She first recorded in Chicago in 1929, accompanied by the pianists Montana Taylor and Charles Avery on five songs, including "Rock That Thing".
Johnson did not return to the recording studio until 1935, when her more risqué songs included "Get 'Em from the Peanut Man (Hot Nuts)", "Anybody Want to Buy My Cabbage?
",[2][3] and "Press My Button (Ring My Bell)" ("Come on baby, let's have some fun / Just put your hot dog in my bun").
From Johnson's second session onwards, she formed a partnership with the ragtime-influenced pianist Black Bob, who provided ebullient support for her increasingly suggestive lyrics.
[6] In November 1936, Johnson recorded "New Shave 'Em Dry", with Alfred Bell (trumpet) and Black Bob (piano).