2023 Recap: Folksinger Michael Johnathon With “The Ballad Of Elon Musk,” Woodsongs, Woodsongs Kids, “Caney Creek” Movie, SongFarmers, and the Reinvention Of The Music World
Acclaimed singer-songwriter, author, screenwriter and “WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour” host, Michael Johnathon, celebrates a momentous year with a series of milestones and groundbreaking initiatives that promise to reshape the landscape of the music industry. From the steps of his log cabin home near Lexington, Kentucky, Johnathon continues to create and expand American front porch culture across the world.
Reflecting on the past year, Michael says: “My journey extends beyond music; it’s a dedicated pursuit to nurture connection, community, and comfort through the timeless tradition of the front porch. This year has seen many of my dreams materialize — from the release of Garden of Silence to cinematic ventures like Caney Creek, and the whimsical tale of van Gogh in the 21st century. WoodSongs, now boasting over 1100 syndicated episodes, remains the heartbeat of our global collective, resonating on radio and TV and touching the spirit of every community it reaches. The Ballad of Elon Musk offers a glimpse of what’s to come for my next album. Join me on this transformative journey, where every note and initiative reflects the simple joy of making music with purpose.”
The Ballad of Elon Musk: A Sneak Peek into Johnathon’s 21st Album
Michael finishes the year strong with a new song released this week to radio. The Ballad of Elon Musk is the Americana and bluegrass-flavored satirical single off his 21st album set for a 2024 debut.
Preview and download the song at MichaelJohnathon.com/Elon.
“He hoped his Tweet would end up sweet but lost 40 billion dollars…
…and no one gets the power of X like the EX of Johnny Depp.”
“Garden of Silence”: A Musical Odyssey
This year, Michael Johnathon invited fans to embark on a transcendent musical odyssey for the release of his 20th studio album, “Garden of Silence.” From a poignant homage to Vincent van Gogh’s final day to a heartfelt tribute to folksingers, each track in this highly anticipated release paints a vibrant portrait of Johnathon’s artistic evolution. Enriched with diverse narratives, the album explores themes ranging from Henry David Thoreau’s contemplative spirit in Winter Song to the communal warmth of the front porch in Front Porch Symphony. Thought-provoking commentary on narcissism in Narcissistic Blues, a melodic celebration of love in September Eve, and a banjo-driven instrumental ode to the scent of earth after rain in Petrichor complete this rich tapestry.
Immerse yourself in the sonic landscapes of “Garden of Silence” at MichaelJohnathon.com/GardenOfSilence.
Photo credit: Larry Neuzel
“WoodSongs” Milestones: 1100 Syndicated Shows and Counting
The “WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour,” a live audience, multi-format radio and TV sensation, completed its 1100th syndicated episode. With an established audience of over two million weekly listeners on over 500 public radio stations, public television nationwide, the American Forces Radio Network in 177 nations and the RFD-TV Network, WoodSongs has become America’s premier music broadcast.
Recognized with the Stephen Foster Broadcasting Award and the Telly Award, WoodSongs invites audiences to a live, multimedia “front porch” experience, embodying the essence of America’s folk, country and bluegrass music communities. From an extended residency at the historic Lyric Theatre to a featured exhibit at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, WoodSongs continues to thrive, expanding its radio presence, bolstering online engagement and captivating an ever-growing TV audience now fueled with a global partnership of VisitLEX and the Department of Kentucky Tourism.
In 2023, WoodSongs showcased an impressive lineup including: Tommy Emmanuel (multi-Grammy nominated Certified Guitar Player, CGP); Larry Campbell (AMA Lifetime Achievement Award, 3x Grammy Award-winning producer); Dan Tyminski (14x Grammy Award-winner with credits on songs by Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, and Dolly Parton); WoodBox Heroes (Member Jenee Fleenor is 4x CMA Award winner for “Musician of the Year”); Michael Martin Murphey (cuts by Kenny Rodgers, Johnny Cash, and Tracy Byrd, member of the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association Hall of Fame); Jason Carter (3x Grammy award-winner); Tim O’Brien (Grammy Award-winner, inducted to both the Colorado and West Virginia Music Halls of Fame); Ron Block (13x Grammy Award-winner); Mark O’Connor (3x Grammy Award-winner); Jerry Douglas (15x Grammy Award-winner); and Kristyn Harris (5x Western Music Association Entertainer of the Year); alongside many other talented artists.
Join the musical celebration at WoodSongs.com.
“WoodSongs Kids”: Mr. Rogers Meets the Grand Ole Opry
The kids segment of the WoodSongs broadcast became so popular that a second live audience TV, and radio program dedicated to the kids of America’s front porch was born. Michael spearheaded the launch, production and delivery of two full seasons (26 episodes) for radio and TV of the live audience broadcast “WoodSongs Kids.” Described as “Mr. Rogers meets the Grand Ole Opry,” the show features extraordinary young talents from across America, aged six to 16-years-old.
Already on radio from New Zealand to Florida and public TV worldwide, explore the world of WoodSongs Kids at WoodSongsKids.org.
SongFarmers Community Reaches 100 Chapters Nationwide
The SongFarmers community nears the 100-chapter mark nationwide. Celebrating its 8th National Gathering at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, SongFarmers is a transformative movement of “front porch” minded musicians, songwriters and fans who appreciate the simplicity of rural music. The group seeks to provide purpose and direction for musicians often overlooked by the conventional music scene. Rejecting the illusion of traditional success, SongFarmers offers a global network where musicians, as “SongFarmers,” become leaders and mentors in their communities through monthly gatherings. This grassroots approach redirects the passion and skills of local musicians, giving them a meaningful outlet and dispelling the myth that success is confined to record deals and world tours.
Join the SongFarmers movement and rediscover the joy of making music with purpose at SongFarmers.org.
Cinematic Ventures: “Caney Creek,” and van Gogh in the 21st Century
Michael Johnathon adds another dimension to his creative portfolio with the completion of the motion picture script for Caney Creek: The Legend of Alice Lloyd, hailed as the “Dances with Wolves of Appalachia.” A visionary venture into the heart of the region, the film promises to captivate audiences with its poignant storytelling.
Learn more and watch the preview at CaneyCreekMovie.com.
Additionally, Johnathon unveils a compelling satirical drama that transports the iconic Vincent van Gogh into the 21st century. This imaginative narrative unfolds as van Gogh finds himself employed as an imitator at the prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, offering a whimsical exploration of artistry across centuries. Johnathon’s cinematic prowess continues to push boundaries, seamlessly blending historical resonance with contemporary satire.
Changing the Music World: Eliminating Venue Licensing
In a bold move to transform the music world, Michael Johnathon launches a nationwide effort to eliminate venue licensing with the aim to open thousands more performance stages for artists. The initiative also guarantees that songwriters will receive their well-deserved royalties.
Join the revolution at MichaelJohnathon.com/BMI.
Michael Johnathon’s unwavering commitment to musical excellence, coupled with these groundbreaking initiatives, marks a pivotal moment in his illustrious career. Stay tuned for more updates and be part of the musical revolution.
About Michael Johnathon
Hailing from Beacon, New York, banjo-playing folksinger Michael Johnathon now resides in a log cabin outside Lexington, Kentucky, with a deep appreciation for Appalachian culture and its impact on society. Johnathon stands out, seeking connection amidst a stressful world where he has transformed “dreaming” into a refined art form. In a career trajectory reminiscent of Pete Seeger’s innovative Clearwater sloop project, Johnathon defies industry norms, reaching a global fan base comprised of neighbors, families and fellow musicians. Believing in the transformative power of the emotional front porch, he has cultivated powerful partnerships, notably with the radio and TV WoodSongs broadcast, celebrated as a multimedia “front porch.” Recognized with the prestigious Milner Award of the Arts by the Governor of Kentucky, Johnathon’s impact echoes among the artistic elite, standing alongside luminaries like Wendell Berry and Jean Ritchie.
Visit Michael online at MichaelJohnathon.com.
