Home » Jazz Musicians » Marc Courtney Johnson

Marc Courtney Johnson

"Jazz is a natural fit for many of the things I've been doing instinctively as a vocalist for some time. I cannot wait to see where this journey will lead in a year or two."

Marc has been involved with music in some capacity all of his life.

He sang in church youth choirs off and on from age 5 through 13. In junior high he was introduced to the clarinet and developed a love for classical music, playing in symphony & marching bands in high school.

Marc began college at Northern Illinois University where he briefly pursued a vocal performance degree, studying for a semester with Basso Cantante Myron Myers. During his time at NIU he sang with the NIU Chorus, and toured with the NIU Black Choir.

After transferring to the University of Illinois at Chicago and finishing with a business degree, Marc returned to his roots in church primarily as a solo vocalist.

Only recently (Summer of 2003) has Marc begun serious pursuit of a "Public Life" as an artist/jazz vocalist. During this time, he has worked with local icons of jazz, Kimberly Gordon and the Alan Gresik Swing Shift Orchestra at the legendary Green Mill Cocktail Lounge where he has received a warm welcome and tremendous support. These days Marc can be found regularly singing at the Green Mill and performing at a number of private events with the new Ken Arlen band Front of House as well as performing gigs with the Dan Cray trio at different venues around town.

In the Winter of 2004 Marc produced and released his first self-titled CD "Marc Courtney Johnson" with the dynamic Dan Cray Trio. The CD has been well received and heralds his official entry into the local jazz scene in Chicago and beyond.

Tags

173
Album Review

Marc Courtney Johnson: Marc Courtney Johnson

Read "Marc Courtney Johnson" reviewed by Jim Santella


Performing with the Dan Cray Trio, singer Marc Courtney Johnson brings us four jazz standards and several other fresh pieces that introduce his vocal manners to a wider public. The Chicago-based singer carries with him a hip swagger, a heartfelt passion for communicating with his audience, and a love for the tradition. A lifetime of singing in church choirs and touring with the Northern Illinois University Chorus has given him the necessary tools to step out proudly on his own ...

Read more articles

Music

Similar

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.