The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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  • Michael Johnson has performed at Gustavus Adolphus College every year for more than 40 years.

    Michael Johnson 1

  • One Gustavus professor describes Johnson’s music as “sophisticated folk music.”

    Michael Johnson 2

December 12, 2007

Closeup: Michael Johnson at Gustavus

ST PETER — As is tradition, world-renown folk singer Michael Johnson returns to Gustavus Adolphus College’s Björling Recital Hall Friday for his holiday season performance — one of only two he’ll perform in Minnesota this season.

Johnson, originally from the Minneapolis area and now living in Nashville, first performed at Gustavus in the late 1960’s. He was in a band with John Denver — who ultimately married a St. Peter woman — as part of Denver, Boise and Johnson.

His first solo album, “There Is a Breeze,” was released in 1973. In 1978 he had his first No. 1 hit on the adult contemporary charts with “Bluer Than Blue.”

After signing with RCA in 1985 and going country, Johnson earned five Top Ten country hits between 1986 and 1989, including “Give Me Wings” and “The Moon is Still Over Her Shoulder.”

Over the course of his career, Johnson has released more than 20 albums that have spanned the spectrum of musical genres.

Gustavus music professor Doug once told The Free Press that Johnson’s art can be described as “sophisticated folk music.”

“He’s terrific,” Nimmo said a year ago. “People who come to his concerts leave feeling their lives are a little bit better, or maybe a lot better.”





IF YOU GO



What

Folk singer Michael Johnson in concert

When

8 p.m. Friday

Where

Gustavus Adolphus College’s Björling Recital Hall

Tickets

$16.00 for adults, $13.00 for students, senior citizens & GA staff.

For tickets call the Gustavus Ticket Center at (507) 933-7590 (credit cards are accepted at the Ticket Center). Tickets will also go on sale one hour prior to the concert in the Björling Recital Hall box office.

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