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Artist
Michael Johnson
12+ albums
popcountrysinger-songwriterUSAUnited States
about
Michael Johnson (August 8, 1944 – July 25, 2017) was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his work in pop, country, and folk music. He is best known for the 1978 hit "Bluer Than Blue." Throughout his career, he charted four times on the Billboard Hot 100 and had nine hits on the Hot Country Songs chart, including two number one country singles: "Give Me Wings" and "The Moon Is Still Over Her Shoulder," both released in 1986. He also co-wrote "Cain's Blood," the debut single of the country group 4 Runner. Johnson was born in Alamosa, Colorado, and grew up in Denver. He began playing guitar at age 13. In 1963, he enrolled at Colorado State University to study music but left after winning an international talent contest two years later, which included a recording contract with Epic Records. His song "Hills" was released as a single by Epic. Johnson toured extensively in clubs and colleges. In 1966, Johnson studied classical guitar at the Liceu Conservatory in Barcelona, Spain, with Graciano Tarragó and Renata Tarragó. After returning to the United States, he joined the New Society, led by Randy Sparks, and toured Asia. When the group dissolved in 1967, he joined the Chad Mitchell Trio, which was renamed Denver, Boise & Johnson, and co-wrote songs with John Denver. Following the trio's disbandment, Johnson took a role in the off-Broadway production "Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris," performing in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago before
