Mike Johnson??

Billy Peddycoart · Post by **Billy Peddycoart** » 17 Mar 2002 9:36 am

I just got the new Brad Paisley CD. Wow this guy is tearing it up,Mike I mean, not that Brad's not. Any body know some background on mike they can share? thanks Billy...

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Larry Miller · Post by **Larry Miller** » 17 Mar 2002 2:52 pm

Mike used to play, years ago, for Mel Street, great player and nice guy.Here is a link to another thread about Mike from September http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum15/HTML/000605.html [This message was edited by Larry Miller on 17 March 2002 at 02:54 PM.][This message was edited by Larry Miller on 17 March 2002 at 03:08 PM.]

Doug Jones · Post by **Doug Jones** » 17 Mar 2002 4:54 pm

If I've got my facts straight, I believe Mike was the protege of Sonny Garrish. Mike was the bandleader and steeler for Bill Anderson for many years and also was the musical director for the "You can be a star" TV show years ago. He has also composed the theme songs of several TNN TV shows of the past. He is a nice guy and approachable. But to really appreciate his precise execution in playing, you need to see him live. You never know when he might pop up on that old red push-pull down at Legends Corner.

Reggie Duncan · Post by **Reggie Duncan** » 17 Mar 2002 6:39 pm

Let's not forget that Mike played for the great Jack Green. Also, between Sonny Garrish and Mike Johnson with Bill Anderson, was the great Jack Smith.

Jerry Erickson · Post by **Jerry Erickson** » 18 Mar 2002 8:44 am

I heard a live tape of Bill Anderson's band
when I was visiting Clem Schmitz' store once.
This was in Minneapolis in maybe 83-84. I remember clearly, a version of "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" and there wasn't any fiddle playing the lead line. It was Mike and it was really cool. Yeah he smokes!

Jimmie Misenheimer · Post by **Jimmie Misenheimer** » 18 Mar 2002 6:09 pm

Many years ago while in the house band at the "Little Nashville Opry", I got to meet Mike a few times. As I remember, he was with Anderson at the time. A realy FANTASTIC player!! What a nice guy too. He would sit and talk to you all day. That's ONE of the ways that at least I measure a true GENTLEMAN! Take my word for it - - HE IS!!! 32/ Murat

David Spires · Post by **David Spires** » 19 Mar 2002 9:24 am

I'm definately another Mike Johnson fan. I don't really have anything new to add, but I had to echo all of your good comments. His work on Brad's CDs is fantastic. I'm not sure he knows how much I listened to his work on "You Can Be a Star", but he is certainly one of the guys that I look up to.

On top of that, he is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. Why would anyone that nice want to risk their reputation by talking to me, or Donna Hammitt??

Sincerely,

David Spires