Johnny Lee
Every country music fan knows Johnny Lee as one of the main forces of the
Urban Cowboy movement. They know of his incredible movie success and his
songs, "Lookin' For Love," "Pickin' Up Strangers," "Cherokee Fiddle,"
"Yellow Rose of Texas," "Hey Bartender," and the many others that were
chart toppers in the 1980s. But they might be surprised to know that
country superstar Johnny Lee feels his best work is yet to come.
"As we go through life, we all grow and change, and I feel I've matured as
an artist," said Lee. "Like many people, I am a work in progress. I work
every day to be a better person in all areas of my life and I think my
music reflects that growth."
Johnny Lee was born in the eastern Texas town of Texas City, and raised
on a farm in nearby Alta Loma. In high school he formed a band called,
"Johnny Lee and the Roadrunners," which won several local and state-wide
competitions. After graduation, Lee enlisted in the Navy and served a
tour of duty on the U.S.S. Chicago, a guided missile cruiser.
Lee returned to music at the first opportunity and hit the national
charts in 1973 on Dot Records with singles, "Red Snails in the Sunset,"
"Country Party," and "Sometimes." By 1979 he had moved on to screen
roles with the TV movie, "The Girls in the Office," starring Barbara
Eden and Susan St. James. Soon after, he was asked to perform in the
then upcoming film, "Urban Cowboy," which starred John Travolta and
Deborah Winger, and for which Lee recorded several songs that were used
in the soundtrack. The "Lookin' For Love" single went to number one in
the country charts, number three in the pop charts, and became Johnny's
first gold record. The "Lookin' For Love" album went on to produce four
additional number one hits. Lee's movie success continued with the hit
single "Pickin' Up Strangers" in the movie, "Coast to Coast," starring
Robert Blake and Dyan Cannon. During this time, Johnny appeared on
virtually every major talk show, as well as several major network TV
specials, including appearances on Fantasy Island, CHiPS, The Fall Guy,
and The A Team with Mr. T and Boy George. Johnny Lee was awarded the
1981 New Male Vocalist of the Year award, an honor which was repeated
the same year in Australia. "Lookin' For Love" also received a Grammy
award nomination in 1981, and in 1996, he was named Veteran Music Singer
of the Year for the gospel song, "He Could Have Walked On By."
Through the years, Johnny Lee has remained one of country music's
busiest touring acts, gracing stages
across the globe. But his recording career has been on hold. Until now.
The release of "The 13th of July" solidifies Johnny Lee as a true legend
of country music. The album features, he says, some of his best work.
Fans can expect an updated musical version of their favorite star with
several songs in the vein of his eighties hits, but there is more depth,
more feeling in much of the work." The song "Just Like Love" is a song
my brother wrote twelve years ago and it has always stuck in my head,"
said Lee. "Goin' Nowhere Fast" is a big country rocker with a great
message. "Halfway to Memphis" is a song I was pitched ten years ago and
passed on. I'm a different person now than I was then, in many ways, so
the song touched me more when I heard it this time around. Mike Bush who
used to play bass guitar for me wrote "I'd Marry You Again." It will be
a wedding classic, it's that strong. And the title cut," The 13th of
July," was written by Even Steven. All these songs touched my heart in
one way or another."
Lee added that he included the classic, "You Are My Special Angel,"
because it had sentimental value to him. "When my son was small I'd take
him for walks and sing that song for him," he said. "He loved that and I
loved that time with him. I will never hear that song without thinking
of those very special times."
So Johnny Lee delivers once again, bringing his brand of Texas to fans
all over the world. They can rest assured, however, that while the music
may be new, Johnny Lee will always be 'lookin' for love.'
About his current road show, Johnny Lee says: "I've got the number two
show on the road today. I know that must be true, 'cause everybody else
claims their show is number one!"
