Michael Johnson / The Michael Johnson Album + Dialogue

Michael Johnson was recognised widely when he started to sing with John Denver and David Boise as Denver, Boise & Johnson in 1968. Shortly after the group disbanded in 1969, Johnson started his successful solo career. In 1971, Johnson signed with Atco Records to release his first album “There Is A Breeze”, which was released in 1973, then Johnson released two albums for Sanskrit Records; theself-produced second album For All You Mad Musicians” in 1975, followed by “Ain't Dis Da Life” in 1977. In terms of commercial sales, these first three albums were not successful.
Time had come in 1978. Johnson’s fourth solo effort "The Michael Johnson Album" released in 1978 under EMI America changed his status in the U.S. music scene. The first single "Bluer Than Blue" written by Randy Goodrum ranked number 12 on U.S. Pop Chart. Other contributed songwriters were such as Bill Labounty, Tom Snow and Eric Kaz, who made the album full of romantic ballads.

In 1979, Johnson returned with another set of romantic mellow fifth solo album "Dialogue" featuring “This Night Won't Last Forever" also known for Bill LaBounty's version. This song ranked number 19 on the U.S. pop chart. Other songs on the album was written again by great songwriters including Tom Snow, Randy Goodrum, Eric Kaz, and Parker McGee.

Michael passed away at his home in Minneapolis, MN on 25 July, 2017 following a long battle with chronic heart and lung disease.

"The Michael Johnson Album"

Release:15 June 1978
Label: EMI America, USA (SW-17002)

Tracks:
1. Sailing Without A Sail
2. Foolish
3. Dancin' Tonight
4. Two In Love
5. Ridin' In The Sky
6. Bluer Than Blue
7. Almost Like Being In Love
8. 25 Words Or Less
9. Gypsy Woman
10. When You Come Home

Producers: Steve Gibson, Brent Maher

Michael Johnson: Vocals, Guitar

- Musicians -
Keyboards: Shane Keister, Bobby Ogdin
Piano: Bill LaBounty
Bass: Jack Williams, Mike Leech, Norbert Putnam
Drums: Kenny Malone
Percussion: Farrell Morris
Guitars: Jon Goin, Steve Gibson
Violin: Shelly Kurland
Horns: Buddy Skipper, Don Scheffeild, Roger Bissell, Roger Williams
Background Vocals: Sheri Kramer, Diane Tidwell, Daine Tidwell

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“Dialogue"

Release: 1979
Label: EMI America, USA (SW-17010)

Tracks:
1. This Night Won't Last Forever
2. Let This Be A Lesson To You
3. The Very First Time
4. Drops Of Water
5. I'll Always Love You
6. Doors
7. Blackmail
8. She Put The Sad In All His Songs
9. I Just Can't Say No To You
10. Dialogue

Producers: Steve Gibson

Michael Johnson: Vocals, Guitar

- Musicians -
Piano: Shane Keister, Bobby Ogdin, Randy Goodrum, Tom Snow
Wurlizer: Randy Goodrum
Rhodes: Bobby Keister, Shane Keister, Randy Goodrum
Bass: Jack Williams, Mike Leech
Drums: Kenny Malone
Percussion: Farrell Morris
Guitars: Steve Gibson, Jon Goin
Sax: Billy Puett, Norm Ray, Buddy Skipper, David Sanborn, Michael Brecker
Trombone: Dennis Good, Tom Malone
Trumpet: Don Sheffield, John Gatchell, Danny Cahn
Oboe: Bob Taylor
Background Vocals: Sheri Kramer, Diane Tidwell, Greg Gordon, Bergen White, Randy Goodrum

- 2 on 1 Reissued CD -
Release: 15 May, 1999
Label: Vivid Sound Corporation, Japan (VSCD-576)

- “The Michael Johnson Album” Reissued CD -
Release: 9 December, 2020
Label: Universal Music Japan (UICY-79323)

- “Dialogue” Reissued CD -
Release: 9 December, 2020
Label: Universal Music Japan (UICY-79324)

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