Tenor saxophonist originally from Houston, TX. Worked clubs in Kansas City where he joined Jay McShann’s band. After serving in the military Sparrow played with Louis Armstrong’s band before forming his own group in 1948 called the Bows & Arrows. The group toured nationally including many stops in Baltimore where they made their home in 1950-51.
Sparrow & His Bows & Arrows hit the national charts early in 1950 with an instrumental single titled “Sparrow’s Flight” b/w “Saratoga Rock” (Melford 253). The next record “Who Owns the Joint” b/w “The Word from Deacon Bird” (National 9114) was released in 1950.
A mid-1950 line-up of the Bows & Arrows featured Johnny the ‘Mad Sax Man’ with Ray Shoates (guitar), ‘Bop’ Gibson (piano), LeRoy Jones (drums), and Warren Scott (trumpet).
Locally they appeared at the Club Orleans, Carr’s Beach, Club Casino, Maceo’s Lounge, and an extended gig at the New Club Frolic during 1951. They could be seen on Sundays in 1952 at the Famous Ballroom’s Matinee Hops hosted by WITH radio personality Buddy Deane.
By 1952 the group relocated to Philadelphia. They went on to release records on Gotham, and X labels.
Shoates was later with the Ray-Dars.
During the ‘70s Johnny and the Bows & Arrows were represented by the Ace Booking Agency.
