Exclusive Interview: From Gospel Roots to Rock Royalty - BUCK JOHNSON's Journey of Musical Evolution and the Soulful Sound of 'Cala-Bama'

BUCK JOHNSON Promo Pic (1) - COVER PHOTO

BUCK JOHNSON‘s musical odyssey is as captivating as it is diverse. From the gospel stages of Shady Grove, Alabama, to the grand arenas accompanying rock legends like AEROSMITH and the HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES, Johnson’s journey embodies the essence of American music’s soulful rock and roll spirit. His early exposure to gospel with his musical family laid the groundwork for a career that would see him seamlessly transition from the sacred to the profane realms of rock, country, and beyond. With a distinctive “Cala-Bama” sound—forged through his Alabama heritage and seasoned in California’s diverse music scene—Johnson’s story is a testament to the power of roots and evolution in music. As a songwriter, his prowess was immortalized in the international hit “Just Feel Better” by Carlos Santana, showcasing his ability to craft songs that resonate on a global scale. His work with Whiskey Falls further demonstrated his versatility, earning accolades in the country rock genre and solidifying his role as a multifaceted musician.

In this exclusive interview with Infrared Magazine, BUCK JOHNSON offers a window into the soul of a musician who has navigated the complexities of the music industry with authenticity and resilience. His reflections on the delicate balance between vulnerability and strength, the significance of collaboration, and the impact of his experiences with icons in the field provide invaluable insights into his creative process. Buck’s journey is not just about his contributions as a performer but also highlights his skills as a songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, working alongside industry giants to create music that spans genres and generations. His upcoming self-produced rock ‘n’ roll album, featuring a collaboration with notable artists and producers, underscores his enduring influence and dedication to his craft.

INFRARED MAG: Buck, we appreciate you taking the time to join us for this interview. Before we delve into the details, could you begin by sharing a bit about your journey in the music industry and how you would describe your music and sound to readers who may be discovering your work for the first time?

BUCK JOHNSON: Thanks for having me on board for the interview! I grew up outside of Birmingham, Alabama, and began singing gospel music with my musical family as a child. My mom plays amazing piano, and my dad and uncles had a Southern-Gospel quartet that traveled throughout the South, performing at churches and civic centers. I started singing on stage with them around the age of 5.

I had older cousins that eventually turned me onto rock-n-roll since that wasn’t in our house. They would lend me a Beatles album or Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, etc., mostly English bands that were influenced by the very music I was singing. I took them to them and loved them. I was also drawn to music from Muscle Shoals and Memphis (Stax). I began to learn to play some of those songs, including those by piano-singer-songwriters such as Elton John, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, and many more. Those early influences helped shape my “soulful rock” sound. It was only a matter of time before I would start a band in junior high school, and I have pretty much been in bands ever since. Being a shy kid also helped get the girls attention by being in a band. 🙂

While at Birmingham-Southern College, I had a band that traveled almost every weekend playing bars and frat houses, and that was also where I met my wife, Kym. After college, we moved to Los Angeles, where I began hustling as a singer/musician while also waiting tables and doing any job that would help pay the rent. During this time, I met lifelong friends and collaborators, such as Charlie Midnight. Charlie is a legendary songwriter and producer (Living in America—James Brown, How Do You Stop—Joni Mitchell, Doobie Brothers, Joe Cocker) who became a mentor to me. We’ve written hundreds of songs together, and some of those will appear on my upcoming album to be released in September of this year. I also learned many producing chops from Charlie and from other great producers like Bob Rock (Metallica) while in Los Angeles. He hired me as a backing vocalist on a Doobie Brothers live double album he produced called “Rocking Down the Highway.”.

I eventually had a band in LA that was signed to Warner-Chappell, and from that band, I maintained a friendship and collaboration with Jamie Houston. Jamie went on to have success with Disney (High School Musical, Hannah Montana), and I did a lot of the keyboards on those tracks. Jamie and I also wrote many songs together, including my current single “Just Feel Better,” which includes Damon Johnson as a co-writer. That song became a single for Carlos Santana, featuring Steven Tyler on lead vocals, back in 2005. I decided to put out my own version of the song this year, and it’s my current single.

I started to get hired by artists because I was a singer who played keyboards and guitar. I had the pleasure to work with artists such as Tal Bachman, where I played keys and sang backing vocals on his album produced by Bob Rock, which included the world-wide hit “She’s So High.” I went on to tour and record with such notable artists as Matthew Sweet, Shawn Mullins, and John Waite.

Kym and I decided to move to Nashville in 2006, as I was going there a lot to write with some hit songwriter friends of mine and to be close to family in the South. It was at this time that I joined a country-rock band called Whiskey Falls, which was made up of two guys from California and two guys from Alabama. Our sound was “Sweet Home Alabama meets Hotel California. We had two Top Forty Country songs that charted.

After Whiskey Falls, I was off the road with a publishing deal, writing and producing songs from my studio in Nashville. In the spring of 2014, I was surprised to get a call from my friend Marti Fredricksen that Aerosmith was looking for a new keyboard player. Relationships are so important to being able to sustain a career in music, and I’m grateful to Marti for thinking of me as a recommendation. Marti co-wrote hits like “Jaded” for Aerosmith and co-produced some of their albums, and his recommendation helped get me to Istanbul, where Aerosmith was beginning their European tour that year.

Since being in Aerosmith, Joe Perry has brought me into his Joe Perry Project and also brought me into the Hollywood Vampires (Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp, and Joe Perry) in 2018. I find each band I work with to be different, which can be a good challenge to stretch your musical ability.

INFRARED MAG: Your music often deals with emotive themes and personal experiences. How do you navigate the balance between vulnerability and strength when sharing your stories through your songs?

BUCK JOHNSON: I believe it helps to write what you know, or at least what someone else has been through. themes that are universal, like being brokenhearted, celebration of love, isolation, etc. And you can write a great song if it’s something so vulnerable that it scares you to share it. But if you feel something within your soul when you perform it, then others will too, and that’s what it’s all about.

INFRARED MAG: Collaborations have been a significant part of your career, from co-writing with Jamie Houston and Damon Johnson to working with bands like Aerosmith and The Doobie Brothers. How do these collaborative efforts shape your approach to music-making?

BUCK JOHNSON: As I mentioned before, relationships are everything. We learn and grow by working with others. I’ve always been a collaborator. I’m way better at being a songwriter when I write with someone else. I surround myself with excellence so that it keeps me on my toes. I’m still learning!

INFRARED MAG: As the keyboardist and backing vocalist for Aerosmith and the Hollywood Vampires, you’ve had the opportunity to work with iconic rock legends. How has your experience with these bands influenced your solo work, particularly in terms of songwriting and performance?

BUCK JOHNSON: When you’re fortunate enough to work with legends, it can’t help but shape you, especially for live performances. You’re in a masterclass while rehearsing and touring, including off-stage too. And all the hits they’ve written are songwriting 101. You can’t help but learn a few things from the masters.

INFRARED MAG: Your rendition of the international hit “Just Feel Better” carries a haunting melody and poignant lyrics that explore unresolved trauma. What inspired your unique interpretation of this song, and how does it reflect your own artistic journey?

BUCK JOHNSON: The song was written about a dear friend who lost her way due to a childhood trauma and would do anything to just feel better. So, it came from a real and personal place with no intention of writing a “hit song.” It was therapeutic to write it. And many times, a songwriting session is like therapy because you have to dig deep sometimes to get to the real stuff.

INFRARED MAG: “Just Feel Better” has been described as an anthem for those struggling with trauma and seeking solace. What message do you hope listeners take away from your rendition of this song, and how do you envision it resonating with them?

BUCK JOHNSON: I hope that by sharing the story of my friend, they won’t feel alone and that it’s okay to reach out for help.

INFRARED MAG: Your career has seen you navigate various roles as a musician, songwriter, and producer. How do you manage to balance these different aspects of your creative process, and do you find that each role informs the others in any particular way?

BUCK JOHNSON: All of the roles can and do work hand in hand. Most times, I write with a young artist whom I am also producing. And that can include while I’m out on the road. I bring my mobile recording rig with me on tour, and on off days, I write and record in hotel rooms around the world. Some days I’m the songwriter, some days I’m the producer, and other days I’m the sideman or the artist.

INFRARED MAG: With your extensive experience in the music industry, what advice would you offer to aspiring musicians who are looking to establish themselves in the industry?

BUCK JOHNSON: Be true to yourself, number one, even if it’s not in style. Don’t try and chase what’s happening now, or you’ll always be a step behind. It can take a lot of guts to be on a road less traveled. Also, listen to and absorb as much music from the past as possible. There’s so much to learn from that can inspire you to create your own sound. As in the words of legendary jazz musician Clark Terry, “imitate, assimilate, and innovate.”

INFRARED MAG: Your upcoming album represents a significant milestone in your career. What are you most excited about regarding this release, and what do you hope listeners take away from experiencing your music?

BUCK JOHNSON: It’s been a long time in the making, and I’m excited to share new songs I’ve written and some from my past on this new album to be titled “Tongue and Groove.” Some songs are emotional, like “Just Feel Better,” and others are just fun rock and roll that make you want to get up, move, and dance. Many know me as the keyboard player, but now they can hear my singing, songwriting, and production.

INFRARED MAG: Before we wrap up, Buck, is there anything else you’d like to share with your listeners or any message you’d like to leave them with?

BUCK JOHNSON: I’m thankful to all the fans from all the bands I get to work with for their love and support. And those who have listened to “Just Feel Better” and shared their enthusiasm for the song and, for some, how much it meant to them. And that’s what it’s all about—connecting with others. I look forward to connecting more on social media as I release more singles this year and the full album in September! They can keep up with me at www.buckjohnson.com and on social media: @buckjohnson_official on Instagram, Buck Johnson Music on Facebook, and @buckjohnsonmusic on TikTok.

INFRARED MAG: Thank you for sharing your insights with us, Buck. We’re excited to hear more about your music and the stories behind your upcoming projects!

As BUCK JOHNSON continues to chart his unique path in the music industry, his story serves as an inspiration for aspiring musicians and a reminder of music’s unifying power. His upcoming album promises to be a culmination of his experiences, showcasing his soulful rock sound and his ability to weave personal narratives into compelling music. Through his work, Johnson not only honors his roots but also pushes the boundaries of genre, creating a legacy that resonates with fans across the world. In a career defined by versatility, collaboration, and a deep connection to his musical heritage, BUCK JOHNSON stands as a beacon of creativity and resilience in the ever-changing landscape of American music.