A video-slideshow with some stunning images and footages in the life and times of Mr. Johnny Thompson and the music store, you'll hear JT's voice *somewhere* in the slideshow; his last recording on the store's answering machine, reassuring timely operations and customer-deicated service, including the part where he directs Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin in recording a JT Music radio ad back in April-May of 1969!

Johnny was a man of energy and focus, commitment and determination, a bright mind with an unquenchable desire for learning. His untiring passion was based upon the foundation of music education that he believed to be essential in the brain development of growing children, his belief in the universal language of music through changing times, and his unbreakable commitment and connection with his roots in Monterey Park.

Johnny was literally connected to music his whole life. He was the first steel guitar student of music industry legend Ernie Ball and at the tender age of 12, Johnny was winning music awards and contests, performing on numerous TV shows, including an appearance on the Mickey Mouse Club show in 1955 as a guest star on the Friday Night Talent Round Up...

CLICK ON JOHNNY'S HOT ROD LINCOLN'S BAND PICTURE BELOW TO ENTER THE HOT ROD LINCOLN SITE!

As a 'Son of Monterey Park', Johnny attended Repetto Elementary School from the very first day it opened its doors, and graduated from Mark Keppel High School Class of '61. He opened Johnny Thompson Music store upon graduation, which for over 60 years, served the San Gabriel Valley and the greater Los Angeles area and beyond. The big Johnny Thompson Music guitar sign became a glowing landmark of Monterey Park. Johnny never forgot people he knew from the earliest days, including lifelong connections to his favorite teachers and long-time friends...

While operating his music store, hosting monthly community live music-playing hoedowns, and providing live sound engineering for world-renowned rock bands, both local/American and those of the 'British Invasion' during the new music and cultural movement of the late-60s/early-70s, Johnny also ventured into original music with songwriting and experimental rock music, and later started a rock R&B band, Hot Rod Lincoln. Johnny mentored many employees and students who were to become professional musicians and educators, music store owners, and parents to generations of children who continued to reflect the joy of music throughout their lives...

Click on picture below to see 12-year-old Johnny and his 10-year-old brother Steven together in a magical duo in a televised performanced on-set at the then-all new Mickey Mouse Club TV show, plus other childhood televised musical gems featuring the Thompson brothers!

Johnny was recognized and awarded many times for his commitment and dedication to youth and the city of Monterey Park as reflected in his support of area school districts and school music events, his involvement in leadership roles in the business district of the city, and his involvement in important decisions. As one teacher wrote: "Johnny will be greatly missed. I appreciate so much what he did for the Alhambra School District. Back in the '90s he was a huge force in saving the music program." With his personal integrity and commitment in taking a reasoned stance in controversial issues, Johnny continued, year after year, to make a difference.

Johnny's latter years were no less dynamic as he was open to change and welcomed its creative presence even before major demographic changes took place in Monterey Park. Johnny was there. As he said in an article written about him in the October 17, 2016 'California' section of the LA Times: "Very few stayed. All the downtown businesses owners either left or have since retired. So I guess I'm the last one. This is my hometown and my business. I saw no need whatsoever to sell out. I think it has all worked out. It has worked out very well! That is the good thing about America. Diversity always wins out, and it makes everybody better." Johnny added that he had no plans to retire, no plans to leave Monterey Park...

John is gone now, but he's still here in the hearts of the people who knew him. And our hearts are with Nancy, Johnny's wife of 48 years, his partner in life and the miracle of JT Music.

The family will have a private gathering. A community tribute and celebration, and benefit concert will be held on Sunday, March 20, 2022, 10AM-7PM, in the Barnes Park Amphitheater in Monterey Park, CA.

PRE-SALE RAFFLE TICKETS for the Music Man Majesty 6 electric guitar will available at the original Johnny Thompson Music store location on 222 E. Garvey Ave. in Monterey Park, CA 91754; raffle tickets are $5.00 each, or $20.00 for five (5) raffle tickets. Participation in the raffle does not require participation at the event on January 9, and the winner of the grand prize will be notified for up to seven (7) day through email and/or phone; unclaimed prize will be awarded in another draw of the raffle held by the Mark Keppel High School (MKHS) Band Boosters. SPECIAL THANKS to Brian Ball and Angelo Lavorgna at Ernie Ball & MusicMan for non-stop fire and greatness with artistic endowment in the music biz!

UPDATE! TRIBUTE & BENEFIT CONCERT ON MARCH 20, 2022!.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Alhambra Unified School District (AUSD). The distribution of the raffle tickets is managed by the Mark Keppel High School (MKHS) Band Boosters.

*Employees of Johnny Thompson Music, MKHS Band Boosters, AEF and the Ernie Ball/Music Man company are excluded from participation in the Music Man Majesty 6 guitar raffle. For more information on the event, call JT Music at (626) 280-8783 or go to the Contact Us page at JohnnyThompsonMusic.com. Link to JTM Facebook.

Forecast for March 20, 2022 in Monterey Park calls for a bright sunny day with a daytime high of 75℉, a light breeze and only 3% cloud cover at this open-air outdoor amphitheater event w/seating; a max UV-index of 6 is expected, so UV-blocking sunglasses and long-sleeve/long-pants is ideal. Extra-layer(s) may provide extended all-day comfort.

UPDATE 01 MAY 2022: SPECIAL THANKS TO EVERYONE AT THE JOHNNY THOMPSON TRIBUTE & BENEFIT CONCERT ON MARCH 20, 2022; WE HAVE VIDEO FOOTAGE OF SO MANY GREAT PERFORMANCES FROM SUCH SUPERB MUSICIANS AND VOCALISTS AT THE EVENT! So if you missed it that day, stay tuned and check back for additional updates and video uploads of the fabulous performances by the fine local artists/legends, the Mark Keppel AZTECS Band, tribute from U.S. Air Force color guards, and more! CLICK HERE for the Tribute & Benefit Concert Video Collection Page - UNDER CONSTRUCTION - please be patient; will develop over time.