Jai Johanny Johanson (pronounced Jay Johnny) learned to play the drums while growing up in Ocean Springs. He remembers playing clubs in Gulfport while still in high school.
Through contacts made while playing around Jackson State, Jai Johanny landed a job as drummer for Otis Redding. He explains how that led to a spot in Percy Sledge’s band.
By 1969, Jai Johanny had a new stage name. That year, Jaimoe (Jay Moe) would help
form a new band with an unknown guitar player named Duane Allman.