Johnny "Reverb" Holston, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, musician, mentor, and friend, passed away after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. He leaves behind a legacy of music, laughter, kindness, and unforgettable stories, as well as six cherished grandchildren who brought him immense pride and joy.

Born in Gulfport, Mississippi, Johnny was the oldest of six siblings and moved to Amarillo, Texas with his parents in the late 1950s. His love for music began early, learning piano from his grandmother — lovingly known as "Maw-Maw" — who played in a small Baptist church and taught piano lessons. Not long after arriving in Amarillo, Johnny caught the Rock & Roll bug for good.

Inspired by his Uncle Derb, who had recorded music after serving in the Navy, Johnny began experimenting with music on a small tape recorder, even imitating electric guitar sounds before he had one of his own. After learning to play his father's electric guitar, he quickly set out to start a band and never looked back.

While attending school in Amarillo, Johnny found lifelong friendships with fellow musicians who shared his passion for music. Together they played dances, clubs, and venues across the Texas Panhandle, including the YMCA and The Scene on Amarillo Boulevard, as well as surrounding towns like Perryton, Muleshoe, Spearman, Dumas, and Hereford.

After high school, Johnny traveled to the legendary Atlanta Pop Festival, where seeing Jimi Hendrix and the original Allman Brothers Band helped shape the musician he would become.

Johnny later spent nearly three decades in Austin, Texas during some of the city's most vibrant musical years. During that time, he performed with several bands before joining the Milton Carroll Band, where he recorded professionally for the first time and opened shows for Jerry Jeff Walker. Along the way, Johnny experienced the heart of Austin's legendary music scene and built lifelong friendships through music.

At the height of his career, Johnny played in the reggae band The Lotions, touring throughout the United States and performing alongside acts connected to Stevie Ray Vaughan's booking circuit. For a time, the band stood on the edge of major success in Austin's thriving music scene. He briefly performed internationally, touring parts of France and Eastern Europe playing blues music before eventually returning home to Amarillo.

After moving back to Amarillo, Johnny met the love of his life, Kimberly Ann Galloway, on historic 6th Street. Together they built a life filled with love, music, friendship, and family. Back home, Johnny reunited with old friends and shared his love of music with everyone around him. He also became a mentor to many local young musicians, teaching guitar lessons, songwriting, and stage presence to aspiring artists throughout the community.

Whether on stage, teaching a young musician, or telling corny dad jokes, Johnny had a gift for making people feel welcome and appreciated. Those who knew him will remember not only his incredible talent, but also his gentle spirit, humor, and genuine kindness. Many considered him the nicest guy on the planet — and it was hard to argue otherwise.

Johnny's music lives on in the memories of those who heard him play, and his warmth lives on in the family and friends who loved him deeply.

He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

Johnny is survived by his loving wife, Kimberly Holston; daughter Kat Chandler, husband Jay, and grandchildren Mattie and Kiley; daughter Courtney Church, husband Micah, and grandchildren Olivia and Jack; and son, Jaron Loera, and grandchildren, Ellie and Wyatt.

He is also survived by his mother Gloria Short and siblings: Dana Holston Cirelli and husband Jim; Glen Holston and wife Jeannie; Terrie Rutledge and husband Joe; Sonya Flynn and husband Ronnie; and Jonathan Holston and wife Karen; along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Johnny also leaves behind a large circle of dear friends, bandmates, and musicians whose lives were forever enriched by his friendship, humor, and generosity