About

Chuck Johnson knew since he was a child that he wanted to be a musician. After persistently nagging his father (who played music in a band during rowdy parties) to teach him how to play, he learned his first 3 chords at 6 years old. Chuck Johnson probably never imagined his early childhood fascination would turn into a successful career as a prominent member of 3 bands and internationally touring with a jazz legend. From the ins and outs of forming bands over his career to the way he balanced a job with his musical commitments, Chuck spends this episode sharing stories and providing insight into his wide-ranging career-- including playing some live music from his most recent album. About Chuck Johnson: Originally from Ferrum, a small rural town in southwest Virgina, Charles “Chuck” Johnson is a guitarist and vocalist for the band TK-421 and Najee. He got his first big break in a variety band called Bananas At Large. In addition to his experience with Bananas At Large and TK-421, Chuck performs occasionally with jazz artists Alex Bugnon, Jeff Lorber, Will Downing, Maysa, and others. Show Highlights: Chuck’s early musical influences, from family jam sessions to big-time artists What motivated Chuck’s father to give him a banjo at 12 years old Who influenced Chuck to veer away from his musical roots of country and bluegrass When and how Chuck decided to improve his vocal cord care How Chuck was recruited to join Bananas At Large What goes through Chuck’s mind during a performance Chuck hypothesizes on why Bananas At Large became such a huge success The events that led to Chuck leaving Bananas At Large and forming TK-421 What it was like to perform in music while he was balancing a full-time job Andy and Chuck reminisce about the cross-over in their musical backgrounds How Chuck bypassed auditioning and began playing with Najee Chuck’s tips for learning on the job in brand new situations What it was like for Chuck to play in front of Stevie Wonder Chuck shares his love of music by singing and playing a song from TK-421’s latest album   Links Mentioned in the Show: Bananas At Large Bananas At Large performing Led Zeppelin’s “Trampled Under Foot” TK-421 - Facebook Page Najee