diff --git a/kombu/transport/redis.py b/kombu/transport/redis.py
index 45a4dfe0..7cd8c4ef 100644
--- a/kombu/transport/redis.py
+++ b/kombu/transport/redis.py
@@ -492,7 +492,7 @@ class Channel(virtual.Channel):
 
         # Evaluate connection.
         try:
-            self.client.info()
+            self.client.ping()
         except Exception:
             self._disconnect_pools()
             raise