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Southern California native Chris Johnson has long been a fixture, and a bit of a legend, in the West Coast country rock scene. Born into a family of professional musicians, he grew up surrounded by music and developed his craft at Hollywood’s prestigious Musicians Institute, setting the stage for a lifelong journey through rock, blues and country.
Over the years, Johnson’s powerhouse vocals and gritty authenticity have carried him through several acclaimed projects, from fronting Rumor Haz-It, a national touring pop-rock act represented by William Morris, to leading The Big Johnson Band and later working as lead vocalist and co-writer for Blues Train, sharing stages with respected musicians including Gregg Bissonette, Matt Bissonette, T Lavitz, Mike Thompson and Denny Freeman.
Today, Johnson fronts The Hollywood Hillbillies, a high-octane country rock band active from California to Texas. The upcoming album Tales From The Cowboy Palace features guitarist Jordan Ziff of Ratt and Trans-Siberian Orchestra, alongside bassist Federico Delfino, known for his work with Sebastian Bach, Madman Theory and Mercury Riots.
Beyond the stage, Johnson is also a respected guitar and studio tech, vintage gear authority and tone expert. His work has connected him with major names including Rick Rubin, Eddie Van Halen, Warren Haynes, John Fogerty, Steve Stevens, Steve Lukather, Tommy Shaw and many others.
He also owns Hollywood Studio Rentals, Drum Paradise Los Angeles and The Cowboy Palace Saloon, the legendary San Fernando Valley honky-tonk purchased in 2010 and featured in major music videos and films including Terminator, La Bamba and Thelma & Louise.
CHRIS JOHNSON & THE HOLLYWOOD HILLBILLIES IS:
Chris Johnson – Lead and backing Vocals & Guitar
Jordan Ziff – Lead Guitar
Fede Delfino – Bass Guitar
Stephen Haaker – Drums
Skip Edwards – Keyboards
Miles Napier – Keyboards
Aubrey Richmond – Fiddle & backing vocals
Randall Hess – Pedal Steel
Additional musicians:
Kenny Aronoff (John Fogarty, John Mellacamp, Sammy Hagar) – Drums
Skip Edwards (Dwight Yoakham, Johnny Rivers, Flying Burritos) – Keyboards
Dean Parks, Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, LeAnn Rymes, Clint Black – Guitar
