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'''Damon Johnson''' is a native [[Birmingham]], AL musician. Some of Johnson's early ventures were playing guitar for the bands [[Split the Dark]] and [[Witness]], the latter of which did had a major label album released.  After finding minimal success, Johnson formed the four-piece rock band, Chyld, in his home state of Alabama in [[1990]].  After working with different lead singers and acquiring a development deal with Virgin Records in November of that year, it was when a record company rep heard Johnson sing a few cover songs that he was convinced that Damon should become the lead vocalist and frontman.  A name change to [[Brother Cane]] would find the band in the Record Plant Studios in Los Angeles in the summer of [[1992]].  Brother Cane went on to record 3 albums for Virgin: ''Brother Cane'', ''Wishpool'' and ''Seeds''.  Each of these albums produced a Number One single on the Rock charts:  "Got No Shame", "Fools Shine On", and "I Lie in the Bed I Make", respectfully.  "Fools Shine On" was also chosen as the theme song for the movie "Halloween 6".  After 6 years of recording and touring, Brother Cane amicably disbanded at the end of [[1998]].
[[Image:Damon Johnson.jpg|right|375px|thumb|Damon Johnson (left) performing with Alice Cooper, October 2010]]
'''Damon Johnson''' (born [[July 13]], [[1964]] in Macon, Georgia) is a rock and country guitarist and vocalist, currently fronting [[Black Star Riders]], featuring surving members of Seventies rock band Thin Lizzy.


At the start of the new millineum, Johnson recorded and released an all-acoustic solo album, ''Dust''. He became, briefly, a member of the [[Damn Yankees]] with Ted Nugent, Jack Blades, [[Tommy Shaw]], and Michael Cartelone (a full album was recorded but ultimately shelved). In March of [[2001]], Fleetwood Mac vocalist Stevie Nicks recorded the Damon Johnson composition, "Everyday" (co-written with John Shanks) as the first single for her solo album, ''Trouble In Shangrila''.  Later that same year, Damon became lead guitarist for the great British rock vocalist, John Waite.  
Johnson grew up in Monroeville, where he first picked up guitar in middle school. Exposed to country music at home, he became obsessed with the guitar after discovering Lynyrd Skynyrd and Kiss. He formed a garage band with some of his classmates called "Renegade". In [[1979]] the family moved to his mother's home town of Geraldine in DeKalb County. There he met Larry Davis, Danny Beason, Jeff Maddux and Jamie Collins and formed a band called "Silver Rose" which won the Geraldine High School talent show. A trip to Birmingham to see Van Halen play the [[BJCC]] made a deep impact. While attending electrical engineering courses in college, Johnson joined "Headline", Pat Upton's house band at P. J.'s Alley in Guntersville.


Early [[2002]] brought the debut album from [[Slave To The System]], a side-project of Damon's with producer Kelly Gray and Queensryche drummer Scott Rockenfield. In August of that year, Johnson's distinctive guitar work was featured on country/pop superstar Faith Hill’s smash hit single, "Cry", a track produced by Damon’s Brother Cane co-writer, [[Marti Frederiksen]]. That same year also brought collaborations with Ted Nugent on his album, ''Craveman'', and three songs with hard rockers Skid Row on their album, ''Thick Skin''.
==Birmingham==
In [[1987]] [[Split the Dark]]'s [[Marc Phillips]] sat in with Headline during a show at [[Louie Louie]]. A few weeks later, Philips asked Johnson to join Split the Dark, replacing the departed [[Scott Macdavid]]. He moved to [[Birmingham]] and recorded a few tracks with them before the band broke up in [[1988]]. Johnson and Split the Dark bassist [[Eddie Usher]] joined the Atlanta-based band "Witness" later that year. [[1989]] saw Johnson with the Memphis-based Delta Rebels and another band called "Chinatown" with [[Eric Dover]].


In 2003, Damon opened his own recording studio, [[Double Dragon Studios]], located at his home just outside of Birmingham, Alabama.  Using the new studio, he recorded and produced the band [[Red Halo]], performing temporarily as lead singer and bassist.  The results would be the debut album, ''Dead Man’s Vitamin''.  (Currently, Johnson fills strictly the producer role with the band as they prepare to release their second album).  Double Dragon and Damon’s production have already been the choice of several other up and coming young artists: Medusa Stone, Universal Joint, Jivetrain, The Fairwell, and country music artist, Chris Scott.
==Brother Cane==
Johnson's next project was the four-piece rock band [[Chyld]], which got its start in [[1990]]. After working with different lead singers and acquiring a development deal with Virgin Records in November of that year, a record company representative heard Johnson sing a few cover songs and became convinced that Damon should become the lead vocalist and frontman. After changing their name to [[Brother Cane]], the group began recording at Record Plant Studios in Los Angeles during the summer of [[1992]].


Rock legend Alice Cooper came calling in August of [[2004]], and Damon became guitarist for his band.  Cooper’s album, ''Dirty Diamonds'', features Johnson’s playing and songwriting skills.  Johnson is currently in the band [[Slave to the System]].
Brother Cane went on to record three albums for Virgin, each of which produced a #1 single on the rock charts:  "Got No Shame", "Fools Shine On", and "I Lie in the Bed I Make", respectfully.  "Fools Shine On" was also chosen as the theme song for the 1995 movie "Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers".  After six years of recording and touring, Brother Cane amicably disbanded at the end of [[1998]].


In [[2000]], Johnson recorded and released an all-acoustic solo album, ''Dust''.  He became, briefly, a member of the Damn Yankees with Ted Nugent, Jack Blades, Tommy Shaw, and Michael Cartelone (a full album was recorded but ultimately shelved).  In March of [[2001]], Fleetwood Mac vocalist Stevie Nicks recorded the Damon Johnson composition, "Everyday" (co-written with John Shanks) as the first single for her solo album, ''Trouble In Shangrila''.  Later that same year, Johnson became lead guitarist for the British rock vocalist, John Waite.


== Headline text ==
==Red Halo==
External Links
Early [[2002]] brought the debut album from [[Slave to the System]], a side-project with producer Kelly Gray and Queensryche drummer Scott Rockenfield.  In August of that year, Johnson's distinctive guitar work was featured on country/pop superstar Faith Hill’s smash hit single, "Cry", a track produced by Brother Cane co-writer, [[Marti Frederiksen]].  That same year also brought collaborations with Ted Nugent on his album, ''Craveman'', and three songs with hard rockers Skid Row on their album, ''Thick Skin''.


[http://damonjohnson.com/dj_bio.htm damonjohnson.com]
In December [[2002]] Johnson's next band, [[Red Halo]] debuted at [[The Nick]], featuring three former members of [[Virgo's Merlot]]. Johnson sang lead vocals and played bass with the group, which recorded in Johnson's basement in [[Alabaster]], which he dubbed [[Double Dragon Studios]]. In October [[2003]] Johnson stepped aside to focus on producing, introducing [[Mark Fain]] as the new front man for the group. Johnson produced recordings for several other groups in his home studio over the next several months.
== Headline text ==
 
==Alice Cooper==
Johnson took over guitar duties during Alice Cooper's "Eyes of Alice Cooper" tour when fellow Birmingham guitarist [[Eric Dover]] had to leave the group in August [[2004]]. Cooper’s album, ''Dirty Diamonds'', features Johnson’s playing and songwriting skills and he continues to tour with the band. On [[March 10]], [[2005]] Johnson rejoined the other original members of Brother Cane for a reunion show as part of [[Phillips Fest]], a benefit for [[Marc Phillips]] at the [[Alabama Theatre]].
 
Meanwhile, Slave to the System inked a two-album deal with Spitfire/Eagle Rock Records in July [[2005]]. Johnson performed as a member of the three-piece bar band [[The Welfare]] as well before joining up with [[Whiskey Falls]] for their [[2007]] debut single "Last Train Running". The new band, which performed at the [[2007 City Stages]], has a recording contract with Nashville's Midas Records.
 
In [[2010]] Johnson released his second solo album, ''Release''.
 
==Black Star Riders==
Johnson was hired to play with Thin Lizzy, and began writing new songs with the band's members. Out of respect for Thin Lizzy's primary songwriter Phil Lynott, the new material was recorded and released with a new band name, [[Black Star Riders]]. BSR and Thin Lizzy have toured together throughout 2012, 2013 and 2014.
 
Johnson, previously of [[Alabaster]], lives in Nashville with his wife and five children.
 
==References==
* Smith, Stephen V. (August 2006) "[http://wordsouth.com/sandmountainlife/music/damonjohnson.html An Interview with Damon Johnson]." ''Sand Mountain Life''
* Crowe, Bill (January 2006) "[http://www.sickthingsuk.co.uk/interviews/damonjohnson_jan_06.php Damon Johnson] interview. ''SickThingsUK''
* "[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Damon_Johnson Damon Johnson]" (July 16, 2007) ''Wikipedia'' - accessed July 20, 2007
* Thompson, Brent (July 19, 2007) "[http://bhamweekly.com/article.php?article_id=00381 On A Country Road]" ''Birmingham Weekly''
* Colurso, Mary (September 24, 2010) "[http://blog.al.com/mcolurso/2010/09/catchy_release_birminghams_dam.html Catchy "Release": Birmingham's Damon Johnson delves into his songbook for solo CD]." {{BN}}
* Rogers, Lisa (April 22, 2013) "Damon Johnson poised to turn new band into Rock Royalty." ''The Gadsden Times''
* Ells, Blake (March 25, 2016) "From Louie Louie’s to Thin Lizzy." {{Weld}}
* Wake, Matt (June 25, 2021) "Damon Johnson’s 5 greatest gigs: Brother Cane, Alice Cooper, Thin Lizzy, solo and beyond." {{BN}}
 
== External Links ==
* [http://www.damonjohnson.com/ Damon Johnson] website
* [http://www.myspace.com/damonjohnsonmusic Damon Johnson] at MySpace.com
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Johnson, Damon}}
[[Category:Rock musicians]]
[[Category:1964 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Guitarists]]
[[Category:Vocalists]]
[[Category:Songwriters]]

Latest revision as of 12:08, 28 June 2021

Damon Johnson (left) performing with Alice Cooper, October 2010

Damon Johnson (born July 13, 1964 in Macon, Georgia) is a rock and country guitarist and vocalist, currently fronting Black Star Riders, featuring surving members of Seventies rock band Thin Lizzy.

Johnson grew up in Monroeville, where he first picked up guitar in middle school. Exposed to country music at home, he became obsessed with the guitar after discovering Lynyrd Skynyrd and Kiss. He formed a garage band with some of his classmates called "Renegade". In 1979 the family moved to his mother's home town of Geraldine in DeKalb County. There he met Larry Davis, Danny Beason, Jeff Maddux and Jamie Collins and formed a band called "Silver Rose" which won the Geraldine High School talent show. A trip to Birmingham to see Van Halen play the BJCC made a deep impact. While attending electrical engineering courses in college, Johnson joined "Headline", Pat Upton's house band at P. J.'s Alley in Guntersville.

Birmingham

In 1987 Split the Dark's Marc Phillips sat in with Headline during a show at Louie Louie. A few weeks later, Philips asked Johnson to join Split the Dark, replacing the departed Scott Macdavid. He moved to Birmingham and recorded a few tracks with them before the band broke up in 1988. Johnson and Split the Dark bassist Eddie Usher joined the Atlanta-based band "Witness" later that year. 1989 saw Johnson with the Memphis-based Delta Rebels and another band called "Chinatown" with Eric Dover.

Brother Cane

Johnson's next project was the four-piece rock band Chyld, which got its start in 1990. After working with different lead singers and acquiring a development deal with Virgin Records in November of that year, a record company representative heard Johnson sing a few cover songs and became convinced that Damon should become the lead vocalist and frontman. After changing their name to Brother Cane, the group began recording at Record Plant Studios in Los Angeles during the summer of 1992.

Brother Cane went on to record three albums for Virgin, each of which produced a #1 single on the rock charts: "Got No Shame", "Fools Shine On", and "I Lie in the Bed I Make", respectfully. "Fools Shine On" was also chosen as the theme song for the 1995 movie "Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers". After six years of recording and touring, Brother Cane amicably disbanded at the end of 1998.

In 2000, Johnson recorded and released an all-acoustic solo album, Dust. He became, briefly, a member of the Damn Yankees with Ted Nugent, Jack Blades, Tommy Shaw, and Michael Cartelone (a full album was recorded but ultimately shelved). In March of 2001, Fleetwood Mac vocalist Stevie Nicks recorded the Damon Johnson composition, "Everyday" (co-written with John Shanks) as the first single for her solo album, Trouble In Shangrila. Later that same year, Johnson became lead guitarist for the British rock vocalist, John Waite.

Red Halo

Early 2002 brought the debut album from Slave to the System, a side-project with producer Kelly Gray and Queensryche drummer Scott Rockenfield. In August of that year, Johnson's distinctive guitar work was featured on country/pop superstar Faith Hill’s smash hit single, "Cry", a track produced by Brother Cane co-writer, Marti Frederiksen. That same year also brought collaborations with Ted Nugent on his album, Craveman, and three songs with hard rockers Skid Row on their album, Thick Skin.

In December 2002 Johnson's next band, Red Halo debuted at The Nick, featuring three former members of Virgo's Merlot. Johnson sang lead vocals and played bass with the group, which recorded in Johnson's basement in Alabaster, which he dubbed Double Dragon Studios. In October 2003 Johnson stepped aside to focus on producing, introducing Mark Fain as the new front man for the group. Johnson produced recordings for several other groups in his home studio over the next several months.

Alice Cooper

Johnson took over guitar duties during Alice Cooper's "Eyes of Alice Cooper" tour when fellow Birmingham guitarist Eric Dover had to leave the group in August 2004. Cooper’s album, Dirty Diamonds, features Johnson’s playing and songwriting skills and he continues to tour with the band. On March 10, 2005 Johnson rejoined the other original members of Brother Cane for a reunion show as part of Phillips Fest, a benefit for Marc Phillips at the Alabama Theatre.

Meanwhile, Slave to the System inked a two-album deal with Spitfire/Eagle Rock Records in July 2005. Johnson performed as a member of the three-piece bar band The Welfare as well before joining up with Whiskey Falls for their 2007 debut single "Last Train Running". The new band, which performed at the 2007 City Stages, has a recording contract with Nashville's Midas Records.

In 2010 Johnson released his second solo album, Release.

Black Star Riders

Johnson was hired to play with Thin Lizzy, and began writing new songs with the band's members. Out of respect for Thin Lizzy's primary songwriter Phil Lynott, the new material was recorded and released with a new band name, Black Star Riders. BSR and Thin Lizzy have toured together throughout 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Johnson, previously of Alabaster, lives in Nashville with his wife and five children.

References

External Links

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