Growing up in a house where the music of great songwriters was almost required listening Kevin’s musical beginnings included influences from songwriters such as John Prine, Bob Dylan, Joanie Mitchell, Carol King, James Taylor, and Kris Kristofferson. As he grew, and his curiosity with music had opportunities to explore new artists, Kevin continued to be drawn to great lyricists of almost all genres of music. Even now, his search for new music inevitably draws him to the words offered up by some of today’s finest such as Jason Isbell, William Prince, Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson and too many others to mention.
Once described as an “observational philosopher” Kevin’s songwriting goes straight for the heart. Whether it’s about being in love, the sadness of a breakup, the loss of a loved one, or introspective social commentary, Kevin always seems to capture the feeling of the moment and bring it to life in song.
As the widowed father of two grown children, and U.S. Navy submarine veteran with a wide and varied career path Kevin’s music comes from a wealth of life experiences that you can hear in his voice as he delivers his personally crafted lyrics.
Kevin currently resides in northern Michigan where he has lived most of his adult life. As a performer and concert/event organizer Kevin is actively involved in many aspects of the area's music scene and is currently organizing tours to other parts of the country.
Kevin and his music have been featured in or aired on The Detroit News, Petoskey News Review, Voyage Michigan Magazine, The Hootenanny Café on WTBQ and WGHT New York and New Jersey, 9&10 News in Traverse City, MI, the Detroit Song Mine, The Folk Music Notebook, and WMJZ radio in Gaylord, MI.
SOME PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
Forest Trail Music Festival
Farmfest Music Festival
Blissfest Music Festival (2022, 23 & 24)
Great Indoor Folk Festival
Great North Singer Songwriter Festival
Summerfest Music Series
Charlotte Ross Lee Concert Series
Neebfest
Wiltsie’s Summer Songwriter Sessions
Pond Jam Music Festival
Red Sky Stage
Tip O’ The Mitt Songwriters in the Round
“Kevin truly embodies the spirit of the American-Songwriter. His passion for crafting music with purpose shines in his sound and lyrics. Kevin wholeheartedly cares about music, and it is easy to hear.”
- Stephen Struwve, Booking Manager, Breads Brewery, Petoskey, MI
“Kevin Johnson’s lyrics are always from the heart and celebrate music’s gift of the uncomplicated joy of melody, and honesty.”
– Dwain Martin A., SummerFolk Concert Series, Charlevoix, MI
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
