Kurt Johnston Acoustic Guitarist from Cleveland, GA

Kurt Johnston: Vocals, Piano, Keyboards, Electric & Acoustic Guitar, Dobro, Pedal Steel Guitar, Banjo, Lap Steel and Mandolin Kurt Johnston has been playing music his entire life. The year was 1964.The Beatles performance on "The Ed Sullivan Show"sent a tidal wave of inspiration to Kurt's older brothers Wayne and Mark. Both were barely teenagers, Kurt was nine years old. With great encouragement Kurt followed his brothers into a 20 year idea called the Johnston Brothers Band, which became a professional act in 1972. In 1979 the Band had secured a spot on the WWVA Saturday night radio show. They recorded their first album of Country and Bluegrass music "live" at the Capitol Music Hall in 1979 with Lionel Cartwright and Jerry Brightman. The albums success brought their second release in 1980. The brothers appeared several times on The Nashville Network (TNN) through the early eighties, placing as 1st runner up appearing on the Grand Ol' Opry, for the Wrangler Country Showdown in 1984. The Johnston Brothers band placed on Cashbox and Billboard record charts in 1987. In 1988, national independent record companies nominated the band "Group of the Year". Kurt and the Johnston Bros. Band have appeared at Philadelphia Folkfest, Bethlehem Muskifest and the Valley Forge Music Fair and have performed with acts including Bonnie Raitt, Alabama, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Crystal Gayle, Jerry Lee Lewis, Willie Nelson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Tammy Wynette, Marty Robbins and Conway Twitty. After spending several years performing as a solo act independently of the band, Kurt re-formed the Johnston Bros. Band in 1993 with his brother Wayne and released their original song CD "Life and Passion" in June of 1996, selling out the original inventory run within three months of release. Kurt's love of spiritual music helped him to establish a strong Contemporary Christian Worship Service repertoire . He directed and performed for over 10 years at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Lansdale, Pa. with acclaimed Pastor/Rector Rock Schuler. This venture produced a Christmas CD entitled "The Gift of Christmas" in 2000 and a Contemporary Christian Rock CD entitled "Psalm 150" in 2002 with proceeds benefiting the church. Kurt relocated to NJ and was blessed with a position as Music Director and Elementary School music Teacher until summer of 2007 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Cape May, NJ until relocation with his family to Florida. In 2005, Kurt also recorded and co-produced "The Journey of Souls" Music Collection to accompany Author C.D. Baker's internationally published book series of the same title and an original country CD "Blue Denim Guy" in collaboration with John & Brynn Schrantz. Kurt Johnston performs extensively in recording studios and has been in association with Jon Bon Jovi since 1994. He performed on Jons solo project "Destination Anywhere" and previously unreleased cuts on the 2004 Bon Jovi Box Set. Kurt appeared with Bon Jovi and Sugarland on country music's CMT's Crossroads Show and the 2005 CMA Awards from Madison Square Garden. Kurt recorded on the Bon Jovi release of the "Lost Highway" CD and toured the world with Bon Jovi through 2007. Kurt appeared with Bon Jovi on The Today Show, The Ellen Show, The View, MTV/VH1/CMT unplugged, A&E, Clear Channel and Saturday Night Live. His appearances may be viewed on YouTube and nationally shown reruns. From 2008 until 2012, Kurt resided in the Jacksonville Florida area wanting to enjoy the sunshine and share in the many collaborative efforts offered by the artists and Churches from St.Augustine and surrounding areas. Friends..."As a musician in his mid 50's I feel very blessed to be able to continue to do what I 've always loved to do. That is to serve and entertain my brothers and sisters, young and old through my music. I have been given an inner peace from the validation in my life, and the recognition to now seek a smaller circle in which to work . I feed my spirit and receive my energy from the beautiful area of Northeast Georgia. My new love and that state are truly always on my mind". I am glad to play in a restaurant as much as I am to teach a kindergarten music class. I have provided the music at scores of weddings and funerals throughout the years. I am always writing something to record in my studio and I love the opportunity to collaborate with others as well. I look forward to hearing from you!