COVERSTORY: "HOWARD JOHNSON"       [Home]

Howard Johnson was born in Miami, Florida, USA and began his career singing in local bars and clubs. In one Miami bar he was spotted by Sandy Torano who was looking to form a group. In 1977, they formed Niteflyte and signed to Ariola for two albums. 

He stayed with the group until the early 80's when he signed with A&M Records as a solo artist. His debut solo album, Keepin' love New, which was produced by Kashif, Morrie Brown and Paul Lawrence Jones, was released in 1982 and featured the Top 50 UK hit “So Fine”. The title track was quite popular in the U.K. Famous artists for the background vocals were Freddie Jackson and Fonzi Thornton. Other great uptempo songs on the album are : "Take Me Through The Night", "This Is Heaven" and "Say You Wanna". As a matter of fact, the complete album is worth while.

In 1983 his second album "Doin' It My Way" came out. This album was produced by Mic Murphy and David Frank, a.k.a. the "System". Their sound is particularly present with this album. Songs like "Let's Take Time Out", "Much Too Much" and "Let This Dream Be Real" have a high "System" sound, which is memorable.

Howard's last solo album "The Vision" from 1985 was produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Monte Moir, Jermaine Jackson a.o. The album featured tracks like "Stand Up" and "Knees".

In 1986 he recorded “Perfect Timing” with Donna Allen for her album, before returning to A&M in 1989 as one half of Johnson & Branson, a collaboration with Regis Branson. Their album contained the excellent 'She Still Loves Him'. Howard has kept a low musical profile throughout the nineties.

After 13 years, Howard Johnson & Regis Branson recorded a new 12 track album called 
Packed & Waitin' including a dance remix of 1982's "So Fine" which sounds quite great.

ALBUMS:

Keepin' Love New (A&M 1982)
Doin' It My Way (A&M 1983)
The Vision (A&M 1985)

As Johnson & Branson:

Johnson & Branson (A&M 1989)
Packed & Waitin' (Soul Japan Records, 2002)