Michael Johnson
National recording artist
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 Intro |
 Rider |
About
When asked what he would have you know about himself, Michael says: “Tell them that I love it.” He started playing at age thirteen and just never quit. Singing, playing, writing, and recording are the only things he’s ever done and he loves it.
“Tell them I play guitar.” He really plays guitar. He has studied in Barcelona and he plays on all his records with a unique and distinctive style. His playing is an important part of his show.
“I am a soloist at heart.” Michael often performs alone, and he has elevated the art. He prefers the intimacy and spontaneity of a show that can change with the moment.
“Tell them that I’m a showman. I like to talk to people and I love to make them laugh. And of course, I have to move them with the music. That’s the whole thing. Without that, there is no reason to be on stage.”
Some of Michael’s achievements include:
- Winning an international folk singing contest in 1964
- Living in a garage in Bel Air with Steve Martin in 1967
- Joining the Chad Mitchell Trio with John Denver and toured for a year in 1968
- Signing with Atlantic Records in 1970
- Starting his own successful record label in 1975
- Appearing on television on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Nashville Now, Music City Tonight, Prime Time Country, Entertainment Tonight, The American Music Shop, The Texas Connection, Austin City Limits, CMA Awards shows, and ACM Awards shows
- His touring has taken him all over the world, touring with Clint Black & Wynona Judd and Alison Krauss and Union Station. He has also performed with many symphony orchestras
- Among the artists whom Michael has appeared with are Judy Collins, George Carlin, Vince Gil, Roger Miller, Bill Monroe, John McGloughlin, Josh White Sr., Cheryl Wheeler, David Sanborn, Wynona, Triscia Yearwood, Andy Kaufman, and Jennifer Warnes
- Michael has recorded 16 records, including hit singles: Bluer Than Blue, Almost Like Being in Love, This Night Won’t Last Forever, I’ll Always Love You, Gotta Learn to Love Without You, Give Me Wings (#1 country song and Billboard Country Song of the Year in 1986), The Moon is Still Over Her Shoulder (#1 country song of the year in 1986), Whenever I Call You Friend, with Alison Krauss
Reviews
“A dazzling guitarist and wonderfully expressive singer. No two shows are alike.”
–Billboard Magazine
“…a masterful guitarist who can pull off some amazing stunts with such incredible nonchalance that he doesn’t seem quite human.”
–Chicago Daily Tribune
“Only seeing him in person will convince you that he actually DOES all those things you’re hearing.”
–The Daily Planet
“Michael Johnson is one of the greatest and most sensitive guitar players I know. His singing is warm and captivating and his songs are the best.”
–Bluebird Café, Nashville, TN
“One of our smoothest balladeers demonstrates he still has the master’s touch…, soft, intricate vocals…elegant production.”
–Billboard Magazine
Intro
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Rider
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Michael Johnson has no plans to put on a cowboy hat, affect an accent, wear one glove, or be anyone but himself. Moreover, he is “THE” Michael Johnson, and he has performed and lived more music and recorded more hits than you would imagine.
His voice immediately identifies him as the man who sings “Bluer Than Blue”, “Give Me Wings”, “That’s That”, This Night Won’t Last Forever”, and other landmark songs. His music shows a diversity, depth, and heart that only come from years of dedication to a labor of love.
What one remembers of Michael is the texture of his voice, the meaning of the lyric and the music of the guitar—singer, song, and sound…and the feeling of being at home with a friend.