From the beginning, Michael was influenced by a wide variety of musicians, from Chuck Berry and Gene Vincent, to Charlie Byrd and several classical guitarists. It didn't take him long to master the basics. The cross-influences between Michael and his brother covered much musical ground, and they shared everything they learned with each other.

While in college, Michael entered a national amateur contest sponsored by CBS Records and won first prize - - - a contract with Epic Records. This was Michael's first exposure to the music industry, life in the studio and life on the road. It resulted in a national tour of colleges and clubs and the beginning of a life-long adventure. "I'd always envied people who performed and made records, and now I felt lucky to be among them. It was like coming home", he recalls.

At age 21, he traveled to Barcelona to study for a year with eminent classical guitarist, Graciano Tarrago. The classical influence is one element of style that distinctively sets Michael Johnson apart from other currently popular musicians.

Michael returned to the States for a year-long tour as a member of "The Chad Mitchell Trio" and while in New York, he chanced to see a stage production of Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. Thus began the development of another side of his talent. "It's not that I wanted to be an actor, I just had to be in that show." In a major supporting role, Michael performed in Jacques Brel . . .  for a year in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

A musician at heart, Michael turned his attention back to creating, performing and recording his music. In 1971, he signed a recording agreement with Atlantic Records and spent several months in New York working on sessions for his debut album, with producers Peter Yarrow and Phil Ramone. The result was There Is A Breeze, the first pressings of which are now considered collectors' items.

Michael self-produced his next LP in 1975. Titled For All You Mad Musicians, this second album was a true representation of his unique, soft, melodic approach, still a major aspect of his solo performance today. The album increased an already heavy demand for his live solo appearances.

Ain't Dis Da Life, his third LP, was also self-produced, and while still acoustic in nature, it was a more ambitious project. The album took a year to produce and it's success solidified Michael's then regional fame.

In 1978, Michael teamed up with Nashville producers Brent Maher and Steve Gibson to cut two songs with which to shop for a new recording contract. Those two songs turned out to be "Bluer Than Blue" and "Almost Like Being In Love" - - - both major hits for Michael in several radio formats from Top 40 to Adult Contemporary and even R & B and Country.

Michael has since appeared on numerous national television shows, performed film soundtracks, written and co-written songs, and has continued to record and perform. He has recorded eleven albums and has many hit singles to his credit.

Johnson's voice is a wonder in it's own right. It is, as dynamics require, boyish or brooding, intimate or aloof. The inseparable fusion of vocal texture, sensitive production and songs of real substance confirm that Michael Johnson achieves again and again the artistry he requires of himself.

Visit his website at www.mjblue.com.