COASTE - Summer 2018

It wasn’t until sixth grade (just two years ago, mind you) when he finally learned to read music upon taking guitar lessons at Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers, and joining the Sanibel School’s choir. Subsequently, his vocal skills have earned him acceptance into the Florida All-State Choir these past two years, a select group of 100 very gifted voices from across the state. The word prodigy certainly comes to your mind, but his mother would prefer it didn’t. And then, along came the 2017 Sanibel Blues and Jazz Festival this past November, and an invitation to take the stage as opening act. Within a week, Johnny had mastered four blues songs and suddenly discovered his passion. “I love the classic blues, all the way back to Robert Johnson and Freddie King,” he says. “But now that I’m writing my own music, I’ll mix in some funk and jazz too.” Currently, Johnny’s written six songs and recorded four for his yet untitled debut album being produced by Uncle Jimmy at Barefoot Studios in Sanibel. Dolphin Bay Records in Michigan, owned by a family friend, will be responsible for distribution. Also in the near future, besides upcoming graduation from eighth grade, Johnny’s booked for two gigs at his marina home base, plus a performance alongside Brent Moyer, a family friend and Broadway “Ring of Fire” star, June 18 in Nashville at Brown’s Diner, the

14 COASTE | ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

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