Danny has developed quite a reputation for himself while racking up an impressive list of accomplishments making his mark on the history of Rock N Roll. Being discovered by Rick Derringer at age 18, Danny went on to do four LP’s with Derringer, and then went on to perform and record with Rod Stewart, Alice Cooper, Alcatrazz, ( Danny replaced Steve Vai and Yngwie Malmstein) , Zachary Richard, Graham Bonnet, Stevie Nicks, Dwight Twilley, and Carmine Appice to mention a few.

Danny is currently the lead guitarist in John Kay and Steppenwolf and is on the new Steppenwolf CD "Feed the Fire". His discography includes 20 CD’s and 8 soundtracks to his credit, including; "Wayne’s World" and "Gremlins". "Grih Grih Thing", his recent solo project, is Danny’s return to his roots in Louisiana where Voodoo reins supreme and the music melting pot is stirring up that gumbo. Where blues meets rock n’ roll and is stirred up with a mix of country, gospel and zydeco.

Danny will have a new CD titled "Over Cloud 9", coming out this year. It has featured performances from Carmine, Appice, members of The Kentucky Headhunters, and Steppenwolf , and for the first time in 25 years a reunion with Rick Derringer on a great version of "House of the Rising Sun" Danny will be touring with Steppenwolf , with his band TheTribe, which features other members the Steppenwolf,  and the Guitar Slinger's Ball featuring Pat Travers, Danny Johnson, and Greg Koch, supporting his new Rainman/Sony Records release, "Over Cloud 9".

Danny Johnson's Discography :

DANNY JOHNSON BIO

Guitarist/Vocalist/Songwriter

The young native of Louisiana was discovered by Rick Derringer at the age of 18.  Johnson played guitar, wrote and sang on four Derringer records for CBS.  He then reformed his own trio Axis, produced by Andy Johns and landed a contract with RCA.  Rod Stewart heard Danny and made him and offer to write, record and tour with him.  Johnson accepted and wrote, played, toured on the “Tonight I’m Yours” record and tour which spawned the hit, “Young Turks”.  At the same time Danny also did records for Phil Seymour and Alice Cooper.

Eddie Van Halen was once quoted in Guitar Player Magazine as saying, “One of my favorite guitarists is Danny Johnson”.  Van Halen backed this statement up by asking Danny to play for a band he was recording.  The band Private Life, completed two albums, produced by Van Halen and Ted Templeman for Warner Brothers and did two tour major tours including opening for Van Halen.

Once again the phone rang and Danny was faced with one of his biggest challenges, being asked to fill the shoes of Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai as the guitarist in Alcatrazz with one of rocks great voices, Graham Bonnet.  He wrote, recorded and toured with Alcatrazz on the Dangerous Games album and tour, including writing the title cut.  He would later reunite with Graham Bonnet when he wrote material, played guitar, sang, and produced Graham Bonnet’s solo CD, “Under Ground”.

Johnson always returned home to Louisiana to work on his own sound, where he has a substantial following.  He was tracked down by producer Bill Wray and Zachary Richard to replace Stan Ridgeway as the guitarist on the “Snake Bite Love” tour for Zachary’s A&M release.

After accepting an offer to tour and record with Steppenwolf, Johnson moved to Nashville.  He is currently touring heavily World-Wide with Steppenwolf and is on the most recent Steppenwolf CD, “Feed The Fire”, the new solo John Kay CD, Heretics and Privateers and released a solo CD, “Grih Grih Thing”, which will soon be released in Europe.  Finally feeling the call to return to his roots of Louisiana, bluesy, electrifying, rock n roll, Johnson’s newest solo CD, “Grih Grih Thing”, will be sure to captivate you.  Filled with the guitar riffs he is noted for across the world, chalked full of songs from the soul of a real rock n’ roller, and sang with a conviction only the voice of experience could have, this album will be sure and mark Johnson as the true raw talent that Rick Derringer and so many saw in that young 18 year old.

Danny Johnson’s Timeless Sound continues to intoxicate an International body of followers.  A new horizon blazes ahead as Danny premiers his latest work, “Over Cloud Nine”, carved from innovative talent laced with experience from many great artists.  A metamorphosis of Danny’s spiritual and emotional triumphs and trials have given birth to Over Cloud Nine.  The lyrics deliver a haunting message while incredible guitar work, mystical harmonies and mesmerizing percussion captivate the listener.  Michael Wilk’s (Steppenwolf) keyboards bond with Danny’s guitar in compelling mastery.  Rick Derringer reunites with Danny for the first time in 25 years on “House of the Rising Sun” to once again harmonize in an electric bliss.  Richard Young from the Kentucky Headhunters, Carmine Appice, Leo Lyons of Ten Years After, and former band mate Jay Davis of Axis and Rod Stewart, all appear in various cuts on the album to enhance the final work.  “Over Cloud Nine” is currently available at www.steppenwolf.com

Danny’s sponsors include Aria Guitars, GHS Strings, Rocktron Effects, Rivera Amps and Dimarizio pickups.

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