Chuck Johnson & CharlyHorse

The live music scene in Charlotte can be summarized
in two words – vibrant and diverse. If you ask the
prolific Chuck Johnson, local musician, song writer
and music lover, he would add texture and color,
along with three chords and the truth. No one
embraces or appreciates the opportunity to entertain
more than Johnson, who left his corporate job
to finish something he started more than twenty
years ago.
ARRANGING THE BAND
Johnson's band was born in the Baltimore area in
the early ’90s, before a wife and kids and the need for
insurance. Time marched on, and playing music to
crowds played a backseat to collecting a steady paycheck
and raising a family – something he never
regretted.
Now at a different stage in life, with adult children
and his new best friend and wife, Debby, he had the
support to give it another go – this time in Charlotte,
surrounded by talented friends and a cadre of musicians
who care about the music they make.
"I told my wife, I can live with failing, but I can't
live with never trying," said Johnson, in a sincere
smooth southern tone.
Johnson first formed a duo with local musician
Tom Kuhn, who plays bass guitar, mandolin and
back-up vocals and has rocked the local music scene
in bands like Red Rocking Chair every Tuesday night
at The Comet Grill. From there the duo expanded to
a trio when they folded Dale Meyer into the mix as
musical director, lead guitar, dobro and back-up
vocals. They've played the likes of McGlohon Theater
as opening acts and pepper their calendar with
taverns and musical venues like The Double Door.
When opportunities like headlining at the
Visulite Theater come knocking, that’s when they
pull out Charlyhorse.
Chuck Johnson and Charlyhorse includes five
members – the trio plus local music icon, James Brock, on drums and
hand percussion, and Dennis Johnson, who also
plays for Part Time Blues Band, on keyboards and
standup bass. They've all played together in some
incarnation or another for decades. When they hit
the stage, their shared talents strike the perfect
chord with Americana music fans.
AMERICANA ROOTS
If you pour country music, bluegrass and rock &
roll into a pitcher and stir, the glass will be half full ofa flavorful music called Americana. This contemporary
sound incorporates American roots
music that the likes of Zac Brown, John
Mellencamp and The Avett Brothers have
brought to the masses – but has not always been
commercially viable. It's the kind of toe tapping,
table slapping, head bobbing music that pulls in
a wide range of fans – and is the fastest growing
genre of music today.
Johnson is the lead vocal, song writer and
story teller of the group. He writes songs about
growing up in Spartanburg, family, friends and
funny encounters throughout his fifty some
years, while strumming his rhythmic acoustic
guitar. He knits together tales of small town life
and travels throughout the south. His two
albums are titled Cotton Ain’t King, and Snake
Box on the Altar. He's currently in the studio
recording a new album with Charlyhorse to be
released this summer, with tracks that include
Grey Coat, Birmingham and Elaina.
"Chuck writes the music and we arrange it,"
said Kuhn. “He's the hunter, and we're the cooks."
THE MUSIC BUSINESS
Johnson's quick wit and humor are part of
what engages audiences and keeps them
coming back. At a recent show, he joked with the
crowd about his injured finger, burned by bacon
grease and wrapped in blue tape. With his signature
black leather fedora, bound by a rattlesnake
band perched on his head, he composed simple
lyrics, strummed a few chords and amused the
audience with an improv melody of "blue finger
boo boo blues."
“I love being in show business,” Johnson said.
But it's called a business for a reason. “The business
has to be done correctly to support the art."
Johnson entrusts and credits much of the business
to his wife Debby, who he claims is the best
self-taught booking agent around.
"You can love this business, but it won't
always love you back," said Johnson.
Since he left his job, he has treated his music
like the career he always wanted. Johnson
recently served jury duty, and when asked his
profession, he replayed a proud moment. He said,
"I'm a musician," he grinned, "and I meant it!” ✱ - Charlotte Living Magazine by SHERRI K. OOSTERHOUSE

Jack Stoddard....." I really like these guys." -

Tim White...."Chuck Johnson and CharlyHorse is Americana music and storytelling at it's best!" -

David Gaertner...."Chuck Johnson and CharlyHorse live performances make you feel like you are a part of the Americana experience." -

"Sometimes you hear a musician or band and one or two of their songs touch you, but I have to say, Chuck Johnson and CharlyHorse songs, everyone of them, are solid platinum. I can't tell you which one is my favorite, but I can tell you that they all are ! " - She' D Ambrosio Owner MyDaddio Radio

Vernon Tart...." Cotton Ain’t King by Chuck Johnson is one of those easy sounding discs that works its way into you mind. There is nothing complex about this artist; his music is simple, heartfelt and captures the essence of the songs and the south. Cotton Ain’t King is the track that stands out; with its emotion and passion, it captures the true Southern rock style in the vein of Gregg Allman’s Laid Back album from the seventies. With its understated guitar work and simple arrangements, you can hear the longing for times past that haunt the images of the track. The guitar work has a very subtle effect, much the way J.J. Cale plays, never over playing as so many guitarists do. ” -