Ralph Johnson (musician)
Ralph Randolph Johnson (born July 4, 1951) is an American singer, songwriter, musician and producer. Johnson is a member and percussionist of the funk/soul/disco band Earth, Wind & Fire.[1][2]
For other people named Ralph Johnson, see Ralph Johnson (disambiguation).
Ralph Johnson
July 4, 1951
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Musician, producer, singer, songwriter, author
Vocals, drums, percussions, keyboards, drum machine
1972–present
Early life[edit]
Johnson was born and raised in Los Angeles. His father was a lyricist and his mother was a vocalist, and they had music always playing in their home. At the age of eight years old Johnson received his first snare drum and drum lesson. Johnson developed a love of R&B music, listening mainly to Motown and Stax and Sly and the Family Stone. He played in elementary, junior high and high school bands. At age 13, he attended a James Brown concert, which was his first live concert and was amazed by the three drum sets on the stage. In 1965, Johnson's brother introduced him to the world of Jazz. He joined local bands "The Teen Turbans" and "The Masters Children".[1][2]
Solo projects[edit]
In 2000, Johnson traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark with Morris Pleasure to start a new conceptual jazz project. The members of jazz ensemble known as, "Audio Caviar", were Johnson, Pleasure and Steen Kyed. The band release an album entitled, "Transoceanic", that featured guest artists including, Howard Hewett, Janet Jackson, Johnson's bandmate, Phillip Bailey, Jonathan Butler, George Duke and others.[6][7][8]
In 2014, Johnson teamed up with singer and writer, Siedah Garrett and released a Christmas song entitled, "Have a Very Merry Christmas" written by Johnson, Garrett, Erik Nuri and Raymond Crossley.[9] The song was featured in the 2019 film, "Holiday Rush" starring singer Darlene Love.[10]
In 2019, Johnson released a solo project entitled, "Co-Swagit (Everything's Cool)".[11]
In March 2020, Johnson and jazz pianist Gerald Clayton released a single entitled, "Smooth and You" written by Johnson, Raymond Crossley, Gerald Clayton, and D. Stone. The song was produced by Johnson and Crossley.[12]
Johnson has worked with a wide range of artists in different capacities. As a percussionist on Blue Magic's 1978 album Message From The Magic[13] and Stanley Turrentine's 1981 album Tender Togetherness.[14] He worked as a producer on The Temptations 1984 album Truly For You and Howard Hewett's 2008 album Howard Hewett Christmas.[15] Johnson also worked with Drake, Nathan East, and Meghan Trainor[16] and others.[17]
Personal life[edit]
When Johnson is not on the road, he is an assistant karate instructor at his teacher, Mark Zacharatos', school. Johnson holds two Blackbelt Degrees. A 1st Degree Tang Soo Do and a 3rd Degree in Kung Fu Sansoo. He is a certified scuba diver with an advanced open water certification and a student pilot. Johnson is a tremendous lover of jazz and an art collector.[18][19][20]