Michael Johnson / You Can Call Me Blue + Home Free

Teaming up with Brent Maher and Steve Gibson was the key for Michael Johnson’s success in late 1970’s. "Bluer Than Blue" from the first EMI-America album “The Michael Johnson Album” (1978), his signature song was produced by them. The second EMI-America 1979 album “Dialogue” recorded in Nashville was another success, featuring a stunning top 20 single hit “This Night Won’t Last Forever”.
A third EMI-America album produced byBrent Maher and Steve Gibson, “You Can Call Me Blue” was released in late 1980. The title song became Johnson’s last commercial pop hit, reaching a lowly 86 on the charts. However, from the AOR lovers viewpoint, the album was remarkable having great songwriters such as Robert Byrne, Micheal McDonald, Bill LaBounty, Roy Freeland, Eric Kaz, Tom Snow, Andy Goldmark and Randy Goodrum. Another album, “Home Free” produced by Steve Buckingham who was know for his production with Mellisa Manchester and Dionne Warwick then, followed in 1981, but failed to make an commercial impact.

“You Can Call Me Blue”

Release: 1980
Label：EMI America, USA (SW-17035)

Tracks:
1. You Can Call Me Blue
2. After You
3. Savin' It Up
4. You, You, You
5. Blame It On The Rain
6. Right Through The Heart
7. Don't Ask Why
8. Staying With It
9. You Sure Fooled Me
10. Empty Hearts

Producers: Brent Maher and Steve Gibson

Michael Johnson: Vocals, Guitar

- Musicians -
Keyboards: Shane Keister, Bobby Ogdin
Wurlitzer: Bill LaBounty
Piano: Tom Snow
Bass: Bob Wray, Jack Williams
Drums: Roger Clark, Kenny Malone
Percussion: Farrell Morris, Terry McMillan
Guitars: Jon Goin, Steve Gibson
Sax: Blue Jay Patton
Background Vocals: Marie Clark, Greg Gordon, Mark Phillips, Todd Cerney
Background Vocals: Sheri Kramer, Diane Tidwell, Greg Gordon, Bergen White, Randy Goodrum

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"Home Free"

Release: 1981
Label: EMI America, USA

Tracks:
1. You're Not Easy To Forget
2. The Love She Found In Me
3. Rosalee
4. The Power (This Love Has Over Me)
5. I Can't Get To You From Here
6. Home Free
7. Just One Look
8. Love Me Like The Last Time
9. Leave It Alone
10. Let Me Go Back Home

Producer: Steve Buckingham

Michael Johnson: Vocals, Guitar

- Musicians -
Drums: James Stroud
Bass: Tom Robb
Keyboards: Randy McCormick
Guitar: Larry Byrom
Percussion: Mickey Buckins
Sax: Jay Scott
Steel Guitar: Jay Dee Maness
Harmonica: Terry McMillan
English Horn: Earl Dumler
Strings Arrangement: Steve Dorff
Concert Master: Jimmy Getzoff
Background Vocals: Maxine Waters, Julia Waters, Oren Waters, Luther Waters, Marty McCall, Sheri Huffman, Richard Mainegra, Dennis Williman Wilson, Diane Tidwell, Lisa Silver

- 2 on 1 Reissued CD -
Release: 15 May, 1999
Label: Vivid Sound Corporation, Japan (VSCD-577)

- ”You Can Call Me Blue” Reissued CD -
Release: 9 December, 2020
Label: Universal Music Japan (UICY-79325)

- “Home Free” Reissued CD -
Release: 9 December, 2020
Label: Universal Music Japan (UICY-79326)

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