Who knew a superhero lived in Houston? This one, however, doesn’t have a secret identity.
By day, he is Melvin Johnson, a teacher in the Crosby Independent School District who teaches music at Charles Drew Elementary. He is also the music director of New Faith Church.
However, Johnson’s abilities really come into their own and manifest in a variety of ways when it’s time for him to perform. These include the proprietor of the live music entertainment company Sincerely Yours Music, who led his band, the Melvin Johnson Experience, on their six-year residency, performing live at various venues and jamming on stages at George Bush and Hobby International Airports. Furthermore, the brother’s abilities are so great that he has performed in Super Bowl XXXVIII alongside Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, George Clinton, Will Downing, Chante Moore, and numerous others.
Additionally, Johnson, a native of Houston, is working hard on his second album, Delayed Flights, after releasing his debut, Little Red Wagon.
To learn how the musician, writer, composer, father, cook, fun-lover, and storyteller manages to keep it all together, The Defender caught up with the non-caped crusader.
Defender: How do you manage your workload without losing your mind?
Johnson: All of those, in my opinion, are the filter. Similar to my first record, I was figuring out who I am and the stories I’ve learnt from my sister and dad—technically, their deaths. How do I proceed after that? The album is called Little Red Wagon. It represents the transition from boy to man. My sister taught me lessons from my father. And learning how to handle my small red wagon as a man in their passage. My father used to remark, “It’s your little red wagon, son.” It can be pulled or pushed. When I was younger, it was obviously humorous, but as I grew older, I realized that everyone has their own tiny red wagons. All of the songs on the album tell tales, which is why I made it. All you can do once you’ve come to terms with who you are is use your abilities to express yourself. Since then, I have been doing just that. I continue to write a great deal of music. I composed music for nine albums throughout the pandemic.
Defender: How did you end up in music?
Johnson: Sometimes things come to you, and other times you find them. When I was younger, music truly just happened to find me. The Fender Rhodes was in the house for me to play, so I would just hit notes on it. My mom had purchased it from a local music minister. She was a singer, my sister. My mother sung. My father was a vocalist. Thus, there was music playing in the house. I began by playing the trumpet and drums, but I also merely hit chords on the keyboard. As I grew older, I realized how much joy it truly brings to me. I’m a talkative person. I was unaware that it was feasible. But I love talking to people, learning new things, and sharing my story, and I do the same with my music. I kind of came up with the term “Real Music for Real People” for that reason. It’s all dialogue.
Defender: Do you identify with a specific kind of music?
Johnson: Both yes and no. I was taught by a man that you are the culmination of your education, exposure, and experience. Growing up in the Black church and experiencing a variety of settings has been my experience. I have studied jazz as part of my education. I have a classical degree. I was exposed since I was at the club. I have experience performing live. I’ve performed with corporate bands. I therefore put all of that together, just like I do in conversation. It’s gumbo. It’s me. Just sticking to one side isn’t feasible. Because I didn’t want a body of music that was merely limited to one genre, I’m going in a number of various directions with Little Red Wagon, my debut album, even when you listen to it. I create what I refer to as genuine music.
Defender: Do you have any tips for budding young musicians?
Yes, practice, practice, Johnson said. Practice your craft. Then, regardless of the type of music you’re playing, practice not just your technique but also your ability to communicate your ideas. Develop your ability to express yourself. Keep your thoughts to yourself. Use your imagination. Be different and unconcerned. Follow your own path. It will be adored by someone. As long as it is sincere and unadulterated, someone will value and appreciate it.