Texas Time Travel

Virgil Lewis Johnson

Virgil Lewis Johnson (1935–2013) rose from West Texas to national recognition as a member of The Velvets, helping bring doo-wop harmonies into the early 1960s pop spotlight. His journey from regional performer to recording artist, and later, community leader highlights the wide-ranging impact of musicians from the South Plains.

Pictured: West Texas Walk of Fame inductees Virgil Johnson and Buddy Knox.
Credit: Courtesy of the Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library

Why They Matter

Virgil Lewis Johnson helped put West Texas on the national music map as the lead singer of The Velvets, one of the region’s most successful vocal groups. Their 1961 hit “Tonight (Could Be the Night)” brought the smooth harmonies of doo-wop from Odessa to a national audience, highlighting the role of the South Plains in shaping early rock and R&B.

Signature Sound & Style

Johnson’s music was rooted in doo-wop, blending tight vocal harmonies with a polished, crossover sound that appealed to wide audiences. As lead singer, he helped craft a style that stood out for its clarity and emotional tone, bridging rhythm and blues with mainstream pop during a time of changing musical tastes.

Must-Know Songs

  1. “Tonight (Could Be the Night)” – A 1961 national hit that reached the Billboard Top 40
  2. "Laugh" – Co-written by Roy Orbison, who recommended the group to Monument Records in 1960
  3. "Let the Good Times Roll"– Released by The Velvets in 1962, the song was originally written and released by Shirley Goodman and Leonard Lee of Shirley & Lee in 1956


[HEAR THE VELVETS' HITS ON THE PLAINS TRAIL REGIONAL PLAYLIST]

Did You Know?

After his music career, Johnson became a respected educator and principal in Lubbock, shaping young lives both in and out of the classroom. He later returned to music as a local radio personality, “V.J. the deejay,” and was honored as one of Lubbock’s most influential figures, reflecting a legacy that spans both music and community leadership.

Virgil Johnson Bio in Detail

Read a more in-depth biography of this celebrated doo-wop singer and educator!

The Handbook to Texas Music