John Henry Ramistella, known professionally as Johnny Rivers, is an American rock and roll singer, songwriter, guitarist, and record producer. He is best known for a remarkable run of hit singles between 1964 and 1968, including “Memphis” (a Chuck Berry cover), “Mountain of Love,” “The Seventh Son,” “Secret Agent Man,” “Poor Side of Town” (a U.S. #1), “Baby I Need Your Lovin’” (a Motown cover), and “Summer Rain.”

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Ramistella began performing early. While still in junior high school, he sat in with a Baton Rouge band called the Rockets, led by Dick Holler—who later wrote several major hits, including the novelty classic “Snoopy vs. the Red Baron.” In 1958, during a trip to New York City, he met legendary disc jockey Alan Freed, who suggested he adopt the stage name Johnny Rivers, inspired by the Mississippi River running through his hometown. Freed also helped him secure his first recording contracts with the Gone label.

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Rivers’ career-changing break came in 1963 when he filled in for a jazz combo at Gazzarri’s, a Hollywood nightclub. His energetic live shows quickly built a following and launched him into national prominence. Between 1964 and 1977, Johnny Rivers earned nine Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, seventeen Top 40 singles, and ultimately sold more than 30 million records.