Kathy Johnson - Bio


Kathy Johnson is a one-of-a-kind singer-songwriter whose performances delight audiences of all ages. She sings an eclectic mix of acoustic music, including her own originals, folk music, cowboy songs, vintage country, old rock and roll, and standards from the 1920's, 30's, and 40's. Her programs combine interesting material, witty commentary and a fun, straightforward style. This engaging redhead's voice is clear, warm and unique.

Her originals range from the comic gender bender, "Well-Tanned, Hairy-Chested, Bare-Armed Men," to her thought-provoking anthem, "A Little More Fair, A Little More Free," to the lovely, nature-inspired "It's Snowin' Tonight."

An experienced performer, Kathy has sung at festivals and clubs in the Eastern U.S. and Canada. A frequent visitor to Nashville, she has appeared at the Bluebird Cafe and other clubs, and has had several songs signed with Music Row publishers. She has sung at over 70 retirement communities and nursing homes in NE Ohio and Nashville.

Johnson has performed thirteen times at First Night Akron, where she has gotten very positive reactions from audiences. She is on the Artist Roster of the Millennium Stage at The Kennedy Center and the Ohio Arts Council's Performing Arts on Tour program. In 2007 she was chosen as a semi-finalist in the NewSong Academy Songwriting Contest. She showcased at the 2006 Folk Alliance Region Midwest Conference and the 2001 and 2003 Ohio Arts Presenters Network Conferences, and was an alternate for the 2001 International Folk Alliance Conference Official Showcase in Vancouver, B.C. Her song, "Way Out West" was the honored first track on the compilation Folk Train 2001 CD, featuring 24 musicians from the U.S., Canada, and England.

"Warm and inviting' may be overused when describing folk singers, but in the case of Kathy Johnson, the phrase is perfect." (Cleveland Free Times)

Kathy's first CD, Small Town Girl, was released in 1998. This entertaining, well-produced recording of 12 originals and two cowboy songs features a talented ensemble of musicians from Nashville and Akron.

"What a guileless and charming album!..." (Sing Out!)

Her second CD, Way Out West, (2000), is a collection of cowboy songs, including the original title cut and classics like "Home on the Range" and "Happy Trails."

"I like everything about this record from start to finish... heartfelt performances ... highly enjoyable." (In Review, Nashville)

Home for the Holidays (2003), Johnson's third CD, is a wonderful collection of originals, carols, and wintertime favorites.

"I had a feeling this would be something special, and it is! ... The four original songs are all standouts ... Very listenable." (Fred Dolan, WJCU-FM, Cleveland)

Great Big Dreams (2014), has five of Kathy's originals and eight of her unique covers of songs by writers like Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Billy Edd Wheeler, and more. And in 2014 Great Big Dreams was in the running for a Grammy for Best Folk Album!

"Great Big Dreams is a modern masterpiece: with melodious lyrics and sophisticated arranging. Thank you for enriching the world with your beautiful music and creative spirit!...We consider you an incredible talent, someone who infuses art with passion, intrigue, and thoughtfulness." (Kabir Sehgal, Grammy-winning producer and New York Times bestselling author)

All of Johnson's albums have gotten radio airplay on folk, Americana, and country stations in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.


Singing Bridge Music
P.O. Box 4847
Akron, OH 44310

E-mail: info@kathysongs.com

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