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Ralph Johnson grew up listening to lots of music as a kid, but he mainly listened to jazz and the popular Motown sound. He remembers watching a local variety show (The Johnny Otis Show), and patting his hands together to various beats. His father bought him a pair of drum sticks, which was soon followed by a drum. Soon more drums followed, and he began to take drum lessons.
Ralph's family moved to Inglewood, California, where he graduated from Mount Vernon Jr. High, in 1966. He remembers seeing the Forum being built, and envisioned seeing himself playing there one day. If he only knew what the cards had in store for him. A few short years later his dream would indeed become a reality.
By 1968 Ralph had become involved with a local veteran showcase called, "Maverick Splash". He joined a local band called, "The Master's Children". He vigorously played and honed his drumming skills throughout this formal period.
One night Maurice and Verdine White dropped by and checked out Ralph's performance, and were impressed. By late 1971, Ralph received a phone call from Michael Beale (Earth, Wind and Fire's) the group's then guitar player. Ralph auditioned with Michael Beale and Verdine White, at Michael's house in Baldwin Hills.
In 1972, Los Angeles, Californian born (July 4, 1951) Ralph Johnson originally joined the legendary band of Earth, Wind & Fire as their then drummer-percussionist-vocalist.
In 1972, Earth, Wind & Fire signed with Columbia Records, and hit the music charts with their first single entitled, "Mighty, Mighty". This was followed by yet another hit, "Shining Star" and "Sun Goddess" (a Ramsey Lewis contribution).
Next, the band explored the arena of film, by creating a soundtrack for the movie entitled, "That's The Way of The World". Though the film fell to reach the masses, the music from the soundtrack became an instant commercial hit on the airways. The film's title song "That's The Way of The World" would become the band's official anthem.
Ralph fondly remembers working with the late co-founder of the band, Charles Stephey, and discussing arrangements and music theory. He further credits Maurice White for influencing the young musicians to keep their minds open by exploring the music possibilities around them.
In 1984, when Earth, Wind & Fire took a hiatus from the music industry, the group members split and began to work on various projects. Ralph Johnson and Al McKay worked with Motown and produced the Temptations hit single, "Treat Her Like A Lady".
The band re-grouped in 1987, and hit the music charts with the hit single, "System of Survival". For seven years, the band toured and played many countries around the globe. By 1994, Maurice White decided that he would retire from touring with Earth, Wind and Fire. Maurice White used his creative energy to form Magnetic Visions to began work on in-house Earth, Wind & Fire collaborations, and more studio productions.
With Maurice's blessing the newly reformed band took Earth, Wind and Fire on the road without their legendary leader. The fans embraced their arrival with great excitement and anticipation. The band has now incorporated a variety of other musicians and dancers to the show.
After thirty+ years of performing with the group, Ralph can now be found at center stage. Adding his own brand of slick choreography and smooth vocal stylist artistry to support Earth, Wind & Fire’s signature vocal sound that their fans have grown to love for over the past thirty years.
Ralph is no stranger to the industry, as his resume reads like a who’s who of music royalty. Besides performing and recording with Earth, Wind and Fire, Ralph has produced and performed on several artists compilations such as: 1978s “Kinsman Dazz” (co-produced), 1978s BLUE MAGIC “Message From The Magic” (played drums), 1981s STANLEY TURRENTINE “Tender Togetherness” (played percussion), 1984s TEMPTATIONS “Truly For You” and "Treat Her Like A Lady" (co-produced), 1993s JOHNNY ADAMS “Good Morning Heartache” (played saxophone), 1993s CHUCK CARBO “Drawers Trouble” (played saxophone), 1994s TEMPTATIONS “Emperors of Soul” (producer and played percussion), 1997s TEMPTATIONS “Ultimate Collection” (producer), and 1998s TAPE BEATLES “Subtle Bouyance of Pulse”.
On April 25, 2000, Ralph Johnson and Morris Pleasure met in Copenhagen, Denmark to begin a new conceptual jazz project. Their third intended party was to have been a bassist who had expressed consideration for the project. The intended bassist had to abandon the project sighting previous obligations, which made it impossible for him to further entertain the ideal. Nonetheless, Ralph Johnson (drums, percussion and vocals), Morris Pleasure (keyboards and bass) and Steen Kyed (acoustic guitar) prevailed and now comprise the jazz ensemble simply known as, “Auto Caviar" (formerly The Great Dane).
So if you thought the days of the super-groups were over, think again: Audio Caviar surely deserves the title. On Transoceanic, their first outing as Audio Caviar, in a unique and impressive venture into adult contemporary and nu jazz. Powerful supporting contributions are made Philip Bailey (Earth, Wind & Fire) on vocals; Al McKay (original member of Earth, Wind & Fire) on rhythm guitar; Verdine White (Earth, Wind & Fire) on bass; Paulinho Da Costa on percussion; George Duke on piano; Jonathan Butler, Howard Hewett (Shalimar), and Dori Caymmi on vocals; and the Earth, Wind & Fire Horn Section, among others.
Transoceanic features original songs by Morris Pleasure, Ralph Johnson, and Marcel East. Their fruitful collaboration as a writing team has provided hit material for numerous artists. The work of Pleasure, Johnson, and East, individually and together as songwriters, composers, and producers, is showcased on albums by Earth, Wind & Fire, the Temptations, Huey Lewis & the News, Bob James, Fourplay, David Benoit, Celine Dion, Ricardo Silveira, and Najee, to name only a few.
Audio Caviar stands up to its name as a group, delivering smooth and silky sounds that represent contemporary music at its best. Their spectrum runs from adult contemporary to smooth jazz, flavored by ethnic moods.
Here is what Scott O’Brien of SmoothJazz.com had to say about this album:
TRANSOCEANIC is an expansive, deep album of premium-quality tracks from Earth, Wind & Fire drummer/vocalist Ralph Johnson, keyboardist/bassist Morris Pleasure, and Danish guitarist Steen Kyed, together known as Audio Caviar. Now those key points alone should be enough to pique your interest in this fascinating and extremely satisfying musical odyssey. Add Philip Bailey’s exquisite voicing on the beautiful and sensuous “Dominique” (the first radio single), George Duke’s incredible performance on the lush “The Island,” Jonathan Butler’s superb vocal work on the entrancing “Legends of Ratava,” and Howard Hewett’s soulful reading of “Love Comes in Time” and the result is an amazingly warm and exciting package of music. The ties to Earth, Wind & Fire are unmistakable and bring a comfort level and familiarity to the whole sound and feel of this project. You can probably tell that I’m impressed with this recording. I love the depth and richness of Audio Caviar’s music, but I’m also totally into the positive, spiritual vibe that comes through clearly in every performance. The group came about from Ralph’s and Morris’ April, 2000 meeting in Copenhagen to begin a new conceptual jazz project. TRANSOCEANIC (recorded in both Copenhagen and Los Angeles) is Audio Caviar’s first release, and brings with it the promise of much more to come from this emerging super group. Their music has been described as “Smooth Jazz with an R&B edge and World Music Diversity.” I call it simply “superb.” When you hear it, I think you’ll agree!
Scott O’Brien, smoothjazz.com
Check out my new single Traveling. I hope you enjoy the mello smoove style of musice that I love to create. Don't forget to click on the footage of me playing live. Thanks Stevie
Check out "LA STYLEZ" album "The LA Stylez Project" (Clay records) @ iTunes. Now available at iTunes Store US&CANADA, EU Countries, Australia & New Zealand and Japan!!
Great music with guest MAURICE WHITE (Earth, Wind & Fire), JOCELYN BROWN, MAYSA LEAK (Incognito), LOUIE VEGA (Masters At Work) remix and many more....!!
Today, August 28th, marks the 45th anniversary of Dr. King's famous 'I Have A Dream' speech on the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. In celebration of Dr. Kings legacy, you are cordially invited to share 'The Dream III', an R&B tribute which honors the occasion. I wrote it and its sang by a young vocalist Sylvester "Sly" Hines from Louisville, Kentucky.
Tonight we will also observe the official nomination and acceptance speech from the first black presidential nominee, Barack Obama, a remarkable young senator and democrat from the state of Illinois. Please encourage friends, family, peeps, dawgs, associates and colleagues to watch the speech and remember that Dr. King's famous speech exactly 45 years ago and his efforts, in part, made it all possible. I look forward to another famous speech tonight. I also look forward to the culmination and reality of Dr. King's dream in the election of Barrack Obama and sharing the dream with you. Its no coincidence, for through God, all things are possible.
Take time for reflection and meditation. Be focused on your life's purpose, And take care in making forward strides. While you do these important things, Cherish the NOW moments.
Hey Ralph, how the heck are you. I keep missing you in Denver. But next time you're here I will try to catch up with you. How are your babies? Peace, Candie
i love your music because it's great i'm very happy to be your friend because you have a really talent i'll like that you listen my songs on my myspace and please, look at the moovies about "the law to be able different" and say me that you think
Thanks for joining our circle of friends, and thanks for helping to keep Redd's music and legacy alive! Billy & Sharon (Stewart) www. reddstewart. com (Pee Wee King and his Golden West Cowboys)
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