Michael Johnson, a singer-songwriter who had hits in both country and pop genres, died on July 25, 2017 at the age of 72. He was best known for his songs “Bluer Than Blue”, “Give Me Wings” and “The Moon Is Still Over Her Shoulder”. He was also a skilled classical guitarist who studied with the legendary Andrés Segovia. What was the cause of his death and how did he live his musical career? Here are some facts you need to know.
A Long Illness
According to his official website, Johnson died at his home in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after a long illness. The exact nature of his illness was not disclosed, but he had been suffering from various health problems for years. In 2007, he underwent a quadruple bypass surgery and later developed a serious infection that damaged his vocal cords. He also had diabetes and arthritis, which affected his ability to play the guitar. He continued to perform until 2016, when he announced his retirement from touring due to his declining health.
A Versatile Musician
Johnson was born in Alamosa, Colorado, in 1944 and grew up in Denver. He started playing the guitar at 13 and won a talent contest in college that earned him a record deal with Epic Records. He then traveled to Spain to study classical guitar with Segovia, who praised his talent and technique. He returned to the U.S. and joined various folk groups, including the New Society and the Chad Mitchell Trio, where he co-wrote songs with John Denver. He also acted in an off-Broadway musical revue, Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris.
A Pop and Country Hitmaker
Johnson signed with Atco Records in 1971 and released his first album, There Is A Breeze, which was a regional success in Minneapolis-St. Paul. He then moved to Nashville and teamed up with producers Brent Maher and Steve Gibson, who helped him craft his signature soft-rock sound. In 1978, he scored his first major hit with “Bluer Than Blue”, a melancholy ballad written by Randy Goodrum. The song reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart. He followed it with two more pop hits, “Almost Like Being in Love” and “This Night Won’t Last Forever”.
In the mid-1980s, Johnson switched to country music and signed with RCA Records. He had his first country No. 1 hit in 1986 with “Give Me Wings”, a song that showcased his smooth vocals and positive lyrics. He repeated the feat with “The Moon Is Still Over Her Shoulder”, another uplifting tune that topped the country chart in 1987. He also had several other country hits, such as “I Love You By Heart” (a duet with Sylvia), “Crying Shame” and “I Will Whisper Your Name”. His last charting single was “Cain’s Blood”, which he co-wrote and recorded with the group 4 Runner in 1995.
A Beloved Artist
Johnson was widely respected and admired by his peers and fans for his musical versatility, his warm personality and his gentle humor. He was inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame in 2016, along with John Denver and other artists. He also maintained a loyal fan base through his website, where he posted updates, stories and photos. He was married twice and had two children, a son and a daughter. He is survived by his partner, Janey Miller, and his family. He will be remembered as one of the most distinctive and talented singers of his generation.
