Sam Jonathan Johnson is a versatile and talented music artist who has been captivating audiences with his soulful voice and compelling lyrics. His passion for music started at a young age, and he has since honed his craft to deliver powerful performances that resonate with listeners from all walks of life.

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Samuel Jonathan Johnson began playing the organ at age 14, at E. 17th St. C.O.G.I.C. in Des Moines, IA, where his mom was choir director and pianist. Within a few months, Johnson had become the youngest "State Minister of Music" in C.O.G.I.C. history! Serving in both Nebraska and Iowa.  

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When Johnson was 16 years old the family moved to New York City, where he played for several churches. Holy Trinity C.O.G.I.C. in Brooklyn was his home church and Johnson quickly gained notoriety as one of New York’s finest organists there. Whether showing other musicians the newest licks, or training choirs, Sam was a natural teacher.  At age 19 he went into the Army and was introduced to jazz by some older guys in his unit. A few months later he was playing jazz at piano bars and college parties when off duty, wherever he was stationed. After returning home to New York he continued to play for church choirs and composed songs incorporating jazz chords with gospel chords to create his unique style and sound. Subsequently, he formed the group "Spontaneous Combustion" and performed throughout the New England area, sometimes opening for major acts such as "The Jackson 5!"  

 

Soon after getting major exposure, Johnson recorded his solo album MY MUSIC for Columbia Records.  John Hammond, the father of the music industry who was also Clive Davis' mentor, was Executive Producer. Hammond had discovered most of the great legends from Duke Ellington, Bessie Smith, Billy Holliday, Count Basie, Aretha Franklin, and George Benson, to Bob Dylan. Johnson and Bruce Springsteen ("The Boss") were the last artist discovered and signed by John Hammond before his retirement. They both became a part of music history and Johnson's album MY MUSIC was released in Europe where it made some noise, but never made it to the U.S.  Johnson was ahead of his time according to music insiders.

 

Having mixed emotions about the outcome of his debut, and also dealing with his mother's illness at the same time, Johnson took a long sabbatical as a recording artist, and began to work with local jazz singers in the New York area. He began to write poetry in Greenwich Village, and became involved in musical theatre on Broadway.  Ultimately becoming director of the music dept. for Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee's Open Cage Theatre in Mt. Vernon, NY under administrator and founder, Tina Sattin.  After a couple of years of creative frustration, he relocated to Los Angeles where some famous cousins (The Gap Band) were making their mark.  New to Hollywood, he played at a local church on Sundays (Sweet Home MBC) and taught music at Communion Christian Academy during the week.  

 

Lately, Johnson has been listening to and critiquing today's music with his younger children, and the Hip-Hop music explosion has inspired him to write and be creative again. He says; "I often hear my style and sound being used in samples on radio and t.v... and I am honored that the Hip-Hop culture has embraced My Music!"