ROGER'S MUSICAL BIO

  ~ About Roger Johnson ~

Listening to Somewhat True Stories, it’s easy to see why Roger Johnson is a four-time winner of ASCAP’s PLUS Award and has more than sixty songs registered with that PRO. The album contains a new collection of Johnson originals and represents the much-anticipated follow-up to Stag

Cotillion, Mod Americana and Pretty For Christmas.

Somewhat True Stories was co-produced by Roger and Bradley Nelson. The release features many of the same musicians who helped make Johnson’s three previous albums so successful. Stories once again illustrates the versatility and breadth of Roger’s songwriting, with selections ranging from country rock to ska and from 1930’s influenced pop to rock ‘n’ roll. Tempo variations abound but lyrical content is always given primacy, and Roger’s ballads are truly epics. Whether the topic is love or desolation, friendship or deceit, these songs are as poignant as a Fitzgerald novel or Hemingway short story.

Coming of age under the musical influence of the Beatles, Byrds, Flying Burrito Bros and Eagles, Johnson’s songwriting reflects a highly sophisticated take on life and affairs of the heart. By subtly altering his voice from one song to the next, Roger underscores the unique story within each of his compositions. His singing and writing have been favorably compared to that of Rodney Crowell, Jackson Browne, J.D. Souther, and Gene Clark. All influences aside, however, there's no question that Johnson’s music is fresh and distinctively his own.

Roger’s vocals have moved John Gjaltema of AltCountry, the Netherlands to praise him as “a great singer with a beautiful, rich voice – similar to the western soul of Raul Malo." Radio promoter and Americana Music Association pioneer, Bill Wence, hailed Stag Cotillion as “first rate” with production, songs and vocals that are “right on the mark.” Veteran music publicist, Mark Pucci, called the two-CD Cotillion release, “strong and chock-full of excellent songs and performances – I especially like the songwriting throughout the album.”

Similar plaudits greeted the release of Mod Americana. Indeed, one reviewer, Swedish music promoter Peter Holmstedt, said, “I’ve had Mod Americana on constant repeat - great singing, playing, and very fine songwriting. It's wonderful to hear great music where the songs, the performances and the overall feeling, create pictures for the listener.” Maverick Magazine listed Mod Americana as a Top Pick for July/August 2021. In that same issue, reviewer Zoe Hodges, called it a “lyrical masterclass,” writing that “Johnson’s detailed lyrics perfectly set the scene for his characters and their stories to come to life; his voice is controlled, with great diction that allows the lyrics to be hammered home.”

Secret Road music supervisor Lynn Grossman agreed, saying that “Roger has quite a bit of talent – his voice is special, and his songs are really good stuff!” Record producer and Juilliard School faculty member, Greg Knowles, called Johnson’s music a “must have.”

Among Roger’s career highlights was an invitation from venerable Los Angeles music producer, Nik Venet, to appear at his legendary Campfire Conspiracy Songwriters Showcase. Johnson has shared the stage with artists such as Peter Asher, JD Souther, Rodney Crowell, Allison Moorer, Joe Ely, Kim Richey, and SHEL. In addition, Roger and his band have made multiple appearances at the annual Cosmic American Music Festival in Joshua Tree, California, performing alongside Rosie Flores, Adam Durwitz of Counting Crows, and David Lowry of Cracker.

Minneapolis-St Paul’s iconic indie record chain, Cheapo, featured Stag Cotillion as its Album of the Month for September 2009. Later that fall, readers of the music blog, Twangville, voted it the third best Americana recording of the year. Tracks from Cotillion continue to receive airplay on both terrestrial and internet radio stations throughout the U.S. and Europe, along with material from Mod Americana and Roger’s recent holiday offering, Pretty For Christmas. Songs from Johnson’s newest release, Somewhat True Stories now expand his catalog of on-line material – available wherever you buy, stream or download your music!