Pastor C. R. Johnson

Criss "Righteous" Johnson: BiographyThe word prodigious is well suited to describe the wealth of abilities demonstrated by Criss "Righteous" Johnson. As a triple threat writer, vocalist & guitar player, he is second to none as an artist of astonishing versatility and conviction. This singular talent was born in 1956 in Chicago where he began playing guitar at the age of three! Iniatially steeped in Gospel, he was singing and strumming in church and revivals by his fifth birthday. In 1970, by the age of fourteen, he began touring with "The Queen of Gospel," Albertine Walker. Somewhat later, other performing & recording stints were logged in the groups of Shirley Caesar, Inez Andrews and the Pilgrim Jubilees which led to some network television exposure while he was in his late teens. Attracted to Blues & Soul music, Criss began moving to a more secular sound in 1975. He became a proficient studio guitarist whose gifts were introduced on Natalie Cole's first two Capitol lp's "Unpredictable" & "Thankful." Through his sessions with her, he began a working relationship with such producers as Marvin Yancey, Gene Barge and Chuck Jackson. These associations led to other Pop & Soul sessions with Tyrone Davis, Boz Scaggs, Ronnie Dyson & the Manhattans for Columbia records. His Blues credentials were solidified as he began writing and playing for Otis Clay & Albert King. Perhaps his best known work in this area was his rock-solid contributions to Koko Taylor's string of lp's for the Alligator label such as "Force Of Nature," "Queen Of The Blues," "From The Heart Of A Woman" & her albums after that, all the way up 2 her recent album, "Old School," which he's co-produced, arranged, & Musical Director. Based soley on his arranging & playing skills for Taylor, label head Bruce Iglauer utilized his talents for the successful Alligator Christmas album. Criss also featured, as a sideman role, with Blues-Jazz guitar legend Harvey "Snake" Mandel on his most recent recording.Ever vigilant of underexposed artists, Criss was signed by Atlanta's Trac Records in early 1994. He has reconciled his Gospel & secular styles and created a totally unique synthesis. While the album is spiritual in content, it has alluring elements of contemporary music built into the song structures (that will even appeal to the staunchest tradionalist). Consisiting mainly of his originals, it focuses on his heartfelt vocals and is liberally peppered with his trademark guitar over the entire production. It is a perfect example of a multi-directional artist at the height of his prowess, as his compositions and execution contain all the necessary elements that transcend ordinary music making., After your first audition of this recording, we're sure you'll readily acknowledge the fact that Criss "Righteous" Johnson has created a work of lasting passion and beauty.Today, Criss is still enjoying life with his wonderful 4 children, Kriss Johnson, Karisa Johnson, Kenyon Johnson, & Serenetie Johnson. His kids are all singers like him! He's also the pastor of Apostolic Pentecostal Church Of Today, known as (APCOT)! He's affectionally known as Pastor J. He's still on the road, stringing his axe with Shirley Caesar, which he's been with for over 28 years! Youngsters on the road calls him "Popz!" With his son by his side as the producer, Kriss B.K.A (Kajun), he's currently finishing his solo project, "Still Inspired." He's with Rank1 Entertainment Studios! Recently, he wrote & produced a gospel track for R&B singer, Chick Rogers, with his lil god-bruh, Richard Gibbs Jr. He's also co-produced & played on The Salem Travelers last album, "The Return Of Robert Dixon & The Original Salem Travelers." Still living in Chicago, he maintains his time for church, mother, & etc. He says, "I love Gospel! But my love is for Quartet Gospel, bar none!" He loves going to Gospel Quartet Programs! Kathy Lockett has helped him on the promotion side with his old group, Criss "Righteous" Johnson & The Righteous Singers!His church, kids, family, God, & GUITAR, is his 1st r]priority! Look out, because he's just getting started! Header Banner Made with MyBannerMaker.com! Click here to make your own!
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