Marcus Johnson - In Concert For A Cause (2008)

A smooth jazz keyboardist, Marcus Johnson incorporates the rhythms of rap with the soul of R&B. Johnson grew up listening to a broad variety of music: his mother played classical piano and his first memorable concert experience was seeing an Earth, Wind & Fire show with his father. His interest in jazz first showed itself when he began tinkling the keys at age 13 (his step-father won Maryland's "Pick-3 Lottery" and used the winnings to buy Johnson's first keyboard) and he found himself studying both traditional and contemporary jazz musicians (Joe Sample and Thelonious Monk are two names he frequently cites).

Johnson also established Marimelj Entertainment Group, Inc., a production company and music publisher that prides itself on blending a mixture of contemporary jazz, alternative, and R&B to create what the company calls "the Urban Groove."

Over the course of his career, Johnson has shared the stage with many music legends including BB King, Boney James, Kim Waters, Peabo Bryson, Dr. Billy Taylor, Diana Krall, Erykah Badu, Peter White, Miles Jaye, Rick Braun, Norman Brown, Chaka Khan, Arturo Sandoval, Chuck Mangione, Marion Meadows, Rachelle Ferrell, Mike Phillips, George Duke and Jeffrey Osborne. Having performed at many of the world’s most famous festivals and venues, Johnson’s resume boasts appearances at The Capital Jazz Fest, Bermuda Jazz Fest, Trenton Jazz Festival, Philadelphia’s Dell East, Atlantic Artscape, Huntington Beach Jazz Fest, The National Smooth Jazz Awards and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to name a few.

Marcus Johnson intends to bring his love of jazz to the masses, a challenge others might see as too daunting. His ambition, ideas and love of music are the rock on which he stands, raising the art of jazz to the upper echelon of the music industry.