Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson—“I Just Wanna Be Right”
From “Send A Revival” to “I Just Wanna Be Right” Keith Wonderboy Johnson has undoubtedly made his mark on the Quartet music scene and today he seeks to further his music ministry, and continues pursuing his mission with his very familiar theme and successful song.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Keith Wonderboy Johnson began singing at the age of 5 as a member of the Spiritual Voices, a group that was founded by his father. As fate would have it, he would soon become a member of the famed Harlem Boys Choir. It was here where Johnson’s vocal abilities were fine tuned and valuable lessons in the areas of showmanship and professionalism were acquired and honed.
In 1998, Johnson signed with independent label, World Wide Gospel Records and released his first project, “Through the Storm.” It featured the instant hit single, “Hide Behind the Mountain,” and changed the face of Gospel Quartet Music forever. Johnson was a young man with an old fashioned style that appealed to audiences of all ages and brought an entire new generation of listeners to his brand of Gospel music. The success of this project was only exceeded by his electrifying live performances.
Johnson garnered media attention and success once again, in 1999 with the release of his sophomore project, “Live and Alive” that turned out the smash, “I Just Wanna Be Right,” which quickly became a Gospel anthem. Later that same year, Johnson released his first Christmas project, “Our Gift to You” that included the upbeat, foot-stomping, “12 Days of Christmas” that is still one of the most requested and frequently played Gospel holiday songs.
He would go on to release three more albums with World Wide Gospel; “Tribute to Quartet Legends,” “Send A Revival” and a greatest hits compilation project. Among the memorable moments from these albums project include, “Stretchin’ Out,” “Peace in the Midst of the Storm,” “Angels,” and the ubiquitous smash hit “Send a Revival.”
Definitely a product of ‘old school’ Gospel music … the invoking sounds of hands clapping and foot-stomping on a wood floor are trademark Keith Wonderboy Johnson. He draws his influences from great Gospel legends like Shirley Caesar, the Mighty Clouds of Joy, the Hawkins Family, The Canton Spirituals, Dixie Hummingbirds and the Caravans. “These are artists whose ministries and careers have longevity … they are the real thing,” Johnson said.
As a credit to his tireless work and commitment to his ministry of serving God’s people through music, Johnson has earned many awards, recognition and prestigious nominations including GMWA Excellence Award, Stellar Awards, American Gospel Quartet Convention Awards, and Gospel Truth Magazine Awards. In addition to being honored in various cities with “Key’s To the City,” Johnson has appeared on Billboard’s Top Gospel Album Charts for multiple weeks throughout his career. In 2007, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson and The Spiritual Voices won the Quartet of the Year Stellar Award for their groundbreaking album “Just Being Me.”
The horizon looks bright for Johnson and we look forward to his performance at Hatheway Hall on Friday, October 21, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.
