Trombonist Chris Johnson was born and raised in Inglewood, California. Exposed to music at a very young age, he has always shown a true love and passion for it. Chris fell in love with the trombone when he was 11 years old after hearing his middle school music teacher playing one day after school. It was one of the most beautiful sounds he had ever heard. That was the moment he knew the trombone was the instrument for him.
He continued playing the trombone and studying music throughout high school, winning several awards on the way, including a full tuition music scholarship to the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. While attending UAPB, Chris participated in as many musical ensembles as time would permit. He studied with UAPB's renowned music faculty, cultivating a broader knowledge of music. He also got a chance to study and spend time with the legendary jazz trumpeter Clark Terry, which inspired him to continue to grow as musician. He knew that continuing studies in music was an absolute necessity.
Chris continued his musical studies at Northern Illinois University, where he studied with world-class jazz educator Ronald Carter and earned a Master of Music in Jazz Studies. While attending NIU, he also studied with Tom Garling and briefly with Wycliffe Gordon. Chris played in the NIU Jazz Ensemble, touring with legendary jazz artists, and directed the NIU All University Jazz Ensemble.
In 2013, Chris moved back home to Los Angeles and quickly became a highly sought after professional musician. He began working as a freelance studio musician and horn arranger. Chris can be seen and heard regularly performing, recording and touring with some of the most iconic artists in the music industry. Some of these artists include Beyoncé, Jay Z, Stevie Wonder, Raphael Saadiq, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Jamie Foxx, Mary Mary, Ledisi, Cardi B, Aloe Blacc, The Brandon Brown Collective, Jennifer Hudson, Solange Knowles and Macy Gray, to name a few.
Chris teaches private lessons and gives clinics and master classes for students of all ages. Leading his own group, The Chris Johnson Experience, he performs regularly at clubs, festivals and private events across the country. Chris proudly endorses Yamaha instruments and plays Yamaha products exclusively.
