Mike Johnson, his brother Mark, and his wife Joanie were the highlight of my trip this year. Long before I heard Mike play a note, I was struck by his genuine kind and humble spirit. We all know that steel player and nice guy generally go hand in hand, but Mike raises the bar!
Thanks to Mike and his family and to Scotty for finally having one of the great unsung heroes finally appearing at the show!
I finally got to meet Mike and his lovely Wife they are great people. Mike knows his way around on the Steel, suberb player.
I can't wait to get his new CD, I know it will be a good one.
Mike stay in touch.
Your friend,
Bill
I was really glad to to see Mike at the St Louis Conv, what a grate player an person, has his own style, when he played "I don't go around mirrors" the whole crowd went crazy, He also played with Mel Street, an done " Borrowed Angel". His Bro an wife sung, an done a knockout job. Sure Hope that he can come back next year with a better time slot. He said he is very busy playing an could never take the time off to come before when Scotty ask him to play. But after this year he said it was really cool to be there, an would try to make it next year.
I have to so say that as much as I enjoyed all the players I heard over the weekend on SteelRadio.com(thanks again to Miss Lana & crew!)
Mike Johnson's playing inspired and impressed me the most! I'm really looking forward to his new CD. It's long overdue. And I agree with Bob, he certainly raises the bar!
The only effects (other than amp reverb) he used, was a small stomp box to prop up the front of his amp.
What a player!! Made my trip that more enjoyable if that is possible. This gentleman is very humble and a great great player.
It was my first time to work with Mike and I hope it won't be my last. What a great player and such great tunes he played. His wife and brother added that special touch to his set. What talents they are. I also must say they are really nice people. Mike I hope this is just a start of many years to come at ISGC in St. Louis. My best to you all, Bobby
Some of you may remember Mike's playing in TNN's "You Can Be A Star" show. I used to videotape it at times just to get at some of his licks. Always fresh and innovative with a really great tone. I later moved to Nashville and got to meet him. Truly a gentleman.
The "Store" section of his website says "under construction", but no doubt his new CD will be available there soon. There are lots of photos and other information on the site.
I have to agree with all the accolades. Mike "and family" are fantastic. They played both the Peavey Room or the Ball Room with ease. Well, I know it cannot have been easy, but they made it look easy-- fun too!
That should be a great CD. I'm sure it will be announced here on the forum.
I agree with all that's been said. Mike's set was the most entertaining of any I saw the entire weekend. Mike's playing was extraordinary and his wife and brother both did some outstanding vocals. On top of all this great music was his brother's hilarious quips.
I met Mike way back when he was on playing on TNN "You Can Be A Star". It was the second season. I was packing up my rig after a taping and he came over to compliment my solo on Walking After Midnight. What a nice guy!
Thank again Mike.
Bo Borland
Rittenberry SD10 , Derby D-10, Quilter TT12, Peavey Session 400 w/ JBL, NV112, Fender Blues Jr. , 1974 Dobro 60N squareneck, Rickenbacher NS lapsteel, 1973 Telecaster Thinline, 1979 blonde/black Frankenstrat
Currently picking with
Mason Dixon Band masondixonband.net
Lynn Owsley introduced me to Mike this week, and I had the opportunity to tell him that though we'd just met, I'd been a fan of his for at least 25 years and was anxious to hear him once again. He's a gracious and modest man with world-class talent, a true asset to the world of PSG.
My rig: Infinity and Telonics.
Son, we live in a world with walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with steel guitars. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinberg?
There was a set at a Magee, Ms. show with Mike, John Hughey, Joe Wright, and Hal Higgins all on stage together. I was in steel guitar heaven. It was one of those once in a life time things.
Seriously, we all need to bug, blackmail, extort, or do whatever it takes to get Mike to come back again, and again, and again. What an absolute highlight of highlights! He should have played Saturday evening. What he did is what we're all there hungry for. Simply a tremendous gift for everyone to have him there.