Ray Johnson has spent the better part of twenty years focusing on the craft of songwriting. Recently, the Illinois-based singer/songwriter re-introduced his beautiful single ‘Carried by the Wind’ to the world, and I fell in love with the tune and his sound almost instantly.
Thrilled that he agreed to an interview with us, Ray chats about what success looks like to him, how The Beatles on Ed Sullivan changed everything, and what his plans are for the future. Please give a big welcome to our friend Ray Johnson!
Welcome, Ray! It’s great to have you with us! You’re currently promoting ‘Carried by the Wind’, a tune from your 2019 album ‘Groove’. What made you decide to re-introduce the song to the world?
Well, the short answer to your question is that my catalog of work harbors many songs that I’ve written over my songwriting career that are worthy of further promotion in 2023. ‘Carried by the Wind’ being one of them.
In 2019 I decided to evaluate my work over the last 20 years with promotion in mind. I was diligent In the process of finding songs that would reflect my abilities as a songwriter and be relatable to the listener. Songs that would be captivating and memorable.
It was in 2003 that ‘Carried by the Wind” was written and it became the first song to be included on the album ‘Groove’ in 2019. I chose to re-introduce ‘Carried by the Wind’ because my strategy is to display the development of my songwriting over time as well as share honest, sincere, and heartfelt music with the listener. In the end, it’s all about the listener.
As I continue to release more music, it is my hope that music fans will see my development and continue to enjoy my work starting with ‘Carried by the Wind’.
You’ve spent the better part of twenty years writing songs. What do you love most about being a musician?
As a musician, there are many reasons. Having the ability to play any instrument is an extension of the person who plays. There is a landscape that is wide and massive, it holds no limits. In essence, it is a pathway to creativity. Music in itself, without lyrics, is free of any interpretation held by others. It is solely the listener’s own experience to value, cherish or disregard. A song has a beginning and end but in reality, it will exist forever.
Acoustic or electric?
I play both. The songs that I write are acoustic guitar-based. I incorporate the electric guitar, when necessary. It is an added dimension to the overall vibe of the song. It isn’t often that the electric guitar is the primary instrument.
What is the song you’re most proud of writing and why?
That can’t be answered. It’s like asking who’s your favorite child. Each song has its own identity and its own ability to draw different emotions. All songs are welcomed and all songs are loved equally by most songwriters. Each song is the offspring of the writer and each song whether good, bad or exceptional plays on a level field. in the realm of creativity. Music is love and love is music.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences? And who did you grow up listening to?
Musically, everything started with The Beatles. Ed Sullivan, February of 1964 at the age of 3. I was one of many many people that Sunday night who would become musicians, join bands and start writing their own songs. All these years later, that’s what I do. When the ’70s rolled around, I was in my teens and I brought the pop sensibilities of the ’60s into my world and formed a great appreciation for the singer/songwriters of the time. James Taylor, Cat Stevens, Harry Chapin, Dan Fogelberg, Carol King, Carly Simon and so many more. As I’ve grown as a songwriter, I’ve found that in my work, I have blended over 20 years of influential artists together and created my own path to where I am today.
What would being successful in the music industry look like to you? And is it something that you place a lot of importance on, or do you see it as more of a “cherry on top”?
As an artist, I don’t believe you ever feel that you’ve grabbed the “cherry on the top”. That’s what drives you. I believe that even artists that reach superstardom, those that are really in touch with their craft, never feel satisfied. I do place a lot of importance on my art and my professional space in the music business at all times. Being successful is a loaded question. How do you define the measuring unit? Is it money, is it fame, a pat on the back, record-setting Spotify streams? The list goes on and on… In my opinion, what makes a person in this field do what they do is not about fortune and fame. We do it because we love it. That in itself is the greatest reward. Being successful in this business takes hard work, commitment, unwavering passion, and creativity. As your path continues, you are rewarded every day. You uncover what’s really valuable in your music and in your life.
Einstein famously said, “If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician.” If you were not a musician, what would you be?
Well, I wouldn’t be Einstein. I’m a songwriter. However, we do share elements of creativity from different fields. You know, I have had many jobs over my time on this planet, the only thing that has genuinely fit has been being a music man. I suppose that without the arena I work in, I probably would do what I’ve done in the past, find a job and make a decent wage.
What do you hope for in the future? Both musically and personally.
I’m living my future on both ends. Personally, I’m in a place where I belong. The rewards of family, friends and music live with me day in and day out and their effect on me makes me feel complete. Musically, my writing continues, It enriches my soul, gives me guidance and welcomes me with open arms. My only hope is that I will continue to be blessed when the sun rises.
