Williamstown, New Jersey, September 10, 2014: George A. Johnson grew up in New Jersey, where he began playing the drums at age five. A third-generation drummer, at age 12, Johnson found himself performing professionally in the bustling music scene of Atlantic City in the 1960s. Studying under some of the most influential jazz artists of the time such as Elvin Jones and Art Blakey, Johnson became familiar with the style and ethic needed to succeed in the jazz world. In fact, it was legendary jazz drummer Elvin Jones that helped him select his first drum kit. 

It didn’t take long for Johnson to establish himself as a talented jazz drummer. Over the course of his career, he has played with some of the biggest names in the genre including McCoy Tyner, Wynton Marsalis, Grover Washington Jr. Charles Earland Jimmy Garrison, Buster Williams, Ron Carter, Lou Donaldson, Cedar Walton, Lonnie Listen Smith – the list goes on and on. During this time Johnson helped cultivate the genre and establish the new sound of jazz. 

Having earned a Doctorate of Arts while perfecting his craft, Johnson’s travels took him all over the world as he shared his unique talent and style of music with people across the globe. Johnson has appeared at some of the most famous jazz festivals in history, including the Mont Jazz Festival in Switzerland, the Atlantic City Jazz Festival, and Mellon Jazz Festival. As a representative of Paste Cymbals and musical instructor, Johnson has trained numerous musicians and held various workshops for drummers at locations such as the Heritage Jazz Festival and Berkley College. 

In 1996, Johnson began performing with his own band, and played such prestigious festivals as the Newport Jazz Festival and the Porto Jazz Festival in Portugal. The release date of September 10th, 2014 was selected for the newest album “Kings Without A Kingdom”. This album is an infectious blend of modern and retro jazz that Johnson describes as “happy and fun.”. The main goals of “Kings Without A Kingdom”, which is being made available on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, and virtually all other online music mediums, are to get the listener to fall in love with the music, and get them dancing. 

For more information on George A. Johnson Jr., his prolific jazz career, and his unique blend of modern and old school jazz, check out his website at www.georgeajohnsonjr1.com. 

For Media Contact:
T.D. Schemansky
3000 Records
P.O. Box 285
Fenton, MI 48430
(586) 480-3000
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