JOHNNY BOYD BIO Never Been Blue - Bandzooglecontent.bandzoogle.com/users/johnnyboyd/files/JohnnyBoyd_Complete...JOHNNY BOYD BIO Never Been Blue!! ... album every day for the rest of

Johnny Boyd Bio Never Been Blue

JOHNNY BOYD BIO Never Been Blue Johnnyboyd.com “If Frank Sinatra and Johnny Cash had a love child, it would be

Johnny Boyd.” -NPR

Short Bio Singer, Songwriter, Swing Lover! Johnny Boyd truly has the romanticism of a crooner. Long-acclaimed as one of the most versatile vocal performers of today, Singer-songwriter Johnny Boyd seamlessly blends swing, jazz, pop, country, gospel and rock, bringing back the nostalgic charisma of a bygone era, while taking risks with his arrangements that truly show confidence in his talent. August 2012 marks the much-anticipated release of Boyd’s full-length album entitled Never Been Blue. Medium Bio Singer, Songwriter, Swing Lover! Johnny Boyd has the romanticism of a crooner and the boyish good looks of a classic, golden-era matinee idol, but it’s his highly distinctive, smooth as silk vocal style that truly defines him. Long-acclaimed as one of the most versatile vocal performers of today, Singer-songwriter Boyd seamlessly blends swing, jazz, pop, country, gospel and rock, bringing back the nostalgic charisma of a bygone era, while taking risks with his arrangements that truly show confidence in his talent. August 2012 marks the much-anticipated release of Boyd’s full-length album entitled Never Been Blue. Full Bio Singer, Songwriter, Swing Lover! He has the romanticism of a crooner. The boyish good looks of a classic, golden-era matinee idol. The true passion, soul and vision of a renegade artist. But it’s his highly distinctive, smooth as silk vocal style that truly defines him. He’s Johnny Boyd – and he’s back. And like Frank, he does it his way. Long-acclaimed as one of the most versatile vocal performers of today, Boyd seamlessly blends swing, jazz, pop, country, gospel and rock, bringing back the nostalgic charisma of a bygone era, while taking risks with his arrangements that truly show confidence in his talent. It’s been 12 years, but the former Indigo Swing frontman hasn’t missed a beat. The highly prolific singer-songwriter and resident road dog, known for his extreme work ethic (300+ gigs a year in the U.S. and Europe), can

Johnny Boyd Bio Never Been Blue

still move an audience from smiles to tears, in one sitting. With over 1,100 consecutive live performances to Boyd’s credit, more than 100,000 records sold, and thousands of loyal and devoted fans worldwide, he is now gearing up for more. August 2012 marks the much-anticipated release of Boyd’s full-length album entitled Never Been Blue. This most recent work finds him flexing his musical muscle and moving into territory never explored with Indigo Swing, all while staying true to his crooning roots. Comments Boyd: “I’m a romantic. I try to be optimistic. My songs have always involved classic themes about everyday life: dreams, disappointments and sacrifices…and hope for better days.” Perhaps critic Chris Jorgensen best sums up Boyd’s appeal: “In the hands of lesser talent, it would have felt like a novelty. But Boyd clearly loves each song he performs, and he reinforces the old musical maxim that no matter how strange the music seems, if it feels good, it is good.” Yes, Johnny Boyd is back. CONTACT INFORMATION: Cliffdive Records & Music P.O. Box 96145 Portland, OR 97296 Ph: (415) 999-5355 www.johnnyboyd.com

Johnny Boyd Facts

JOHNNY BOYD Facts Johnnyboyd.com Facts 1. At the age of eight, Johnny began singing and performing in the

Phoenix Boys Choir 2. He signed as a major label recording artist with Time Bomb

Recordings/BMG 3. Johnny is currently signed as an independent artist with

Cliffdive Records 4. Toured extensively in the U.S. and Europe with more than 1,100

performances to date 5. Sold more than 100,000 albums worldwide 6. Johnny has amassed a six album discography, including Never

Been Blue, set for release in August 2012 7. He has recorded sixty original songs and has written dozens

more 8. Licensed numerous original songs for use in major motion

pictures, television and games 9. Johnny owns and collects vintage 1940’s neckties…over 8,000

pieces and counting! 10. His favorite album: Nat ‘King’ Cole’s After Midnight Sessions CONTACT INFORMATION: Cliffdive Records & Music P.O. Box 96145 Portland, OR 97296 Ph: (415) 999-5355 www.johnnyboyd.com

Johnny Boyd Inspiration for Never Been Blue

JOHNNY BOYD Inspiration for Never Been Blue Johnnyboyd.com

Anyone familiar with my music probably already knows that I don’t write or record a lot of angry or political songs. When I wake up in the morning, the songs and melodies I hear inside my head are filled with love and appreciation for how lucky I am, as a human, to be able to relate to other living things. These connections have made my life valuable and rich. I’m often reminded how much I miss even the smallest elements of contact when they are suddenly removed from my everyday routine. I think this is the reason why I gravitate towards making intimate recordings. I want the listener to feel like they are in the room and close to the people making the music. It enhances the experience and the music sinks in more deeply. It means more...at least, to me it does. And while there are many different musical styles and genres, my constant musical desire remains to simply try and put something beautiful into the world; something that will perhaps reach someone else in a personal way, so that we may connect and share the feeling together. The intent behind Never Been Blue is no exception. The thread that runs through all of the songs on the album is one of reflection for the valuable gifts in your life; gifts that you’ve already received and perhaps overlooked. Imagine how much you would miss them if they were suddenly taken away... Whatever the emotions we are feeling - love, joy, loneliness, gratitude, regret, fear - the most valuable gift we have as humans is just that: the ability to feel emotion and connect with each other. Without this, there would be nothing left to live for. I hope these songs connect with you.


Here are a few more nuggets that influenced the making of Never Been Blue:

Doesn’t get any better than this. After Midnight Sessions by Nat ‘King’ Cole This is my favorite recording of ALL TIME from ANY musician. Supposedly, After Midnight Sessions was Nat Cole’s response to fans and critics who said he’d lost his way when he traded in his intimate piano trio for big band crooning. Needless to say, I think he proved with these songs that he still had the stuff…and then some. Every track beams with warmth and love. The small arrangements are so incredibly swingin’ and hip, especially for 1956. Honestly, I could listen to this album every day for the rest of my life and never grow tired of it.

Love the vibe(s). Frank Sinatra with the Red Norvo Quintet Live in Australia I heard a track from this album on the radio and fell in love with the bright and happy vibraphone. I tried to bring the same optimism by incorporating a glockenspiel on the song “Floatin’ My Way Back To You”. It seemed appropriate since the song is about an unsinkable fellow in love.


Fun in the studio with The Redondos. “Memories Are Made of This” by Dean Martin I admire the backing harmonies and textures on Deano’s hit. After much searching, I was lucky to find The Redondos, a talented four-part a cappella group in Southern California to add their own backing magic on “Rockin’ Good Way”.


I like the likes of Bobby Short. “I Like the Likes of You” by Bobby Short Bobby Short played piano and sang with his band at the The Carlyle Hotel in New York City for 35 years until he died in 2005. He made numerous recordings in his lifetime and was known for resurrecting and sustaining somewhat forgotten gems from the Great American Songbook. I’ve always admired the personality he brought to his vocals and his instrument. Short was a New York City institution. On a visit there in the pouring rain, I heard his “I Like the Likes of You” drifting into the street from a restaurant’s PA system. I took it as a sign. The next day I visited the The Carlyle and sat down in the room that he had performed in for all those years. I decided then and there that I would cover the song in his honor. I wish I had seen him perform it while he was still alive.


Eric in his element. Eric Shifrin, Pianist and Composer San Francisco Eric had a beautiful instrumental melody that I heard on one of his solo albums. I couldn’t get it out of my head and finally asked him if we could develop it further. When he agreed, I wrote lyrics and a bridge section and we named it “Sincerely Yours”. When the time came, I asked Eric and his band to play at my wedding. They performed “Sincerely Yours” as the first dance. It was magical. Eric has a wonderful New-Orleans lazy stride-piano style that is immediately accessible. He is also a wealth of information for the Great American Songbook. I had all but given up on my previously scrapped attempt of “Do It All Again” until I heard him play and sing it back to me. He performed it with such personality that I decided to record it again as the final track for Never Been Blue.


Georgie Fame's exceptional diction. “Yeh Yeh” by Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames Eric and I also wrote “Showin’ Every Symptom of Love” together after I heard the 1960's Georgie Fame hit “Yeh Yeh” on the radio. I was intrigued with the challenge of enunciating the rapid-fire lyrics. Eric had the bridge (complete with stops) already finished and we crafted the rest together. I love Red Young’s Hammond B3 organ on this song so much that I went back and added the flavor to a few other songs on the album.


Recording "We've Got A World That Swings". “We’ve Got A World That Swings” by The Four Freshmen I’ve always loved this song that Jerry Lewis made famous in the original film version of The Nutty Professor, but it wasn’t until I heard The Four Freshmen’s version on an oldies radio show that I wanted to cover it. Their version sounds like it has either bongo or conga drums (drenched in reverb) being played as an adjunct to the snare drum. The congas seem to give the snare an extra “lift” and it sounds totally swingin’ to me. When I listen more closely to some of my favorite Capitol Records recordings from the 1950’s, I can hear the same kind of conga beats being played from far back in the room. Could this be part of the reason why I love these old recordings so much? Hmmm. Needless to say, I added congas to all the swing numbers on Never Been Blue and love the flavor so much that I doubt I’ll ever record another swing song again without them.


Making a new friend in the old country. Italy I got the idea for a “Palace Hotel” Italian love story song while staying in a hotel in Florence. Eric Shifrin and I composed the music together when I returned to the U.S. and I wrote the lyrics on a follow-up trip to Umbria. Italy is absolutely beautiful and it’s impossible not to hear music when I’m there.

Flirtatious and fun. “Rockin’ Good Way” by Dinah Washington & Brook Benton I heard this duet on the radio while in Seattle and admired the way Dinah Washington and Brook Benton flirted with each other throughout the song. They really sounded like they were having fun! I knew I wanted to cover it, but it would be very important to find the right female lead to sing it with me to get the right chemistry.


The legendary Barbara Morrison. I decided to record the instrumental tracks and finish them while I looked for a female lead. Some time went by and I was asked to make a guest appearance at an event in Pasadena where vocalist Barbara Morrison was scheduled to perform. I had heard of Barbara, but didn’t know that much about her. She was very gracious and allowed me to sing a few songs during her set. Then we performed a duet together, a Ray Charles tune. It was a blast! My wife told me later that there was something special about that performance--it was soulful, sexy and fun. Needless to say, I wasted no time in asking Barbara if she would sing on my version of “Rockin’ Good Way” and was thrilled when she accepted. Later on, I did more research on Barbara. Turns out she’s a living legend and has recorded with everyone from Ray Charles to Nancy Wilson to Mel Torme’. I was very nervous on the day we were set to sing together, but Barbara made me feel instantly at ease. Professional and inspired, she was the perfect choice for the song and I was very lucky to work with her...it’s one of my favorite songs on the album. Thank you, Barbara!


There's more inspiration in the Inside Scoops videos! Angela Never been blue You’re the only one that I depend upon Never been blue, like before When I thought I was on my own I think about this every day All the loneliness that you took away And it’s true, since I met you I’ve never been blue This album was inspired by my wife (and muse) who continues to put up with me. Why? I will probably never know, but I am indeed the luckiest man on earth. CONTACT INFORMATION: Cliffdive Records & Music P.O. Box 96145 Portland, OR 97296 Ph: (415) 999-5355 www.johnnyboyd.com

Johnny Boyd Press Quotes

JOHNNY BOYD Press Quotes Johnnyboyd.com “Sweet music to our ears.” - American Generations Magazine “[He] touches on so many musical styles. But he does it with amazing talent and sincerity, again setting himself apart from his peers. Boyd has a wonderful voice-a high plaintive tenor, excellent phrasing, and a warm tremolo that he only uses when needed. His lyrics are inventive and funny, and he utilized top-notch musicians on this recording [Last Word In] who helped him achieve what he had floating around in his head. Johnny Boyd is a talent to be reckoned with.” - JazzReview.com “Perfect.” - Atomic Magazine “Boyd sounds dead-on as he sings to you straight from his own soul…a versatile songwriter of genius proportions.” - InMusicWeTrust.com “Johnny Boyd has the constrained, bell-like yearning of postwar America down perfectly.” - The Village Voice, New York, NY “Romantic.” - The Washington Post, Washington, DC “Smooth.” - New York Daily News, New York, NY “Sophisticated and fun…a solid singer and a songwriter with heart.” - San Francisco Bay Guardian, San Francisco, CA “[Boyd has] a talent for writing catchy material.” - Victory Music Review Magazine “Coolly evocative…talent to spare.” - Patriot Ledger, Boston, MA “Boyd clearly loves each song and reinforces the old musical maxim…if it feels good, it is good.” - The Billings Gazette, Billings, MT “A crooner who could make any girl swoon.” - The Fritz Magazine “Butter smooth...think Dion crossed with Wayne Newton.” - Orange County Register, Santa Ana, CA “Boyd’s crooning perfection brings assured grace to every note, whether lush and tender or jumpin’.” - Blues Access Magazine “Boyd’s crooning vocals are slick and enthusiastic. His is a top quality voice.” - Slamm Magazine


“Astounding.” - Delta Snake Daily Blues “Boyd’s voice is great for these tunes.” - AllAboutJazz.com “Johnny Boyd is one of those people who was born to sing and seems to be able to hit any note that might be thrown at him.” - TheShrubbery.com “Listen to singer Johnny Boyd’s reedy voice and naïve phrasing, staccato with enthusiasm and trilling with flirtatiousness. It echoes with the kind of slapback that Sam Phillips elevated to an art on the voice of Elvis Presley.” - Female FYI Magazine “Suave.” - The Oregonian, Portland, OR “Brassy.” - Louisville Eccentric Observer, Louisville, KY “Fun, yet seductive…and, boy, does Johnny Boyd sing sweet.” - Riverfront Times, St. Louis, MO “Boyd[‘s] to-swoon-by lyrical presence and reet pleats make him a dashing frontman.” - SF Weekly, San Francisco, CA “Johnny Boyd’s vocals, not to mention the way he turns a phrase, are the one thing that stands out…[he] brings a fun, retro energy.” - The Glass Eye, Toledo, OH “Boyd’s vocals are perfect; they’ve got the soul, style, and class of swing, and some rock charm to go with them.” - InMusicWeTrust.com “A real gone daddy who can croon the blues.” - Hot Rod Deluxe Magazine “Smoothly charming singer.” - Metroland Weekly, Albany, NY “Silky...sweet…sultry.” - Seattle Weekly, Seattle, WA “[Boyd’s] voice is the richest and easiest among the new crop of swing singers.” - Lewiston Morning Tribune, Lewiston, ID “Smooth, honest voice…simply mesmerizing.” - Atomic Magazine “Gives Perry Como a run for his money.” - Alameda Times-Star, Oakland, CA “Clear, crisp…and lyrics that stand on their own.” - Ventura County Star, Ventura, CA


CONTACT INFORMATION: Cliffdive Records & Music P.O. Box 96145 Portland, OR 97296 Ph: (415) 999-5355 www.johnnyboyd.com

Johnny Boyd Fan Quotes

JOHNNY BOYD Fan Quotes Johnnyboyd.com “Johnny’s music is the soundtrack to my life.” “When Johnny sings, I hear the sincerity in his voice. It gets me every time.” “If Frank Sinatra and Johnny Cash had a love child, it would be Johnny Boyd.” “It’s magical. He feels the music and makes you feel it.” “His voice – and the way he uses it to paint out a perfect song for any couple falling in love – genius.” “I dance every time he plays.” “Johnny’s music reminds me of me.” CONTACT INFORMATION: Cliffdive Records & Music P.O. Box 96145 Portland, OR 97296 Ph: (415) 999-5355 www.johnnyboyd.com

Johnny Boyd Discography

JOHNNY BOYD Discography Johnnyboyd.com

Never Been Blue ~ Johnny Boyd • Released: 2012 • Format: CD • Label: Cliffdive Records • Listen at http://Johnnyboyd.com/musicstore:neverbeenblue

Starlight ~ Johnny Boyd • Released: 2007 • Format: EP • Label: Cliffdive Records • Listen at http://Johnnyboyd.com/musicstore:starlight

Last Word In ~ Johnny Boyd • Released: 2001 • Format: CD • Label: Cliffdive Records • Listen at http://Johnnyboyd.com/musicstore:lastwordin

Red Light! ~ Indigo Swing • Released: 1999 • Format: CD • Label: Time Bomb Recordings • Listen at http://Johnnyboyd.com/musicstore:redlight!

All Aboard! ~ Indigo Swing • Released: 1998 • Format: CD • Label: Time Bomb Recordings • Listen at http://Johnnyboyd.com/musicstore:allaboard!

Indigo Swing • Released: 1995 • Format: CD • Label: Welt & Placket Recordings • Listen at http://Johnnyboyd.com/musicstore:indigoswing

CONTACT INFORMATION: Cliffdive Records & Music P.O. Box 96145 Portland, OR 97296 Ph: (415) 999-5355 www.johnnyboyd.com

Documents

JOHNNY BOYD BIO Never Been Blue - Bandzooglecontent.bandzoogle.com/users/johnnyboyd/files/JohnnyBoyd_Complete...JOHNNY BOYD BIO Never Been Blue!! ... album every day for the rest of