SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – November 6, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) — Jake Johnson is a young man driven by his passion for music. And why not? He’s been surrounded by it for most of his life.
Growing up in a home where his stepdad didn’t just play for a hobby, but is in one of the most influential bands of the past 20 years, gave Johnson a solid foundation in his music. Johnson’s stepfather is Hugh McDonald, who has been with Bon Jovi since 1994. The bassist has provided his talent to Willie Nelson, Cher, Gladys Knight & the Pips, John Prine and Steve Goodman.
“My stepfather has not only supported me, but taught me how to really appreciate my music, as well as the music of others,” Johnson said. “Ever since I was about four years old I have wanted to be a musician.”
But it was the supergroup KISS that inspired Johnson the most. “These guys were like superheroes!” he said. “The first time I ever met them I was like six or seven years old. I was standing in line to get a picture taken… and I am looking up at them thinking ‘that’s my hero, that’s my hero!’ And [Gene] just looks at me and rolls his eyes to the back of his head. He sticks his tongue out. After that I just blacked out and don’t remember what happened.”
Johnson recently had the honor of opening for KISS on the ‘KISS Kruise,’ an annual event where fans of KISS rock and roll with their favorite band on a cruise ship.
Johnson is currently playing at a few local venues and has a fairly large following. He has a CD entitled “Who the Hell is Jake Johnson,” and will have more music available over the next few weeks.
For more information about Jake Johnson go to: officialjakejohnson.com or Facebook.com/officialjakejohnson.
