A mainstay in the Louisville music scene, Johnson has had the honor of performing with numerous greats, including Jacob Duncan and his folk-fusion band Liberation Prophecy, My Morning Jacket, Houndmouth, and Norah Jones, but her self-titled album reflects the actualization of her own vision—and the fulfillment of a dream. “Jazz was paying the bills and keeping my vocal chops in shape,” she says, referencing her years performing in clubs as a jazz vocal/guitar duo with guitarist Craig Wagner, “but my end game was that I always wanted to do my own album of original music.” Her songs are suffused with a deep well of reverence for family and friends and others who left an impression along the way.
She is presently enjoying home in Louisville, KY, writing original music and digging into the jazz scene. Frequently featured on WFPK Louisville Public Radio, Carly and Craig just released a new jazz album showcasing the highlights of their successful 5-year partnership together as a vocal/guitar duo.

About:

Carly Johnson received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia in 2007. She returned home to Louisville and started performing as a jazz vocal/guitar duo with critically acclaimed guitarist Craig Wagner. In 2014, they received the Louisville Music Award for Jazz Artist of the Year. Since then, Carly has been performing her original music around Louisville, nationally and in Europe with her 8-piece band. She’s had the joy and honor of collaborating and working with several greats, including, Jacob Duncan and his folk-fusion band Liberation Prophecy, Teddy Abrams & The Louisville Orchestra, My Morning Jacket, Houndmouth, Norah Jones and Will Oldham. Fusing her musical education with her love and reverence for rock, soul and pop music, Carly Johnson’s long awaited self-titled debut album was just released December 4th, 2020 on sonaBlast! Records.