Michael Johnson (drummer)
Encyclopedia
Michael Wayne Johnson is an American
pop singer and drummer, formerly of the boyband "Natural
". He performed with various projects until joining Marc Terenzi
in a new band Terenzi in 2008.
. At the age of 13, he won the titles "Mr. Dance of Florida" and "Teen Dancer of the year".
met a man named Patrick King at a party. Michael was friends with Patrick King, and Marc was friends with a man named Ben Bledsoe
. After many lineup changes, the men added Michael 'J' Horn
to their lineup and decided to call themselves Natural
The boys tried to get signed with many major labels but were turned down despite a huge local following in Orlando, FL. One day as they rehearsed at Transcontinental Studios, boyband king Lou Pearlman
noticed them and liked their act. Soon after, they were signed with Transcontinental Records.
Lou Pearlman
had a new twist for his old boyband vision: not only would they dance
, sing
, and look cute, but they would also play instruments. Many of the other members already played various instruments but Michael had not. It was through this arrangement that he started learning percussion. By the time the first single was out, Michael was officially the drummer
of the group and played well enough to be recorded on the first album 'Keep it Natural'.
Lou Pearlman
spared no expense and promoted the guys' first single with Claire's
and a tour with the Monkees. However, American fame came slowly, and the band soon traveled to Germany
, where they produced songs targeted to young women. to conquer little girl's hearts. They had much success with such hits as "Put Your Arms Around Me", "Will It Ever", and "Runaway".
In the summer of 2002 Marc Terenzi
met German pop star
Sarah Connor
at a music festival, and the two soon began dating. Their relationship continued despite Lou Pearlman
's strict prohibitions of facial hair, of piercings or tattoos, and of girlfriends.
Meanwhile Michael was having his own trouble with Lou's rules. He was dubbed the 'bad boy' in the image of the group but wasn't allowed to do anything remotely 'unwholesome'. Although he had his lip piercing, Lou caused him to remove the jewelry. On top of this he had to constantly have his hair in blue spikes — an image he kept until the group dismembered.
In the summer of 2003 Sarah Connor
, became pregnant and the couple became engaged. Around this time, Natural
was coming back from a hiatus and releasing a single 'What if' from their 2nd album It's Only Natural. Lou Pearlman
wasn't happy with the news and wanted Marc kicked out of Natural
and replaced with someone new. The other members (except Patrick King) were not thrilled with this and decided to break Natural
up. They finished the tour and Michael was left to a new phase in life.
disbanded Michael wished to remain close to his now former band members. He was asked to stay with the 'New Natural', which also would be run by Pearlman
under the same format as the previous edition. Although Patrick King had already agreed to this, Michael decided against the arrangement after a period of time.
After turning down the idea of staying in the 'New Natural' Michael got word that Marc Terenzi
and Mike Castonguay
(former producer and musical director for Natural
) were forming a band named Jaded Rose with a third man named Paul Rippee. But soon musical disagreements led to the band's dismemberment: Marc Terenzi
wanted to continue to make pop rock songs, while the other members wanted to do something more pure rock.
From this situation Jaded Rose disbanded despite the offers of a reality TV show in Germany and a record deal. Marc Terenzi
kept with the pop rock style and the rest of the members went off to form Lukewarm Freeda.
Mike Castonguay and Michael wrote for the next four months and wrote songs such as Little Miss Get Around (which was featured on Veronica Mars
) and Downtown Love which was featured in the movie I'm Through With White Girls.
Lukewarm Freeda was a more hard edged punk blues band. The band did some shows in Los Angeles, Nashville and Orlando with the addition of Paul Rippee as a touring bassist. Soon, Michael and Mike relocated to Los Angeles, where they worked together with several bands in the area.
's official Myspace that he and Johnson had formed a new band alongside Benny Richter, " It is true that I am forming a new band. A project that is more edgy and modern. We plan on taking the new music to a whole new level. music that both my old fans and new fans will like, that is why I will form a new band. We don't know what the name of the project should be but if you have any Ideas let us know. you never know maybe we pick a name you give us. The members that will always be a part of this new band are Myself, Benny Richter and Michael Johnson (Natural). We are bringing a whole lot more edge to our music and are busy working in the studio right now.
we have really big plans for this year so get ready for a crazy journey."
The new band is featured in the reality show, "Sarah and Marc: Crazy in Love" which will air on ProSieben in Germany.
In June 2008 it was announced the new group had been formed under the name 'Terenzi'. 'Terenzi' consisted of Johnson, Marc Terenzi, Benny Richter, Kai Stuffel and Christian Adameit. For their first single the group covered Michael Jackson
's Billie Jean
in a much slower arrangement. "Billie Jean" is scheduled to be released on August 8, 2008. An album titled "Black Roses" is set to be released August 28, 2008.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
pop singer and drummer, formerly of the boyband "Natural
Natural (band)
Natural was an American boy band who were best known for their debut single and signature song "Put Your Arms Around Me". They were very successful in Germany and the Philippines, releasing two albums and nine singles.-Formation:...
". He performed with various projects until joining Marc Terenzi
Marc Terenzi
Marc Eric Terenzi is an American pop singer formerly of the boy band Natural. He was married to German pop/soul singer Sarah Connor from 2005-2008. They have a son named Tyler and a daughter named Summer.-Early life:...
in a new band Terenzi in 2008.
Early life
Michael Johnson began dancing at the age of 4. He eventually began to dance professionally, winning many awards and scholarships. He also danced for many Disney and television specials growing up. At the age of 8, he began to study voice and performing in musical theatreMusical theatre
Musical theatre is a form of theatre combining songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance. The emotional content of the piece – humor, pathos, love, anger – as well as the story itself, is communicated through the words, music, movement and technical aspects of the entertainment as an...
. At the age of 13, he won the titles "Mr. Dance of Florida" and "Teen Dancer of the year".
Natural
Many publicity stories exist as to how Natural was started, but the most likely one is that in 1999, Marc TerenziMarc Terenzi
Marc Eric Terenzi is an American pop singer formerly of the boy band Natural. He was married to German pop/soul singer Sarah Connor from 2005-2008. They have a son named Tyler and a daughter named Summer.-Early life:...
met a man named Patrick King at a party. Michael was friends with Patrick King, and Marc was friends with a man named Ben Bledsoe
Ben Bledsoe
Benjamin Frederick "Ben" Bledsoe is an American pop singer formerly of the boy band Natural. He is currently a solo singer and actor living in Los Angeles, California.-Early life:...
. After many lineup changes, the men added Michael 'J' Horn
Michael 'J' Horn
Michael 'J' Horn is an American pop singer formerly of the boyband "Natural". He also acts, writes plays, and teaches.-Early life:...
to their lineup and decided to call themselves Natural
Natural (band)
Natural was an American boy band who were best known for their debut single and signature song "Put Your Arms Around Me". They were very successful in Germany and the Philippines, releasing two albums and nine singles.-Formation:...
The boys tried to get signed with many major labels but were turned down despite a huge local following in Orlando, FL. One day as they rehearsed at Transcontinental Studios, boyband king Lou Pearlman
Lou Pearlman
Louis Jay "Lou" Pearlman is a former impresario of the successful 1990s boy bands such as The Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, Take 5, O-Town and US5. In 2006, it was discovered that Pearlman had perpetrated one of the largest and longest-running Ponzi schemes in American history, leaving more than $300...
noticed them and liked their act. Soon after, they were signed with Transcontinental Records.
Lou Pearlman
Lou Pearlman
Louis Jay "Lou" Pearlman is a former impresario of the successful 1990s boy bands such as The Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, Take 5, O-Town and US5. In 2006, it was discovered that Pearlman had perpetrated one of the largest and longest-running Ponzi schemes in American history, leaving more than $300...
had a new twist for his old boyband vision: not only would they dance
Dance
Dance is an art form that generally refers to movement of the body, usually rhythmic and to music, used as a form of expression, social interaction or presented in a spiritual or performance setting....
, sing
Singing
Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
, and look cute, but they would also play instruments. Many of the other members already played various instruments but Michael had not. It was through this arrangement that he started learning percussion. By the time the first single was out, Michael was officially the drummer
Drummer
A drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
of the group and played well enough to be recorded on the first album 'Keep it Natural'.
Lou Pearlman
Lou Pearlman
Louis Jay "Lou" Pearlman is a former impresario of the successful 1990s boy bands such as The Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, Take 5, O-Town and US5. In 2006, it was discovered that Pearlman had perpetrated one of the largest and longest-running Ponzi schemes in American history, leaving more than $300...
spared no expense and promoted the guys' first single with Claire's
Claire's
Claire's is a retailer of accessories and jewelry to girls and young women. Claire's has over 3,000 locations worldwide: their stores are in 95% of all U.S. shopping malls, and in 33 countries...
and a tour with the Monkees. However, American fame came slowly, and the band soon traveled to Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, where they produced songs targeted to young women. to conquer little girl's hearts. They had much success with such hits as "Put Your Arms Around Me", "Will It Ever", and "Runaway".
In the summer of 2002 Marc Terenzi
Marc Terenzi
Marc Eric Terenzi is an American pop singer formerly of the boy band Natural. He was married to German pop/soul singer Sarah Connor from 2005-2008. They have a son named Tyler and a daughter named Summer.-Early life:...
met German pop star
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
Sarah Connor
Sarah Connor (musician)
Sarah Marianne Corina Lewe , better known by her stage name Sarah Connor, is a German singer, songwriter and television personality. Connor debuted in 2001 under the guidance of artist manager George Glueck and became the first solo act to ever have four consecutive chart-topping hits on the German...
at a music festival, and the two soon began dating. Their relationship continued despite Lou Pearlman
Lou Pearlman
Louis Jay "Lou" Pearlman is a former impresario of the successful 1990s boy bands such as The Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, Take 5, O-Town and US5. In 2006, it was discovered that Pearlman had perpetrated one of the largest and longest-running Ponzi schemes in American history, leaving more than $300...
's strict prohibitions of facial hair, of piercings or tattoos, and of girlfriends.
Meanwhile Michael was having his own trouble with Lou's rules. He was dubbed the 'bad boy' in the image of the group but wasn't allowed to do anything remotely 'unwholesome'. Although he had his lip piercing, Lou caused him to remove the jewelry. On top of this he had to constantly have his hair in blue spikes — an image he kept until the group dismembered.
In the summer of 2003 Sarah Connor
Sarah Connor (musician)
Sarah Marianne Corina Lewe , better known by her stage name Sarah Connor, is a German singer, songwriter and television personality. Connor debuted in 2001 under the guidance of artist manager George Glueck and became the first solo act to ever have four consecutive chart-topping hits on the German...
, became pregnant and the couple became engaged. Around this time, Natural
Natural (band)
Natural was an American boy band who were best known for their debut single and signature song "Put Your Arms Around Me". They were very successful in Germany and the Philippines, releasing two albums and nine singles.-Formation:...
was coming back from a hiatus and releasing a single 'What if' from their 2nd album It's Only Natural. Lou Pearlman
Lou Pearlman
Louis Jay "Lou" Pearlman is a former impresario of the successful 1990s boy bands such as The Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, Take 5, O-Town and US5. In 2006, it was discovered that Pearlman had perpetrated one of the largest and longest-running Ponzi schemes in American history, leaving more than $300...
wasn't happy with the news and wanted Marc kicked out of Natural
Natural (band)
Natural was an American boy band who were best known for their debut single and signature song "Put Your Arms Around Me". They were very successful in Germany and the Philippines, releasing two albums and nine singles.-Formation:...
and replaced with someone new. The other members (except Patrick King) were not thrilled with this and decided to break Natural
Natural (band)
Natural was an American boy band who were best known for their debut single and signature song "Put Your Arms Around Me". They were very successful in Germany and the Philippines, releasing two albums and nine singles.-Formation:...
up. They finished the tour and Michael was left to a new phase in life.
Life after Natural
Once NaturalNatural (band)
Natural was an American boy band who were best known for their debut single and signature song "Put Your Arms Around Me". They were very successful in Germany and the Philippines, releasing two albums and nine singles.-Formation:...
disbanded Michael wished to remain close to his now former band members. He was asked to stay with the 'New Natural', which also would be run by Pearlman
Lou Pearlman
Louis Jay "Lou" Pearlman is a former impresario of the successful 1990s boy bands such as The Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, Take 5, O-Town and US5. In 2006, it was discovered that Pearlman had perpetrated one of the largest and longest-running Ponzi schemes in American history, leaving more than $300...
under the same format as the previous edition. Although Patrick King had already agreed to this, Michael decided against the arrangement after a period of time.
After turning down the idea of staying in the 'New Natural' Michael got word that Marc Terenzi
Marc Terenzi
Marc Eric Terenzi is an American pop singer formerly of the boy band Natural. He was married to German pop/soul singer Sarah Connor from 2005-2008. They have a son named Tyler and a daughter named Summer.-Early life:...
and Mike Castonguay
Mike Castonguay
Mike Castonguay is a music producer, musician and songwriter based in Los Angeles, CA.In the early 2000’s Mike worked as a producer, songwriter and the musical director...
(former producer and musical director for Natural
Natural (band)
Natural was an American boy band who were best known for their debut single and signature song "Put Your Arms Around Me". They were very successful in Germany and the Philippines, releasing two albums and nine singles.-Formation:...
) were forming a band named Jaded Rose with a third man named Paul Rippee. But soon musical disagreements led to the band's dismemberment: Marc Terenzi
Marc Terenzi
Marc Eric Terenzi is an American pop singer formerly of the boy band Natural. He was married to German pop/soul singer Sarah Connor from 2005-2008. They have a son named Tyler and a daughter named Summer.-Early life:...
wanted to continue to make pop rock songs, while the other members wanted to do something more pure rock.
From this situation Jaded Rose disbanded despite the offers of a reality TV show in Germany and a record deal. Marc Terenzi
Marc Terenzi
Marc Eric Terenzi is an American pop singer formerly of the boy band Natural. He was married to German pop/soul singer Sarah Connor from 2005-2008. They have a son named Tyler and a daughter named Summer.-Early life:...
kept with the pop rock style and the rest of the members went off to form Lukewarm Freeda.
Mike Castonguay and Michael wrote for the next four months and wrote songs such as Little Miss Get Around (which was featured on Veronica Mars
Veronica Mars
Veronica Mars is an American television series created by Rob Thomas. The series premiered on September 22, 2004, during television network UPN's final two years, and ended on May 22, 2007, after a season on UPN's successor, The CW Television Network. Veronica Mars was produced by Warner Bros...
) and Downtown Love which was featured in the movie I'm Through With White Girls.
Lukewarm Freeda was a more hard edged punk blues band. The band did some shows in Los Angeles, Nashville and Orlando with the addition of Paul Rippee as a touring bassist. Soon, Michael and Mike relocated to Los Angeles, where they worked together with several bands in the area.
Work with other bands
Michael continues to drum with Lukewarm Freeda as well as other bands including 'In for the Kill' and Capra. In 2005 he formed his own label 'Blue Suede Records'.2008: Terenzi
On May 7, 2008 it was announced on Marc TerenziMarc Terenzi
Marc Eric Terenzi is an American pop singer formerly of the boy band Natural. He was married to German pop/soul singer Sarah Connor from 2005-2008. They have a son named Tyler and a daughter named Summer.-Early life:...
's official Myspace that he and Johnson had formed a new band alongside Benny Richter, " It is true that I am forming a new band. A project that is more edgy and modern. We plan on taking the new music to a whole new level. music that both my old fans and new fans will like, that is why I will form a new band. We don't know what the name of the project should be but if you have any Ideas let us know. you never know maybe we pick a name you give us. The members that will always be a part of this new band are Myself, Benny Richter and Michael Johnson (Natural). We are bringing a whole lot more edge to our music and are busy working in the studio right now.
we have really big plans for this year so get ready for a crazy journey."
The new band is featured in the reality show, "Sarah and Marc: Crazy in Love" which will air on ProSieben in Germany.
In June 2008 it was announced the new group had been formed under the name 'Terenzi'. 'Terenzi' consisted of Johnson, Marc Terenzi, Benny Richter, Kai Stuffel and Christian Adameit. For their first single the group covered Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
's Billie Jean
Billie Jean
"Billie Jean" is a dance-pop/R&B song by American recording artist Michael Jackson. It was written, composed, and co-produced by Jackson, and produced by Quincy Jones from the singer's sixth album, Thriller . Originally disliked by Jones, the track was almost removed from the album after he and...
in a much slower arrangement. "Billie Jean" is scheduled to be released on August 8, 2008. An album titled "Black Roses" is set to be released August 28, 2008.