Musical Influences
Johnny is a 17 year veteran of the South Florida music scene. He is an entertainer and an artist; renowned saxophonist, flutist and composer. He is an arranger and producer, and a nationally respected musician for his diversity and style. He has appeared with Rap, Hip-Hop and Jazz ensembles and many of today's contemporary artists.
Artist History
Johnny was born in Tallahassee, FL, but eventually moved to Rochester, NY, where his interest and love for music blossomed. His fascination with music cultivated immensely at age six, after his family moved near the Eastman School of Music Conservatory where his mentors studied. They were famous artists who introduced Johnny to old Jazz recordings and style. He developed his early music skills on the piano through their talent and coaching. Florida A&M's infamous marching band was another major influence on this artist and his career. It didn't take long to find his life's passion; the saxophone. After moving back to Tallahassee he became influenced by his long time idol, Cannonball Aderly, who lived in the same community, and inspiring A&M graduate. Upon High School graduation, Johnny earned a musical scholarship to Florida A&M where he served double-duty as a dedicated student and club musician which helped shape him into a highly regarded musician in Miami and New York alike. An artist of integrity; skill; personality and honesty, he is held in high regard by some as the next Grover Washington, Jr. of our time.
Instruments
Saxophone, Flute
Press Reviews
Since 1999, Johnny 's calendar is impressive. He appeared with Najee, Norman Brown and others at Jazz Fest Weekend at Pleasure Island, Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL; with Alonzo Mourning of Miami Heat for the Third Annual Zo's Summer Groove Charity; appeared in the Street & Beat Concert Series by Love 94 and the City of Hollywood, Fl; opened for Kenny G. at Sunfestt 99' at the Waterfront in West Palm Beach, FL; appeared in HBO's "the Box"; appeared in Media One's "Black history Program" Miami, FL; appeared with Hootie and the Blowfish at Dan Marino's First Plus Celebrity Invitational 1999/2000 at Weston Hills Country Club, Weston, Fl; appeared with Kelly Price, Bob Johnson [CEO of BET], Ronnie Laws, Faith Evans, Howard Hewlett, Deborah Cox, Kenny Lattimore, Denzel Washingotn, Wesley Snipes and others at the Isaac Hayes Superbowl XXXIII Hot Buttered Soul Week, Miami, FL; appeared with Ray Charles and his orchestra at Mercedes Benz Area Retailers Convention, Fort Lauderdale, Fl; appeared as saxophonist and background singer for Emmanuel during his Aventura tour; appeared at the Reynolds & Reynolds Corporation Presidential Ball, San Juan, PR, the Bahamas Atlantis - Pleasure Island and Cancun Mexico; appeared at the GE Corporation Annual Appreciation Festival, Schenectady, NY; appeared with Ashford and Simpson at the Athalie Range Musical "Celebration of life", Miami, Fl.; Lead Vocalist/Saxophonist for Ruby Baker and her band at Jazid in South Beach. Ruby is best known for her backup singing for Gloria Estefan during worldwide tours; Lead Vocalist/Saxophonist; Lead Vocalist/Saxophonist for the Night Shift Band at the Mezzanote and Pete's Boca Raton Restaurant in Boca Raton, FL; Lead Vocalist/Saxophonist for the Ruby Baker Band at OHara's of Ft. Lauderdale and Hollywood, Fl; his ensemble September's Band, accompanied the Drifters, the Platters, and the Marvelletes doing the classics "On Broadway", "Up On The Roof", "Great Pretender", "Only You" and "Heat Wave."
THE REMEDY CD at CD Baby offers 2 bonus tracks from his sophomore CD release of THE CURE coming soon, including "FOOLISH HEART" and "FANTASY"!
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