JACK JOHNSON - TAYLOR

Jack Johnson (born Jack Hody Johnson, May 18, 1975) is a Hawaii-born musician who has achieved commercial success and a dedicated following since the release of his debut album, Brushfire Fairytales. His latest album is Sing-A-Longs and Lullabies for the Film Curious George.

While striking friendships with Garrett Dutton of the blues/hip-hop group G. Love & Special Sauce, Johnson recorded the song "Rodeo Clowns." It was first released on G. Love & Special Sauce's album Philadelphonic and then reprised on Johnson's second album, On and On (2003).

Folk/reggae musician Ben Harper also took Johnson under his wing after hearing his music. Johnson's first album, Brushfire Fairytales, was produced by Harper's producer and fellow surfer, JP Plunier, and was released in 2001. For the album, Johnson formed a regular backing band, consisting of Adam Topol on drums/percussions and Merlo Podlewski on bass. Fairytales helped launch Johnson's music career and he gained much publicity from his subsequent tour with Harper.

After touring for almost two years, Johnson recorded On and On to generally favorable reviews in late 2003. It was produced by Mario Caldato, Jr., best known for his work with the Beastie Boys. Many of the album's songs had previously been released on bootlegs, such as J.O.A.T. and B.O.A.T., but now received the accompaniment of a full band.

His third studio album, In Between Dreams, also produced by Caldato, was released on March 1, 2005. For the album, Johnson started his own label called Brushfire Records. A studio, The Mango Tree, was built in Hawaii by Johnson's brother to facilitate the new record label. More than a year later, the album was still on the charts, where it was positioned at #3 (March 21, 2006).