guitarist-singer-songwriter

“One of the best guitarists I’ve ever worked with”

Tony Visconti

Sydney-born, International Artist Johnson Jay started playing guitar at the age of 9, and his first gigs were as a child, busking in downtown Manly. By the time he was 14, Johnson was playing professional gigs and festivals, and has never looked back. Johnson lived in London, UK, for over 12 years, and after a move to Nashville in 2019, he has spent the past few years writing new material, playing original gigs, working as a session player, and providing entertainment to tourists on Broadway. Johnson’s new songs are quickly gaining interest, with radio play of his tracks New Year’s Rain, Like We Did, and Miracle on NPR’s Roots Radio and Lightning 100.

Johnson has played live with a plethora of world famous artists, including Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood for the Faces reunion in 2019, Roger Taylor (Queen), Imelda May, Mike Rutherford (Genesis/Mike and the Mechanics), Bob Geldof, Steve Harley, Stewart Copeland (the Police), and more. Johnson has also had the pleasure of working with legendary producers including Tony Visconti (David Bowie/T-Rex), who described him as “one of the best guitarists I have ever worked with”. Johnson has recorded with Steve Ferrone (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) and Gail Ann Dorsey (David Bowie/Lenny Kravitz), and has been the guitarist for The Jones Gang, with acclaimed drummer Kenney Jones (Faces, Small Faces, The Who) for over a decade. In 2016, Johnson had the privilege of being asked to play First Guitar in the West End production of David Bowie’s musical, Lazarus. Shortly after, he went on to perform for the musical Bat Out Of Hell, at the Dominion Theater. More recently, Johnson has been the guitarist for upcoming singer/songwriter Jordan Rainer (Finalist in The Voice 2023) and psychedelic funk-rock band, Them Vibes.

Johnson’s sound could best be described as a unique blend of Jeff Buckley, U2, The Police and Crowded House, with next level guitar skills mixed in. He enjoys writing about events and emotions of everyday life, the pursuit of truth and the desire for peace. His music reflects his understanding of the world around him, and how we, as fallible humans, can connect to it, and live within it. Johnson’s vocal ability, guitar skills and commitment to music never disappoint. He is able to seamlessly meld his technical prowess with a magnetic stage presence, ensuring a captivated audience. He is unlike any other guitarist out there.

Kenney Jones says of Johnson: “I have played with legendary guitarists, including Ronnie Wood, Pete Townshend, Chuck Berry and Eric Clapton. I believe that Johnson is in league with these players, due to his exceptional skill, versatility, and maturity beyond his years.”