Pennal Johnson

PENNAL JOHNSON
PJ is a Bassist, writer & entrepreneur from Chicago’s West Side. PJ began playing bass guitar at the age of 8 years old. His cousin bought a bass guitar and a keyboard for his son to play. He did not take to it and passed it on to PJ. While PJ was practicing with his cousins, PJ realized that he could play by ear. This was the beginning of a beautiful thing for PJ.

While PJ was attending Hugh Manley High School in Chicago, he learned to read music and to go on and sharpen his bass playing skills. In his sophomore year PJ was selected to be a part of Manley’s Jazz band. From there PJ was selected to be the bass player for The Chicago All-City Jazz Band from 1984 to 1987. During this time PJ received numerous awards which include “The Outstanding Soloist Award” at the Midwest Jazz Festival and “Outstanding Musician of the Year” from All City Jazz Band of Chicago.

After High school PJ started playing professionally around the Chicago area and Gospel recording artist Rev. Jessy Dixon approached me and asked me to become the full-time bass player for him and his choir. It was Rev. Dixon, who taught PJ showmanship and how to be a professional musician. This position provided PJ with the opportunity to perform with the talents of Andre and Sandra Crouch, Kurt Carr and Abraham Laboriel.

Currently PJ working with his new project “PJ & Soul” and just finished a CD to be release in November 2013. PJ also is touring the USA and abroad with Rodney Sir Nose Trotter as Bass Player and Musical Director. When not touring PJ is doing clinics and studio sessions.

PJ’s goal is to enjoy Life simply to have fun!