Is Sammy Johns(the man who wrote Chevy Van in 19750 dead???

Answer 1

If so, I don't see any indication of it on any of the internet sites that you would expect to reflect it. The BMI registry doesn't indicate that he's deceased, and a few music sites wished him a happy birthday on February 7th, when he seemingly turned 61.

On the other hand, I don't have any personal information that says he's still alive.

Interesting note: Sammy Johns (and the legal rights to his recordings) are part of a bizarre storyline involving men named Mike Thevis and Jimmy Ginn. Johns recorded "Chevy Van" while under contract to a company called GRC (General Recording Corporation). GRC was owned by Mike Thevis. At that time, Thevis was also the operator of what was quite likely the largest pornography organization in the United States, and, allegedly, an associate of the Gambino crime family. Thevis' porn business earned him a trip to prison in 1976, and he was eventually indicted on a wide range of charges like tax evasion, racketeering, and even murder. Thevis escaped in 1978, and went all the way to the Top 10, earning a spot on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list.

Thevis was recaptured soon after killing the FBI informant who had turned against him. As of today, the 75-year old Thevis is serving time in the Minneapolis Community Corrections facility - he's scheduled for release on February 11, 2028, when he'll be just about 96 years old.

More on the story, can be found at the links below.

By the way, BMI reflects 59 songwriting credits for Sammy Reginald Johns, the singer of Chevy Van.

Answer 2

Can't prove it yet either way. Have an interview he did in 2005 right here.

Answer 3

i think so..