Reviews

REVIEW BY BOB EVERHART
FOUNDER OF NATIONAL TRADITIONAL COUNTRY MUSIC ASSN. http://www.ntcma.net/

RED JOHNSON

I've been a fan of Red Johnson's ever since I first heard "There's A Grand Ole Opry Show Playing Somewhere" he made a hit for Capitol Records. This guy is a natural country singer. He's a natural country guitar picker. He's a natural country songwriter. I say this because Red Johnson knows how to write a 'story' in a song, and his lead track on this CD is incredibly good. "The Old Man At A Table" is one of those 'story' songs that will bring a tear to your eye, and at the same time give the listener one of the best 'tips' of living a full life, anyone is likely to ever hear. What's also neat about Red Johnson is his ability to get a good 'attention getter' cover on his CD's. This particular one has an old man at a table, and it just happens to be Red Johnson. I can't believe how I was so simply moved by the way this wonderful old-timey traditional country CD was put together. Red's voice stands out in the mix, just as it used to be in 'real' country music. Not devoured and hidden in loud outrageous noisy instrumental music makers. On the contrary, this Red Johnson CD is mixed just right all the way through. That's so important today, because Red is recording for an older buying market, and he knows exactly what he's doing in making this work for him. I'm not sure where he cut this, but the studio work is fine, so are the musicians though they are mostly better known playing in the Rio Grande Valley and around Minnesota than they are in the recording studio. On lead guitar is Chuck Peterson and Kenny Nelson. On harmonica is Don Grubb. On steel-guitar (and quite well done) is Kermit Clarin. On Acoustic guitar, bass, drums, strings, piano, and lead vocals is Red Johnson. Judy Fasse helped him out on a couple songs with some vocal harmony. Red has won some accolades at our festival in LeMars, Iowa, and this CD is definitely going to the Rural Roots Music Commission for "Traditional Country CD of the Year" award. Good luck Red I hope you get it, you are very deserving. Red makes his home (in the summer time) in Minnesota, and that makes Minnesota a very lucky state. We will hope to be seeing him at the LeMars Festival in 2012, but he is also very popular on the Minnesota State Fair. Not my cup of tea to get too involved in political issues, but Red's "Pardon Me For Looking In" hits the nerve just right. This could go 'viral' as they say on the Internet. All and all this is one of Red Johnson's best 'new' projects. Highly recommended to anyone who really likes their country......"Country." Visit Red at his website www.redjohnson.net a

Tom Caine Reviews Veteran's Day and Red Johnson

TOM CAINE
11/13/04

[Ed: I received a wonderful three-song CD from RED JOHNSON that I've just got to talk about.]

RED JOHNSON is a rare and gifted songwriter. He's also a wonderful entertainer, but I want to talk about his songwriting here.

About three years ago I found RED's song "Veteran's Day" on his website. The first few times I listened to it I got goose bumps - the song that does that to me is rare indeed! I learned it and Candi and I started closing one of our shows with it. I remember how pleased RED was when I told him about all the standing ovations his song got. I still do this song around Veteran's Day and some other national holidays. In fact, I just did it last Wednesday at our Quiet Village II jam session.

The CD RED just sent me had three songs on it: "Veteran's Day," "United We Stand" and "Circles On The Wall."

I've just got to tell you that "Circles On The Wall" is another goosebump raiser! It is certainly at least as moving as "Veteran's Day!" Do yourselves a huge favor and do whatever it takes to get a tape or CD from RED with these songs on it.

In the unlikely event that there is still somebody in the Valley who doesn't know RED, or at least know of him - I'm going to type a bio I received with his CD. This way, you can all meet him.

Also, if there are any Activities Directors or other talent buyers browsing here - if you haven't yet booked RED JOHNSON's show, do it now while you're thinking about it. You can reach him through his web site.

The bio on RED follows. -- Tom

Tom Caine is Editor and Owner of "RIO GRAND VALLEY MUSICIANS & JAMMERS SERVICES http://www.rgvms.com/

A note to Tom from Red, You are a un-biased treasure to Country Music and the help you extend to the Independent Musician. It is with great pride I post you letter.
Your Friend, Red Johnson
Please do yourself a favor and visit Tom at his site: http://www.rgvms.com/

RED JOHNSON
"Grandma's Angel"
Grandmas Angel - When The Leaves Fall Again - I Cut My Teeth On Country Music - She's Gonna Leave Me - She Cried First - A Heartach To Show - Out Of Body - A Baby Again - Truck Drivin' Harley Man - She Squeezes The Toothpaste In The Middle - Have I Told You How Much I Love You - Let's Make It a Goodie - One Of Us - Dear Friend

Red Johnson is without a doubt one of my very favorite old-time traditional country singers and songwriters. He wrote and recorded "There's A Grand Ole Opry Show Playing Somewhere" for Capitol Records. Did you know that? It's a great song done by a great singer-songwriter. This CD is full of those amazingly moving 'country' songs that we all like so very much. I think it's the combination of Red's penetrating voice combined with his ability to write songs full of 'memory' thoughts that is so important to all of us. Thanks Red for this amazingly well done old timey one. Like I've said before, you can have all the singin' and pickin' abilities in the world, but it won't do you much without that special song. I like every one of them on this finely crafted musical work. All the way through. Red thanks his fellow muscians: Chuck Peterson on lead guitar and vocals; Kermit Clarin on steel; Don Thoms on harmonica cross harp; Larry Seldon on Dobro; and Merle Cernohlevek on diatonic harmonica.

Red just did this CD in 2008, so it is automatically eligible for the Rural Roots Music Commission's annual traditional music awards. This one will get a special push from me. Thanks for the very fond memories Red, and we'll be seeing you in LeMars heading up the good ole country music show. I hope we get to hear his kind of yodel, like he does on "She's Gonna Leave Me" That's a super CD you made...real country, not much left like it anymore.

Bob Everhart editor
Traditional Magazine &
President of the National Traditional Country Music Assn
Founder of The National Old-Time Country & Bluegrass Festival

Tom Caine Reviews Veteran's Day and Red Johnson

TOM CAINE
11/13/04

[Ed: I received a wonderful three-song CD from RED JOHNSON that I've just got to talk about.]

RED JOHNSON is a rare and gifted songwriter. He's also a wonderful entertainer, but I want to talk about his songwriting here.

About three years ago I found RED's song "Veteran's Day" on his website. The first few times I listened to it I got goose bumps - the song that does that to me is rare indeed! I learned it and Candi and I started closing one of our shows with it. I remember how pleased RED was when I told him about all the standing ovations his song got. I still do this song around Veteran's Day and some other national holidays. In fact, I just did it last Wednesday at our Quiet Village II jam session.

The CD RED just sent me had three songs on it: "Veteran's Day," "United We Stand" and "Circles On The Wall."

I've just got to tell you that "Circles On The Wall" is another goosebump raiser! It is certainly at least as moving as "Veteran's Day!" Do yourselves a huge favor and do whatever it takes to get a tape or CD from RED with these songs on it.

In the unlikely event that there is still somebody in the Valley who doesn't know RED, or at least know of him - I'm going to type a bio I received with his CD. This way, you can all meet him.

Also, if there are any Activities Directors or other talent buyers browsing here - if you haven't yet booked RED JOHNSON's show, do it now while you're thinking about it. You can reach him through his web site.

The bio on RED follows. -- Tom

Tom Caine is Editor and Owner of "RIO GRAND VALLEY MUSICIANS & JAMMERS SERVICES http://www.rgvms.com/

A note to Tom from Red, You are a un-biased treasure to Country Music and the help you extend to the Independent Musician. It is with great pride I post you letter.
Your Friend, Red Johnson
Please do yourself a favor and visit Tom at his site: http://www.rgvms.com/

RED JOHNSON
Biography of a Country Music Singer/Songwriter

At six or seven years old, at his boyhood home in northern Minnesota, this young boy could hardly wait for the next live radio show out of Fargo, North Dakota called "The Texas Ranger," who would sing western songs with a few of the most popular country songs mixed in. This was enough to spark a life long love for music that would only amplify as the years wore on.

He would try to be the first to get the Sears Catalog when it came in the mail and he would go directly to the musical instrument pages and dream of one day having one of those beautiful Silvertone guitars. On his 10th birthday, a calf was born and his dad gave it to him as a birthday present. For the next two years he nurtured that calf until it was a full-grown steer, which sold for $118.00. Red then ordered his dream guitar from the Sears Roebuck Catalog, and it was never to leave his side throughout his teens, through his courting years and into the military where he learned to play better from the southern boys who also played guitars. They called him "The Minnesota Hillbilly." When he was discharged from military service he began playing professionally and still does in Minnesota during the summer and Texas in the winter.

A singer-songwriter for over 50 years, Red wrote his first song when he was twelve years old. He said, "It sounded like it might have had a Hank Williams sound to it." Writing most of his own songs, Red co-wrote "There's A Grand Ole Opry Show Playing Somewhere" with Bud Auge in 1964. He recorded it on a small label (Hep) that he was half owner of. That song received such heavy airplay that it was picked up by Capitol Records and was released on their "The World Of Country Music" album, a two-record album of 24 top country hits with such well-known artists as: Buck Owens, Ferlin Husky, Jean Shepard, Hank Thompson, Tex Ritter, Glen Campbell, Roy Clark and others.

About the same time a friend of Red's - Dave Dudley - released "Six Days On The Road." Dave, Bud Auge and Red co-wrote a song called "Taxi Cab Driver" which was included in Dave Dudley's "Six Days On The Road" album for Mercury Records.

One of Red's trademark songs, "Veteran's Day," was used in a tribute to the 20 sailors killed in Vietnam aboard the USS Newport News when the gun turret exploded. In October 2003, Red and his song "Veteran's Day" received a "Thank You" recognition award from the captain and crew of the attack submarine USS Minneapolis-St. Paul.

After 9-11, Red wrote "United We Stand," feeling the American people had something to say to Bin Laden. Also, in honor of the Vietnam Veteran's Wall he wrote "Circles On The Wall." One of his best yet! You have to hear it!

Red publishes his own material through his own publishing house, Count Music BMI and does most recordings at Cedardale Studios in Mora, Minnesota where they are produced and arranged by John Voit and Terry Nord. Red currently has six CDs and tapes to match, entitled: "My Collection," "Veteran's Day," "A Good Ol' Country Song," "United We Stand," "40 Years with Joe Tishmack" and "The Local Entertainer" which is a collection of 21 songs from his vinyl records from 1964 to 1975, enhanced and put on CD.

Red is retired and married over 50 years to his high school sweetheart, Flo. They live in Champlin, Minnesota and have two children, four grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

This authorized biography was written by: Friend & fan, Wyatt Wadzink, Wonder Works, 763-533-9140

RED JOHNSON's website: http://www.mkoc.com/RedJohnson/
(The MKOC stands for "My Kind Of Country")

Red's email: arvidjohn@aol.com

A Neatly Folded Flag

Every word, every note paints the most beautiful story fo rhe listener... Red's voice draws you in and allows you to feel the emotion of the love being felt as he speaks the lyrics!

Fantasy, a memory as the composer says I'M DREAMING OF YOU, it doesn't matter as the choice of instruments used to accompany him were gentle and subdued making me almost feel like I was right there in the middle of the most beautiful waltz. It was PERFECTION!

Awesome!

Regards

Steve Butts at Country Roads in Florida

Member of the Traditional Country Music Hall of Fame and DJ on Pal Talk.

The Military active and retired thank you for the great songs you write and sing.
Dave Avery
M/Sgt USAF (Retired)
10-16-06

Red,
Received the "Veteran's Day" CD yesterday, and have listened to the song several times with two of my sons. My eldest was moved to tears, which surprised me some. He served eleven years in the Navy, six aboard USS Kitty Hawk. In my own blindness to the scars of others, I had no idea that he felt so emotional about his service. I lay awake last night thinking, thinking how and who I can share this with. I am a member of the local American Legion post, but not too active. Every Friday Kay and I meet a group of locals for breakfast. Several old Vets are a part of my group, and they will appreciate the message you have written into this song. For the twenty-eight years since I retired, I have laid back, and not shown my "Colors", because of the way we were treated after Vietnam. "Veteran's Day" has given me the courage to stand tall and to wear my "Red Badge of Courage". Thanks Red, you have served your country and fellow Veterans well. I hope to get the local radio stations to play "Veteran's Day" this 11 November, if I have your permission. Thanks for all you have done for your country. Newt Robinson (Served aboard the Newport News during the 1972 deployment)
FOLLOW UP LETTER

This weekend I let a grizzeled old retired Marine listen to Veteran's day. I loaned it to him for a while. He told me later that he and his wife sat in the car and listened to it over and over. I watched him as he listened for the first time. He kept looking away, and wouldn't look straight at me. I could see the emotion, even though he was trying to hide it. I've been so moved by "Veteran's Day" that I am sending you an order for three more copies to be sent to my three sons.
Your Friend, Newt
10-16-06

Hello Mr. Johnson...

I just picked up your new CD from Terry Nord and I had to take a minute and thank you so much for including the kids on your CD. They had a wonderful time singing and now think they are all famous because they are on your CD. I just have to let you know what a special thing that was for you to do for my kids. 13 of our 14 kids joined our family through the blessing of adoption (out of the US Foster Care System) so they had chaotic, abusive and neglectful beginnings. It's a special treat when they experience joy and feel proud of themselves....this is the case with the kids having the opportunity to sing on your CD. Ruby is especially thrilled about the CD...she hopes to continue singing and is already talking to Terry about making a CD (after she gets a little older and gets a job...).

Thanks again for the once in a lifetime opportunity and for the CDs (Terry gave us 4 to share with grandparents). I will pass your web-site along to everyone I know so they can enjoy your music.

-Teresa Julkowski, Mora, MN

Do small things with great love. ~Mother Teresa

Note from Red: The Julkowski family are the voices on,"I'm Glad Christmas Comes Every Year". They did a GREAT job and made the difference.

Red,
I would like to order your CD, "Absolutely & Always".
You may remember us, We ordered a lot of your CDs and other people ordered them as well when they heard ours.
My husband Al has taped everyone of your Midwest Country Shows you were on! He really enjoyed your singing.
Sadly to say my husband passed away on April 20th of this year, He would lay in bed and listen to your CDs constantly. He was very proud of the CD, "Veterans Day" that you autographed.
At his wake, prelude music was, "On My Fathers Side". Several people asked about the artist who was singing. Just thought you'd like to know.
Thanks again especially for the moments of pleasure you gave him.
He would always sing, "I'll See You In The Morning, I Love You". So you can see you are one special singer to me.
Please keep up the GOOD TRADITIONAL COUNTRY MUSIC.
Yours Truely, Delores, Sycamore, Il
July 17, 2006

Red,

I had the privilege of playing your song "Veteran's Day" today as part of a program I do on KJNP (King Jesus North Pole) radio in North Pole, Alaska. On holidays such as this I play mostly patriotic tunes and I know your song was truly a blessing to those of us that had the privilege to hear it.
As a twenty year Air Force veteran and veteran of Operation Joint Endeavour (Bosnia) and Iraqi Freedom I want to thank you for putting into words my feelings as well as the feelings and opinions and thoughts of all the Vets that have ever served this great nation of ours.
Thank you for your service to our nation.

God bless,

Jeff Turkel
jturk@gci.net
North Pole, Alaska

Dear Mr. Johnson,
We want to thank you so much for the CD you mailed us. You have developed some new fans. The words to your songs make a person think and Edwin tells everyone He sees about your songs and Midwest Country. We play them every time we're in the car or truck. They are just beautiful. We enjoy them so much. As ever, Edwin & Delores Hell

Dear Red,

At present we introduce the compilation CD: "Hill Topper - Country Class" from Hill Topper Records to our listeners. At the moment Your song SHIRLEYS SUGAR SHACK is placed among the 10 most requested titles at RTW.

Congratulations!
All the best and lots of success! - Programme director: Christian Claesberg -DJ: Andrea Stolle

Dear Red, My wife was in the military and she died several years ago as a result of what she was doing and the U S Government is not taking responsibility. This and that is why when I found your song, "VETERANS DAY". I play it everyday in her memory, I thank you for this song as I think of it as a tribute to her (and others like her) who have died as a result of serving their country. Thanks again, Dave Glena

Red was made "The Country Artist Of The Month For August" on "Down Home Country"
"Red Johnson sings from the heart.....and his heart is country!" – Tommy Dean of Down Home Country
WERU FM 89.9 BLUEHILL & 102.9 BANGOR

Hi Red,
It's me again. Just to let you know the CD arrived OK I like it very much . I gave it star billing on my show. Some very nice songs and thank goodness for genuine country music. Also a word of praise for musicians-great stuff. I really registered with the old radio song - a pity you can't get them these days.
Best Regards from one old soldier to another.
HUGH T WILSON - LINCOLN HOSPITALS RADIO - UK- ALBUM OF THE WEEK RED JOHNSON - VETERANS DAY

Thank you very much for your recent promotion CD. We would like to give a response to it. Your music is on air now.

Artist: Red Johnson
CD-Title: Veteran's Day
Comment: Singer and production are wonderful. Brilliant work full of atmosphere. At present our listeners like best: #2, #9 and #10

(Programme director: Christian Claesberg)
(DJ: Andrea Stolle)
...
Contact:
Old Stringhouse Music
P.O. Box 4006
D - 32025 Herford
Germany
Phone: 05221-57432
Fax: 05221-109364
Email: ose-music@t-online.de

Dear Red Thanks for sending your NEW!! CD Veteran's Day It's a joy to listen to it, the lyrics of your songs are great, anyone who listen to your CD must Buy it. You know we promote and spin your NEW!! CD. It's a Great product. God bless you.
Herman Burgemeester Radio Spijkenisse Holland That's Country

Review on "My Collection" CD: "If you like old time country and western, and remember what it was like to dance a bouncy little Texas Two Step in a honky tonk will really appreciate this CD." AirMusic.com

Dear Red, thank you very much for providing me with your excellent CD, "My Collection". All songs are great, it's a joy to listen to your songs, this is real country music, Herman Burgemeester, radio Spijkenisse, Holland.

Dear Red, thanks for sending your CD, "My Collection". You have some nice song writing abilities and the lyrics are sung with conviction. Coral Coast Community Radio - PO bOX 2678 - Bundaberg 4670 -Australia.

Congratulations, at the moment your song is placed among the 10 most requested titles at radio Teutoburger Wald. Programme director: Christian Claesberg, (DJ: Andrea Stolle) Old Stringhouse Music, Herford, Germany

Dear Red Johnson, greetings to you from Job Gathemia in Africa. You have such a beautiful country voice, arrangements and a way with words in writing your song. Sincerely, Job Gathemia, Nairobi-Kenya. East Africa.

Dear Red, thanks for your letter with your CD, "My Collection". Very good Country songs, I like and your CD is in my rockin' chair programme, the listeners love. Sincerely, Dominique Lemarechal, Plabennec, France.

Red Johnson, "My Collection", this CD was CD of the week. Cowboy Art Mowrik, Country Between the Dykes, Holland

Hi Red, your album was great, Red, some real good songs there, and I will not let it gather dust! I wish you every success for the future. Your Friend, Joe Vincent, Waterford, Ireland.

Hello Red Johnson, greetings and lots of success Harry "the outlaw" Boerman, Country Spotlights, Apeldoorn, the Netherlands.

Dear Sir, I have just received the new "Glorytrain Records CD". I am very Impressed with some of the talent on this CD, and that includes your track, "Yours Faithfully". Ross Murphy, West Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia

Hello again Red. Hope everything is fine with you. Just thought you'd like to see the attached which is my play list for last Sunday morning's programme. Note tracks 31 and 33. Keep smiling and keep singing country music there's not too many real country folks left you know. Your English Friend, Hugh T. Wilson, Reepham Lincoln, England.

Dear Red, We listened to your CD's we bought all the way home to Int'l.Falls. It is the very best music, we have always loved country, but your songs seem to say more. The background music is excellent. We bought "My Collection"and "Vietnam Wall." My husband is a vietnam disabled vet and very much appreciated your songs. Could you please make us up a package of all your other c'ds and send us a bill plus postage? If some are cassettes, that is ok too! We will send you a check.. We can"t wait for your next CD. Hi to every one there.
Love Les and Bev Bragg