Keyboardist/ Singer/ Songwriter Luke Johnson, 28, looks to diverse musical worlds for inspiration. Born in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, the timeless sounds of bluegrass have filled his ears from an early age. His parents’ favorite musicians such as Willie Nelson, Gordon Lightfoot, The Beach Boys and Bob Dylan fostered his love of singing, and laid the foundation for what would one day become Luke’s career.
At the age of 11, Luke took his first guitar lesson from local bluegrass legend Murphy Henry. From then on not a day went by for him without music. At age 16, he was given a piano and taught himself how to play. Ever curious, he experimented with many instruments including mandolin, bass, banjo, organ, melodica, rhodes and even horns. He excelled in music composition and concert choir, and soon gained the title of “Most Talented†in his graduating class.
The ranges of musical acts with whom Luke has played and recorded during the last 15 years serve as evidence of just how versatile his talent is. From the funky jams of Earthbound Shakedown to the folksy rock of Freewheelin and the electronica grooves of Bob Jecktive, Luke always adds another dimension of sound with his soulful keys. Currently playing contemporary Latin-infused jam rock with After Destiny, Luke is also continuing to book solo shows with a intimate roots feel.
The opportunities to travel and play music have led Luke to many venues such as The 8 X 10 in Baltimore, MD, Alley Katz in Richmond,VA, Blue Moon Café in Shepherdstown, WV, Dr. Dreamo’s in Alexandria, VA, VA Brewing Company and Sweet Caroline’s in Winchester, VA. He has had the privilege of opening the stage for acts like Toubab Krewe, Rusted Root, Vince Herman, Papa Mali, ekoostik hookah, Splintered Sunlight, G-13, The Recipe, The Hackensaw Boys, Mookie Seigal, The Bridge, Railroad Earth, Hypnotic Clambake, Rootstand, Donna the Buffalo, Vince Welnick and Tom Constanten. Luke continues to be inspired by many artists including James Brown, Tom Waits, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Dr. John, Bruce Hornsby, Sly Stone, Thelonious Monk and Billy Preston. And there’s always George Clinton and Bernie Worrell.
When he’s not playing music, Luke loves to be outdoors. He and his wife Kendra like to hike and canoe around the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. (Local vacations, he calls these trips…) At home after the trip, you’ll find him in the kitchen cooking and then on the back deck with a snifter of cognac. He is serious about having fun and spreading joy.
Luke has gone solo! Come see a show soon!
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