Multi-instrumentalist Stan Johnson earned his BS Degree in music at the University of Nebraska and a Master’s Degree in music at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. He taught all grades, but mostly high school music for 41 years, in California, Montana, Japan, Wisconsin and England.
Currently, Stan teaches 28 private students (ranging in ages from 7 years to adult) at Watermelon Music and in his private studio. He teaches all woodwind and brass instruments.
As a professional musician, Stan has performed all over the mid-west & western United States, Germany, Japan, and England. He has performed with
The Temptations, The Four Tops, Norton Buffalo, saxophonist Pete Chistilleb from the Tonight Show, Mary Fettig and Sonia Jason, trombonist Dave Eshelman, trumpeters Mike Vax and Marvin McFadden, percussionist Pete Escovedo, Sierra Brass & Electric from Nevada City, Slick & the Sliders from Winters, and Gray Daze from Fairfield, the Latin band Sapo Guapo from Vacaville, & Stingy Brim Band from Vacaville. He also performed with Black Rock Project from Fairfield, Rocky and the Revellettes from Sacramento. He currently performs with his own groups J. Harrison B. , The John Stanson Band, Kindred Spirits, and Laura Stryker &the Watchmen.
Inducted into the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame in 2000, his group was asked back to perform as a guest artist the following year. He was a jazz guest artist at Oakhurst High School and the University High School in Fresno in 2002 & 2004.
Rolling Stone Magazine gave a glowing review of Stan’s performance with Magellan on a Jethro Tull tribute CD “To Cry You A Song”, produced by Magna Carta Records. He can also be heard on Blues Sky’s 707 CD, with his two sons on their CD Misawa Underground and the album by J. Harrison B. titled “You Can’t Get There From Here”. Currently, Stan and his two sons, Quinn & Dustin, released their newest CD, Johnson, Johnson & Johnson 2.0.
Saw something that made me think of J. Harrison B, so I looked you up. I was one of your students at Horace Mann High School, Class of 1979. Great to see pictures of you and to see how you have continued your life-long connection to music. My time in the jazz band solidified my love for Chicago as my favorite band which continues to this day. Keep the music playing!