Wayne Johnson
Music has always been a very important part of my life. I started as a young man around the age of nine. Over the years struggling to teach myself the guitar I found singing along with my efforts seemed to make it easier. I listened to artists such as Merle Haggard, Elvis, Pure Prairie League, The Eagles, Restless Heart and Vince Gill. I quickly found that I loved hearing and singing harmonies. Maybe that is why The Eagles and Restless Heart were such an influence on me.
My first live performance was with my cousin Louie (Sonny) Lewman in a small bar in Ottumwa, Iowa in the latter part of the 70's and Yes home of "Radar" from the TV series MASH. My cousin and I just seemed to naturally connect and the harmony was great. He and I continued together musically for several years forming a band called "Deep River". In 1981 we recorded an album titled "Dreams" and sold a few hundred copies. The local radio station played the album for nearly 20 years! During my time with Deep River we traveled a bit and opened for stars such as Johnny Russell, Gene Watson and others along the way. Those are great memories. However, Sonny my dear friend and cousin has since passed away. Sonny will always be loved and remembered by me as a brother and a person who influenced me greatly.
Recently, while performing at the Alabama Gulf Coast Music Hall, I came to know Tom & Deborah Tatum both excellent singers. We joined to form "Night Star Music" for a year. However, since then Night Start continues with Deb & Tom, but I decided to perform as a solo act. Yes, Deb, Tom and I remain friends. My personal goal is to provide an enjoyable musical experience with songs from the heart, that stir emotions and memories. If in doing so, makes you want to dance a little by all means have fun. I hope you enjoy listening and dancing to my performance.
I plan to continue playing and singing as long as the good Lord will continue providing this gift He has given me and as long as great friends like you continue to listen!.
Thank You!
Wayne