A Blues Legend Battles Cancer and Releases a New Holiday Album
Acclaimed guitarist Johnny “V” Vernazza is in the midst of a battle with cancer, recently returning to concert stages following radiation treatment, and completing work on his first holiday album, Home By Christmas, set for release on October 31. A GoFundMe campaign has been started to help with medical bills, as well as help spread the word about his new album, with a show celebrating the release of Home By Christmas set for December 17 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live.
“Music is what inspires me,” said Vernazza. “Completing Home By Christmas has been a real inspiration to keep me going through some difficult times, and it’s turned out great. Folks have often asked me if I’d ever release a holiday album, and I figured now more than ever we can use something with a positive feeling to raise everyone’s spirits, myself included.”
Amongst the twelve songs included on the new album are such seasonal favorites as “Silent Night,” “Blue Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Back Door Santa,” the latter featuring fellow guitar hero, Tommy Castro.
Renowned for his slide and lead guitar work, Vernazza is more than just a musician, he’s also been a mentor to many and a catalyst for all manner of musical happenings, traits that have seen him perform with a long list of music legends including Chuck Berry, Carlos Santana, Coco Montoya, Jerry Garcia, Steve Miller, Commander Cody, Greg Allman, Van Morrison, and George Thorogood. On Home By Christmas, he champions the next generation of artists, including such rising stars as Laura Chavez, Anthony Cullins, and Mercedes Moore. “What I loved most about the sessions for this album, was the sense of collaboration. It was wonderful to work with so many gifted players. Teamwork is dream work,” Vernazza said.
Born in San Francisco and raised in Daly City, Vernazza began his musical journey in the vibrant 1960s Bay Area scene. In the early 1970s, Vernazza joined the Elvin Bishop Band, contributing to six albums, numerous television appearances and extensive touring. He played a pivotal role in the 1976 hit “Fooled Around and Fell in Love,” which reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, scored a gold record, and has been a soundtrack perennial ever since.
Now residing in San Diego, Vernazza remains an active figure in the local music scene. He has released solo albums such as Feel Like Goin’ Home (2002) and Lions and Thieves (2013), the latter featuring guest appearances by Elvin Bishop, Albert Lee, and Charlie Daniels. His enduring passion for music continues to influence and inspire both audiences and fellow musicians.
Some three years ago, Vernazza was diagnosed with throat cancer. The radiation treatments caused significant tissue damage that resulted in three surgeries, with more planned. With insurance companies refusing selected coverage, the financial catastrophe has landed on Vernazza and his family.
Enter Brainstem Music and a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for medical bills and to fund his return to full-time touring sometime this fall. “Johnny Vernazza is a highly regarded musician who has earned his place as a standard-bearer in the San Diego music scene,” said Brainstem Music’s Jim Merrill.
“Having been awarded the “Best Blues Artist” at the 2025 San Diego Music Awards, his comeback to the industry began last April,” he continued. “His kindness, humility, and tenacity have kept him in the limelight and earned him respect from the San Diego music community. “We are asking for your help with Johnny’s financial medical debt and to assist him in his return to the music business,” Merrill said. “Join us with love in your heart and a generous hand in your pockets. Dig deep and chip in what you can!”
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-johnny-vernazzas-cancer-battle
Below: The Elvin Bishop Group featuring Johnny Vernazza performing with Van Morrison on NBC-TV’s Midnight Special, October 21, 1977
