Album Notes

I have been singing for a very long time. I made Hits in the 50's and retired cold turkey to raise two beautiful daughters, Lydia and Elisabeth. They have the singing genes that were passed to me by my family, "The Johnson Family Singers."

Elisabeth lives in Madrid, Spain and is a regular singer with the Big Band. Happily they let me join them in concerts. Our Chattanooga Swing CD was a great treat for all of us. The Spanish musicians are wonderful and so admire American music. She is a University professor (day job), and raises two great children. Her husband, Carlos, attends and enjoys all recording sessions.

Lydia (Family Affair), is a talented singer as well and we have a special relationship. She manages the homes and the music business and manages to raise two beautiful children and keep her husband happy as well- quite an accomplishment. My mission is to keep the music playing and enjoy family and friends that I meet on the web and in concert.

REVIEW BY Steven Loewy

"Betty Johnson and daughter Elisabeth Gray take on the big band repertoire in this highly entertaining, swinging set of carefully selected standards. Further evidence of Johnson's remarkable comeback after years of retirement, this album finds the two vocalists fronting a steaming Madrid-based orchestra performing in the styles of decades past. Close your eyes and you are transported to another era when these great tunes (including "It's All Right with Me," "Tuxedo Junction," "Blue Moon," "Chattanooga Choo Choo,") held sway. Like her sister Lydia Gray (who can be heard to good effect with Johnson on Soft Lights & Sweet Music), Elisabeth has a fresh relaxed style, a fine affinity for the lyrics, and a naturally sultry banter. While Johnson's voice has deepened a bit through the years, it still manages to project a youthful exuberance. Together, the women communicate a certain innocence, a throwback to simpler times, and a sort of Apple Pie Americana that is appealing for its unselfconsciousness. Even on the somewhat difficult slower pieces, such as the lovely "Tu Me Acostumbraste" (sung in Spanish by Gray) or "Spring is Here," there is an upbeat lilting quality beneath the surface. Ultimately, Johnson and Gray regale in optimistic fare and good dance music of the toe-tapping variety, with a strong jazz feel. Great fun!"

Review by Jack Lebo's Big Band Report: DANCING USA

The new CD of Betty Johnson and Elisabeth Gray, knocked me out---Great Material---Great vocals--Great Arrangements----Betty Hit a Home Run This Time!