My name is Randy Johnson and I was born in 1952 in Wilson, NC to parents Ann and Jerry Johnson.  Things didn’t start out great, as my parents were only 18 years old when I was born and they really didn’t know what to do with me. As soon as they could, they took me to my grandmother’s home in Johnston County. I Don’t know how long I stayed there but Mama Pittman (My grandmother on my mothers side), did her best to teach my mother how to raise me.  At around 10 weeks old, we eventually made our way to a new home, a small apartment in Goldsboro. Everything was going fine until one day my mother came to check on me in the crib and it was full of blood!  I didn’t know what was wrong evidently because I was just laughing and carrying on. I was rushed to the hospital where it was discovered I had ruptured my small intestine and so surgery was a must. I still have that scar on my belly except it’s about 5 times longer...
 

After graduation, I enlisted in the Army National Guard but was discharged before completing boot camp. Undeterred, I returned home with a renewed focus on my music. During this time, I met Rick, a talented guitarist and close friend. I taught him how to play, and together we formed “Randy Johnson and the Young Countrymen.” We recorded an album featuring my original songs and performed extensively, building a dedicated following and gaining valuable experience.

 

Our musical journey continued with the formation of a new group called “Sunshine,” which included Rick, his wife Jane, and my first wife. We performed across various venues, including restaurants, malls, and local events. We modeled our style after the harmonious sound of groups like “Dave and Sugar,” and we developed a unique four-part harmony that set us apart. Our collaboration with another band, “Showdown,” led to a memorable performance at Busch Gardens in Virginia. We competed in the Battle of the Bands and won the prestigious Ginny Award, presented by Nashville Music. A particularly exciting highlight was our appearance on the national TV show “You Can Be a Star” on The Nashville Network. Backed by the Bill Anderson Band, we performed songs by Charlie Pride and Ricky Nelson, an experience that stands out as a peak in our musical career.

 

As the years went by, our musical pursuits evolved, and we formed “Some Assembly Required.” This group was known for its eclectic and diverse range of music, covering everything from classic country to contemporary hits. Our performances took us to new and varied audiences, reflecting our versatility and passion for music. Each performance was a testament to our enduring love for music, and our repertoire grew to include a wide array of genres and styles.

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Today, I play and sing exclusively in church, where my music has found a new and deeply meaningful purpose. Looking back on those vibrant years of performances, creative exploration, and heartfelt connections, I hold those memories close to my heart. The joy of making music and sharing it with others continues to be an integral part of who I am. The highs and lows of my musical journey have left an indelible mark on my soul, and those formative experiences continue to shape my life and my art.