Longtime singer, songwriter, musician, and recording artist, Chad Johnson is one of the most entertaining and talented acts in the Midwest. His original music and crowd favorite covers are infused with a signature blend of Americana and country-rock crossroads. Crediting their talent, onstage chemistry, and entertaining live shows, Chad and his band have built a dedicated following in the Midwest, and far beyond.
Chad and talented bandmates Jeenti Dutta, Tony Wilson, Ryan Cavalieri, and Jake Kaukola have shared the stage with Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, Jordan Davis, Niko Moon, Diamond Rio, Jo Dee Messina, Clint Black, Collin Raye, Craig Morgan, Jon Langston, Joe Nichols, Gear Daddies, Tyler Braden, Lonestar, and many others. Festival/fair/event appearances include Hoofbeat (formerly Country Fest), Lakes Jam, Winstock Country Music Festival, LIVIN Music Festival, Corcoran Country Daze, Goodhue Volksfest, Defeat of Jesse James Days, Minnesota State Fair, Dakota County Fair, Steele County Fair, Rice County Fair, and Nitro Rallycross, and others.
Original music is frequently featured on BOB Country FM’s Homegrown Show, and on Midwest Country Music Originals, syndicated on over 30 stations throughout the Midwest. Chad and the band have six times received the SouthernMinn Scene Best Of Award. They’ve earned two Midwest Country Music Award nominations, and took home a 2025 Josie Music Award.
Seven albums and many singles have been released. Notably, Northfield to Nashville (2015), recorded with producer Gary Sadler (Magenta Records/Red Ridge Entertainment), included stand-out track, Fire and Steel. Chad toured Europe following the release of the album, which included a performance at Scotland’s Grand Ole Opry. What We’ve Become (2018) was recorded at the Purple House Studio with Grammy Award winning engineer, Casey Wasner. It was released at the iconic First Avenue Main Stage, and features, Minnesota Nice, the official song of Defeat of Jesse James Days. Minnesota To New Mexico (2023), was recorded both at Purple House Studio, and at Summit Stream Studio (Jeenti Dutta).