Eric Johnson

Eric Johnson: biography

Eric Johnson, a celebrity with a big, 40-year experience in making music, is turning 65 this year. In spite of such an old age, the star continues creating music masterpieces. He began his career as a member of various bands, later becoming a solo singer. Let’s know if he has succeeded on this field of acting!

Childhood and youth

Eric Johnson's birthplace is Texas. He was raised in a family of musicians alongside three siblings. Their dad, a whistler, transmitted them the love for music and encouraged to learn to play the piano and deal with other equipment. By the moment Eric Johnson turned 12, he had already been able to play the guitar. As a kid, he had idols such as Jimi Hendrix, Chet Atkins among others. When he was 15, future celebrity became a member of a local rock band Mariani. 1968 brought them their first demo.

Music career

Early bands

Having completed his high school education, Eric Johnson enrolled at a college but attended it rarely. In 1974 he became a member of another music collective named Electromagnets. Initially, the band was successful in recording demos and touring the cities but failed to be noticed by professional producers. As a result, its members parted ways in 1977.

1986 brought Johnson his collection ‘Tones.’ According to fans, album’s best song is ‘Zap’ – it brought Johnson Grammy Award. However, album's sales' level remained low. Journalists from Guitar Player magazine paid attention to rising star and invited him to an interview. Subsequently, the article about him provided the singer with lots of fans and positive acclaim.

In 1989 Johnson alongside Kyle Rock performed with the song ‘Desert Rose’ at the Music Festival.

In 1990 he pleased his fans by publishing the collection named ‘Ah Via Musicom.’ Its song ‘Cliffs of Dover’ became a real hit and got several platinum nominations.

The same year, he arranged a tour supporting his project and spent three years traveling around the country. While touring, Johnson was elaborating his following collection intermittently – ‘Venus Isle.’

The project came out in fall 1996. It differed from his previous works – Johnson had improved his playing, songwriting, composing and vocal skills. Although it didn't bring him much money and attention. Eventually, the musician had to leave a recording company.

Seven worlds

At the end of the 1970s, Johnson decided to create a band by himself. The collective titled Eric Johnson Group consisted of two musicians, apart from Eric. They were majorly a local group; their fans were dwellers of Austin, Johnson's motherland. The musicians began recording their debut project – the collection named ‘Seven Worlds.’ However, because of some disagreements with a recording company, it was published only twenty years later - in 1998.

Around that time, Eric Johnson also collaborated with artists Christopher Cross and Cat Stevens.

1984 is thought to be a real breakthrough in Johnson's career. So, that year he concluded a contract with a big recording firm. In summer 1984 he gave concerts in Austin – his performance was recorded to be later dropped on DVD.

Solo albums

2002 was marked by Johnson's return to the world of music. So, he created his own music label and released ‘Souvenir’ on it. The following year, he traveled around the country to support the album.

In 2003 Eric was featured on the collection by Mike Tramp named ‘More to Life than This.’

In fall 2005 the star was seen acting on Legacy of the Guitar.

In 2005 fans could listen to Eric Johnson's new collection ‘Bloom.’ It included songs of various genres what demonstrated Johnson's willing to diversify his creativity. The same year, he presented a DVD consisting of his performances of early years.

In 2014 Johnson dropped Europe Live.

Eric Johnson’s net worth is evaluated at $1 million.

Personal life

Apart from music, the celebrity was involved in various other activities. So, in 1994, he launched the project Alien Love Child.

Four years later, Johnson was invited to serve as a judge of a competition arranged by Musician magazine.

Speaking about Eric Johnson's relationships, he has had a long list of affairs. However, his ex-girlfriends' names are not known – the musician keeps his private life in secret, out of public eyes. The same applies to his current possible wife or girlfriend – Johnson hides his relationship assiduously.

According to some sources, Johnson currently resides in his own house located in California.

Discography

• Tones (1986)
• Ah Via Musicom (1990)
• Venus Isle (1996)
• Seven Worlds (1998)
• Eclectic (2014)
• EJ (2016)
• Collage (2017)

Awards and nominations

• Best Rock Instrumental (1987, 1991, 1997, 2006)