Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson

Genres: pop, country, singer-songwriter, USA, us

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About Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson (August 8, 1944 – July 25, 2017) was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his work in pop, country, and folk music. He is best known for the 1978 hit "Bluer Than Blue." Throughout his career, he charted four times on the Billboard Hot 100 and had nine hits on the Hot Country Songs chart, including two number one country singles: "Give Me Wings" and "The Moon Is Still Over Her Shoulder," both released in 1986. He also co-wrote "Cain's Blood," the debut single of the country group 4 Runner. Johnson was born in Alamosa, Colorado, and grew up in Denver. He began playing guitar at age 13. In 1963, he enrolled at Colorado State University to study music but left after winning an international talent contest two years later, which included a recording contract with Epic Records. His song "Hills" was released as a single by Epic. Johnson toured extensively in clubs and colleges. In 1966, Johnson studied classical guitar at the Liceu Conservatory in Barcelona, Spain, with Graciano Tarragó and Renata Tarragó. After returning to the United States, he joined the New Society, led by Randy Sparks, and toured Asia. When the group dissolved in 1967, he joined the Chad Mitchell Trio, which was renamed Denver, Boise & Johnson, and co-wrote songs with John Denver. Following the trio's disbandment, Johnson took a role in the off-Broadway production "Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris," performing in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago before returning to his solo music career. Johnson signed with Atco Records in 1971 and released his debut album, There Is A Breeze, in 1973. The album was produced by Johnson along with Chris Dedrick, Peter Yarrow, and Phil Ramone. Johnson later self-produced his 1975 album For All You Mad Musicians, featuring a more folk-oriented sound, followed by Ain't Dis Da Life, which included a rhythm section. These albums helped build his regional following. He then worked with Brent Maher and Steve Gibson in Nashville to produce a demo featuring "Bluer Than Blue" and "Almost Like Being in Love." This led to a contract with EMI America and the release of The Michael Johnson Album in 1978. "Bluer Than Blue" reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Adult Contemporary chart. "Almost Like Being in Love" also charted on the R\&B, Adult Contemporary, and pop charts. His next album, Dialogue, included the hit "This Night Won't Last Forever" and earned a Gold Record in Europe for "I'll Always Love You." Johnson released five albums with EMI before moving to RCA Records in 1985, where he adopted a contemporary country style. He recorded duets with Juice Newton and Sylvia and achieved five Top Ten country hits between 1986 and 1989, including the number one hits "Give Me Wings" and "The Moon Is Still Over Her Shoulder." After two country albums and two greatest hits compilations on RCA, Johnson signed with Atlantic Records in 1991, but his commercial success declined. He recorded occasionally for smaller labels in the 1990s. In 1995, the group 4 Runner had a minor hit with "Cain's Blood," co-written by Johnson and Jack Sundrud. In addition to performing, Johnson wrote "The Solo Performer" column for Performing Songwriter magazine from 1993 to 1998. In August 2007, Johnson underwent successful quadruple bypass heart surgery. A charitable organization called "Friends of Michael Johnson" was established temporarily to assist with medical expenses. Johnson died on July 25, 2017, at his home in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the age of 72.

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