Shaun Johnson
Shaun Johnson is an American vocalist known for his work in contemporary a cappella and big band music. He first gained prominence as the lead singer of the a cappella group Tonic Sol-fa and later founded the Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience, blending traditional big band sounds with modern pop influences.[1]
Early life and education
Johnson hails from Saint Joseph, Iowa, and pursued higher education at Saint John's University in Minnesota. During his time at university, he co-founded Tonic Sol-fa, which became his full-time profession post-graduation.[2]
Tonic Sol-fa
Established in the mid-1990s, Tonic Sol-fa evolved into a prominent a cappella quartet based in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul region. The group's repertoire, primarily focused on pop music, led to the independent sale of over two million albums. The quartet has toured extensively across the United States and abroad, sharing stages with artists like Jay Leno,[3] Weird Al Yankovic,[4] and Lonestar.[5][6] Their national acclaim includes appearances on NBC's Today Show and features in Newsweek and Country Weekly magazines.[7][8] Tonic Sol-fa became one of the first a cappella groups in music history to be signed to a national label, Vivaton Records, based in Nashville, Tennessee.[9] The group was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame.[10] Tonic Sol-fa forged corporate sponsorships with numerous international companies including Blue Bunny,[11] Bose, Schwan's Foods, and General Mills.[12] and the Wenger Corporation.[13] In April 2025, Tonic Sol-fa embarked on their final tour, "The End of an Era Tour."
The quartet was featured in two PBS specials: Tonic Sol-Fa: Greatest Time of Year (PBS SoCal)[14] and Tonic Sol-Fa Christmas (Twin Cities PBS).[15]
Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience
In 2018, Johnson formed the Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience.[16] The ensemble merges traditional big band sounds with contemporary pop elements. The group's debut album, Capitol, released in 2019, debuted at number five on the Billboard Jazz Chart.[17] Their follow-up album, Made for Her, released in 2021[18], showcased all original compositions dedicated to influential women in Johnson's life and received national press for its themes.[19][20][21][22][23][24] In 2023, Johnson combined original Big Band musical arrangements with the Prague Symphony for two international releases.[25][26]
The band was featured in the PBS special Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience - The Spirit Of The Season.[27]
in 2024, the band's rendition of "Spiderman" was featured in Episode 3 of HBO's Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the New York Giants.[28]
Philanthropy
Beyond his musical pursuits, Johnson is committed to philanthropy.[29][21][30][31] He has collaborated with various charities, including Lunch is Served, Wishes & More, and Susan G. Komen, among others.[32][33] His tours often incorporate fundraising efforts.[34][33][35][36][37]
Personal Life
Johnson resides in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with his wife, Mary, and their three daughters.[38][39]
Awards and recognition
Johnson has received multiple NACA (National Association of Collegiate Activities) Contemporary Artist of the Year awards as well as NACA Entertainer of the Year nominations.[40]
- 2010 Regional Emmy Award, Musical Composition/Arrangement[41]
- 2009 - 2021 Multiple Just Plain Folks Songwriting Nominations and Awards[42][43]
- Shaun Johnson was honored (as the lead/owner of Tonic Sol-fa) with "Tonic Sol-fa Day" on December 15th in Minneapolis.[44]
- His original holiday song "Sno" was featured in the 2005 Christmas film, The 12 Dogs of Christmas, which became one of the best-selling Christmas movies at Walmart.[45]
- 2021 Telly Award (with Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience)[46]
References
- ↑ "Exclusive Premiere: Stream Shaun Johnson + The Big Band Experience's New Single "This Old Man"". Aesthetic Magazine. 2021-07-09. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ "2007-01 Saint John's Magazine (Alumni Magazine) Winter". cdm.csbsju.edu. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ "Tonic Sol-fa to open for Jay Leno at Girls Inc. event". Sioux City Journal. 2014-09-04. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ Minelli, Pat (2007-03-14). "2007 State Fair shows announced". Twin Cities. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ https://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=43603
- ↑ "A Prairie Home Companion: June 11, 2011". Garrison Keillor. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ Member, Newsweek Staff Newsweek Is A. Trust Project (2005-06-19). "BANDS: AN IDEA AS FRESH AS MOM'S TUPPERWARE". Newsweek. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ https://www.michellemassman.com/tsfmedia
- ↑ Staff, Billboard (2004-01-29). "Music Veterans Launch Vivaton Records". Billboard. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ "Inductees". Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ https://siouxcityjournal.com/entertainment/local/tonic-sol-fa-dancing-to-their-own-beat/article_b4251bdc-d153-5df9-9b27-9bca268f6241.html
- ↑ Metzger, Michael (2008-03-06). "Tonic Sol-Fa mixes unusual potion of a cappella". MinnPost. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ Corporation, Wenger (2022-12-22). "Tonic Sol-fa: Making Seasons Bright". Wenger | J.R. Clancy. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ "Tonic Sol-Fa: Greatest Time of Year". PBS SoCal. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ "Tonic Sol-Fa Christmas". Twin Cities PBS. 2015-11-25. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ Miller, Bruce (2013-12-06). "Shaun Johnson branches out from Tonic Sol-fa". Sioux City Journal. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ https://www.billboard.com/artist/shaun-johnson-the-big-band-experience/chart-history/jls/
- ↑ https://music.apple.com/us/album/made-for-her/1564079174
- ↑ https://dancing-about-architecture.com/made-for-her-shaun-johnson-and-the-big-band-experience-reviewed-by-dave-franklin/
- ↑ https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/local-music-tap-shaun-johnson-big-band-experience-album-review/
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 "Shaun Johnson + Big Band Experience on the Big Band Sound". Jejune Magazine. 2025-03-11. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ https://www.pitchperfectsite.com/indie-music-album-reviews/shaun-johnson-big-band-experience-made-for-her
- ↑ https://warlockasyluminternationalnews.com/2021/09/25/made-for-her-by-shaun-johnson-the-big-band-experience/
- ↑ https://skopemag.com/2021/09/22/shaun-johnson-the-big-band-experience-release-magical-album-made-for-her
- ↑ https://www.dmcityview.com/sound-circuit/2022/11/30/shaun-johnson/
- ↑ https://www.fok.cz/en/
- ↑ "Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience - The Spirit Of The Season". Twin Cities PBS. 2016-10-18. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ https://www.giants.com/news/highlights-hard-knocks-episode-3-joe-schoen-brian-burns-jon-runyan-jr-saquon-barkley-2024-free-agency
- ↑ "Meet Shaun Johnson". canvasrebel.com. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ https://www.dglobe.com/news/a-more-immersive-experience-shaun-johnson-big-band-experience-records-music-video-at-pioneer-village
- ↑ https://www.sdpb.org/community-calendar/event/shaun-johnson-the-big-band-experience-07-08-2024-14-57-26
- ↑ "Shaun Johnson With Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience - Upcoming.org Archive". archive.upcoming.org. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ 33.0 33.1 Thisweek, Sun (2012-12-12). "Shaun Johnson/Big Band Experience raises money for charity". hometownsource.com. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ Wildsmith, Steve (2023-03-07). "Jumping, jiving and wailing with the Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience". Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ "Sharing the Table Gala | Shaun Johnson & The Big Band Experience". Whats going on Sioux Falls. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ "Fundraiser Concert: Shaun Johnson + The Big Band Experience". Eventbrite. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ "Patriot News MN". patriotnewsmn.com. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ Publisher, Alana (2021-10-29). "605 Profile | Shaun Johnson | 605 Magazine". Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ "Shaun Johnson Readies For Tonic Sol-Fa Tour". South Dakota Public Broadcasting. 2019-11-01. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ https://www.naca.org/volunteer/achievement-awards.html
- ↑ "Complete list of regional Emmy winners". www.startribune.com. 2010-09-26. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ https://www.justplainfolks.org/forum/ubbthreads.php/posts/1177726/re-all-just-plain-folks-music-awards-nominees.html
- ↑ https://www.jpfmusic.org/copy-of-2020-album-nominations
- ↑ Gabler, Jay (2008-12-12). "Press Release of the Day: Rybak proclaims Tonic Sol-fa Day in Minneapolis". Twin Cities Daily Planet. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ "'The 12 Dogs of Christmas' Cast reacts to premier". Lewiston Sun Journal. 2004-12-07. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ↑ "Winners". Telly Awards. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
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