iSound

David Johnson, jazz guitarist, arranger and composer has been a part of Cleveland Ohio's Jazz community for decades. He was influenced by music at a very young age. As a boy, he loved to listen to his parents, both members of local gospel groups, sing gospel songs for Sunday services. David first picked up the guitar at age 7. By age 9, he had already become a professional musician. He played his first professional gig at the former Majestic Hotel in Cleveland at the age of 12. David stayed with the guitar until he was 14. At that time, Cleveland had very few black electric bass players so he switched. This move later landed him the job as the O’Jays' bass player in the 60s. Those times were his most memorable because he enjoyed traveling around the country with the group. David has appeared on a few of the O’Jays early albums such as “Soul Sounds” and “Comin’ Through” on the Minit and Imperial labels. In the late 60s, David decided to pursue his love for jazz music. He ...