Whittier : Legendary Walking Violin Minstrel Dies at Age 76

Elston Johnson, the “Violin Man” who wandered the streets of Whittier for nearly 25 years playing lively tunes on his fiddle, has died. He was 76.

Johnson died Sunday afternoon at his home after suffering from a prolonged illness, said Gladys French, Johnson’s caretaker.

Visitations for the fiddler will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. today at White Emerson Funeral Home, 13304 E. Philadelphia St., Whittier.

Johnson, a kind and gentle-mannered fellow who looked a little like Santa Claus with his long white beard, had become a legend in Whittier. When Johnson was younger he walked between 10 and 25 miles a day through Whittier, playing his fiddle.

After Johnson became ill several months ago, French and her husband, Paul, would drive Johnson to a park or street corner where he could play his carefree tunes.

Johnson, also known as the “Whittier Walker,” said during an interview in September that he put on the impromptu concerts because he loved music and fresh air.