The Amatones, playing the punk/new wave style of music. Through the years they went through a number of name changes, such as New Congress, The Holsteins, and The Jakes before becoming their most successful incarnation, The Blue Johnnies. With the release of more than five albums of mostly original material, the Johnnies became the most prolific songwriters in the area. Their live shows are well known as energetic displays of sound and light, playing a large catalog of their own compositions as well as an eclectic mix of cover material from artists ranging from Merle Haggard to the Pixies; selecting fun music they enjoy playing and the audience likes to dance to. The Amatones were formed by Mark Jones, Paul Baker, Eddie Saunders, Phil Marquis and John Jacobs, and played punk and new wave in the 1980s to overflowing houses in venues such as The Garden in downtown Amarillo
As their popularity grew it was inevitable there would be demand from their fans to release their music to the public. Their first recording was on a 45, featuring two of their most lasting songs, "Atomic Gears in Motion" and "Plastic Surgeon". With the release of this single The Amatones received their first local radio air play, an achievement almost unheard of for a local, unsigned band. Through the years the band matured in both writing and performance style. This change was aided by the musicians who joined the band; their personalities and musical styles influenced the material being performed. Mark Jones and Paul Baker, the Original members of the Amatones, along with joining member, Mark Sorrels added Todd Hall and became The Blue Johnnies. Other members of the band have included, Scott Nall, Paul Black, Scott Mellot, Skip Chisum, Dale Robinson, Kirk Crumbley, Steven Harrington and Bobby Schaffer. Mostly playing private events, the current lineup is: Mark Jones, vocals-guitar, Mark Sorrels, lead guitar, Steven Harrington, drums, and Bobby Schaffer, bass.