Sydney-born, International artist and musician 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, Miracle, and Keep On Running on NPR’s Roots Radio and Lightning 100.


Johnson’s music 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.

Johnson is also an acclaimed studio and touring muscian has recorded and played live with a plethora of world famous artists, including Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood for the Faces reunion, Roger Taylor (Queen), Tucker Wetmore, Imelda May, Mike Rutherford (Genesis/Mike and the Mechanics), Bob Geldof, Steve Harley, Stewart Copeland (the Police), Brandy Clark, Marc Martel, chart topping UK pop group A1 and more.

He’s recorded a number of albums with legendary producers including Tony Visconti (David Bowie/T-Rex), who declared him as “one of the best guitarists I have ever worked with”. He has been the guitarist for The Jones Gang, with drummer Kenney Jones (Faces, Small Faces, The Who) for over a decade and is the guitarist for acclaimed funk rock band Them Vibes. Johnson had the privilege of being asked to play First Guitar in the West End production of David Bowie’s final creative masterpiece ‘Lazarus.’ Shortly after, he went on to perform for the musical Bat Out Of Hell, at the Dominion Theater.

Johnson Jay is proudly endorsed by Elixir Strings and Xotic effects.