Excerpt:
Of the wide variety of stories told, his appreciation for the talents and long friendship of singer/guitarist Michael Johnson, who passed away last month resonated strongest for me. He called Michael the first professional musician he ever met. “He was a professional, because he really knew what he was doing.” He followed that with “Mona Ray,” a beautiful instrumental they both wrote and recorded on the Dreams and All That Stuff album.
Leo Kottke, City Winery (Nashville), September 7th, 2017
Ken Spooner, Live Show Reviews Elmore Magazine
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Influences you’d never know" Musing Wisely Podcast
Featuring Billy McLaughlin
"It's always been a secret menu type thing since we named it after Michael Johnson, singer of the song Bluer Than Blue a few years ago, but when he passed last month, we decided to put it on the menu as a little tribute to him."
Ryan Pitman, Owner & Brewer
Eastlake Craft Brewery
2022: "This week I found myself thinking of my friend Michael Johnson. He’s been gone a few years now, and I play his music often. We had some great times together. He was a total sweetheart, a talented musician, and a great person to be around. Wherever you are Michael, you and your music are still with us.
Love and Sunshine,
Your forever pal Stephen"
"I first met Michael about twenty years ago. He called me out of the blue and said he wanted to meet me. I don't know how he got my number, but I invited him over, and we became instant friends."
7/25/2023: Before the night ends, I want to remember my talented pal Michael Johnson. Today, it will be six years since he passed. I play his music often. I loved performing with Michael. He was such an underrated talent and guitar player. We had some great times together on and off the stage. Michael was a true friend, hilarious (he gave me some onstage jokes to use), a total sweetheart, and a great person to be around. 💙🎶
Love and Sunshine,
Your forever pal Stephen
2nd photo courtesy of Deanna Barth
August 20, 2017, Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant, Minneapolis, MN
The Michael Johnson Memorial Service Program
Click to view PDF
August 28, 2017, Colorado Memorial at Olde Town Pickin' Parlor
A lovely tribute for Mike, as he is known by family and friends in Colorado, took place on Tuesday evening at The Olde Town Pickin' Parlor in Arvada, Colorado. Memories were shared, along with listening to many of Mike's songs. It was an intimate and fun loving group. Tears and laughter were shared.
Thanks to Judy Johnson and Corliss Brecht for the photos
A lovely tribute for Mike, as he is known by family and friends in Colorado, took place on Tuesday evening at The Olde Town Pickin' Parlor in Arvada, Colorado. Memories were shared, along with listening to many of Mike's songs. It was an intimate and fun loving group. Tears and laughter were shared.
Thanks to Judy Johnson and Corliss Brecht for the photos
Michael and Mary Huckins of Dakota Blonde at this venue in 2009
Slideshow from the Michael Johnson benefit in Nashville, TN 9/19/17