Harold T. Johnson Sr., whose music career started in 1955, is an accomplished Producer, Writer and Arranger. Harold is a California State University Dominguez Hills Graduate, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education. He is a Gold Album recipient for Thelma Houston’s “Anyway You Like It” Album and the 5 th Dimension “Star Dancing” Album. He is a Platinum Album recipient for the Temptations Christmas Classic “Give Love At Christmas.”
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Harold about his ensemble’s latest release, adapting during the pandemic, and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from?
I was born in San Antonio, Texas.
Remember the Alamo! And the Spurs!
How do You describe your style of music?
I would describe my style of music as Jazz – RnB – Christian.
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
I’m here because of faith & perseverance.
Inspiration from Mozart to Motown.
Motivated by a mother who recognized ‘the light’ in her little boy and paid for his piano lessons in a beauty shop doing hundreds of ‘$5 press & curls.’
As far as the ‘music biz,’ it’s still a mystery to me.
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)?
The past was growth and discovery.
Now the future is all about hope and inspiration!
Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
During this time of pandemic and uncertainty, I wanted to proclaim a positive message with a feel good track.
Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented times? How did you adapt?
The biggest challenge is for your creativity to be ‘seen and heard.’
How did I adapt?
I look up!
“I look towards the hills that cometh my help.”
How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
A listening ear and a praying spirit!
What was the last song you listened to? How does that artist/ band effect you? Influence you?
Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy and Ray Charles singing Quincy Jones “In The Heat of The Night”.
These two genres are like southern cooking and dessert.
What an ‘old school’ combination.
It doesn’t get any better.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
I miss vinyl records…
You actually got paid. Before there was downloading and streaming, you had to buy the records… and the artist and writers got paid.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
I’m trying to build new platforms.
I’m reaching out for help and guidance.
Like I said, ‘music biz’ is a mystery…
https://www.facebook.com/harold.t.sr
What does music mean to you?
As far as east is from west, and north is from south, music is a phenomena that I’ve been exploring, all of my life.
What I know of it, is like a grain of sand at the beach. And I love the little that I know.
Are you trying to do anything special through your music?
YES! GRAMMYS * AMERICAN AWARDS * OSCARS * MTV * BET
What do you stand for?
The Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!
Anything else you would like to add?
Yes. It is nice to meet you! I hope we’ll meet again.
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