Paul Johnson: A Chicago House Music Pioneer

Paul Johnson is a Chicago house music pioneer who has been making music for over three decades. In that time, he has released some of the genre’s classic tracks, including “Get Get Down” and “Can You Feel It.” He is also a respected DJ and producer, and has worked with some of the biggest names in the business.

Introduction

Paul Johnson is a highly influential figure in the history of House music. A Chicago native, Johnson was active in the city’s vibrant music scene in the 1980s and ’90s, helping to shape the sound of House music as we know it today.

Johnson’s impact on House music is evident in his many timeless tracks, which feature his signature use of catchy melodies and funky basslines. His track “Get Get Down” is widely considered to be one of the most influential House tracks of all time, and its dance floor-friendly sound paved the way for many subsequent House hits.

In addition to his work as a producer and DJ, Johnson is also a skilled musician, playing both the keyboard and saxophone. He has released several albums under his own name, including 1991’s “Hooked On Hook,” which is considered a cult classic among House music fans.

Despite his significant contribution to the world of House music, Paul Johnson remains something of an underground figure. Nevertheless, his influence can be felt in the work of many contemporary producers and DJs, and he is revered by those in the know as one of the true pioneers of House music.

Early Life and Career

Paul Johnson was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 16, 1966. He began his musical career as a DJ in the early 1980s, playing at various clubs and parties around the city. In 1986, he released his first single, “Get Down,” on the house music label Trax Records. The track became an instant classic in the Chicago house scene, and helped to establish Paul Johnson as one of the genre’s leading pioneers.

In the years that followed, Paul Johnson continued to release a stream of successful singles and albums, both solo and in collaboration with other artists. He also became a highly sought-after remixer, working on tracks for a who’s who of dance music stars including Michael Jackson, Madonna, Whitney Houston, and Prince. In recent years, Paul Johnson has returned to his roots as a DJ and live performer, bringing his legendary sound to audiences around the world.

Johnson’s Contribution to House Music

Paul Johnson is a Chicago house music pioneer who started his career in the early 1980s. He is best known for his hit songs “Get Down” and “I Wanna Dance,” both of which were released in 1996. Johnson’s music is characterized by its use of funky basslines, synth melodies, and soulful vocals. His tracks are often compared to those of fellow Chicago house music producer Larry Heard, aka Mr. Fingers. Johnson’s contribution to house music has been championed by many DJs and producers, including Frankie Knuckles, who once described him as “one of the most underrated dance music producers of all time.”

Later Career and Legacy

Paul Johnson continued to produce and release music throughout the 1990s and 2000s. In 1998, he founded the record label Peacefrog Records. In 2000, his track “Get Get Down” became a global club hit, reaching number one on the Billboard dance chart. Johnson has also remixed tracks for a variety of artists, including Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Pet Shop Boys.

Despite his success in the music industry, Paul Johnson remains a humble and unassuming person. In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, he said: “I’m just happy that I’m able to do what I love and make a living at it.”

Paul Johnson’s contributions to house music have been recognized by his peers. He was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2012, he was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the House Music Foundation. And in 2015, he was awarded a Gold Record by the Recording Academy for his track “Get Get Down.”

Paul Johnson’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of house music producers and DJs. His work has influenced many of today’s top electronic dance music artists, including Skrillex, deadmau5, and Tiësto.

Conclusion

Paul Johnson was one of the first DJs to play house music in Chicago clubs. He was a major influence on the development of the house music scene in the city. His work helped to make Chicago a major center for house music.