Bio

JOHNNY L. SWANSON - BIO. Contact www.playyosong.com You can pick up the cd on CD baby NOW! Johnny L. Swanson, was the manager of the 1980’s band “Prime Time.” The band was led by singer, songwriter, keyboardist Jimmy Hamilton and guitarist Maurice Hayes. The band recorded for Lonnie Simmons of the “Total Experience Record Company.” Prime Time label mates were the Gap Band, Yarbrough & Peoples, Pennye Ford, Goodie, Switch, and Billy Paul to name a few. Swanson also managed the little known Total Experience act “Sparkle” and a number of songwriters/producers signed to the Total Experience family. One of the writers, in particular Jimmy Hamilton experienced platinum status with songs recorded by the Gap Band and Yarbrough and Peoples. Swanson attended broadcast school and in 1969, he obtained an FCC broadcast license. While freelancing for KTYM radio station, Swanson wrote the first commercial for the Total Experience, which at that time was a clothing store. Swanson was offered jobs to be a radio personality outside of the LA area he instead turned down these positions for regular local employment. Swanson possesses a B.A. in Philosophy with a Business minor from CSUDH (California State University, Dominguez Hills). Swanson entered first year law school (California College of Law) but withdrew in good standing to manage recording artist. Of course this was after discussing his future with Lonnie Simmons a relative who owned the Total Experience. Swanson’s biggest contribution has been his uncanny ability to spot and cultivate talent. Swanson is the sole owner of Bullet Proof Productions. His production company at one time or the other was home to musicians (Artist) who had a minimum amount of success as writers and artist with the Total Experience organization. Artist such as Victor “Wide Track” Hill, Billy Young, Jerry Bell, Sparkle, and The Sai Whatt Band (aka Prime Time) are among some of those acts represented by Swanson. Swanson’s ear for music began as a small child. The entertainment bug bit Swanson when his mother took him to see gospel groups such as the Soulsters, The Caravans, Little Shirley Caesar, and The Five Blind Boys of Alabama. Because of his fascination with the aforementioned artist, Swanson learned and began singing songs made popular by Sam Cooks and Jackie Wilson, both of whom were his boyhood idols. At one point Swanson thought of becoming a professional entertainer. In preparing himself, he coaxed his mother into buying him an acoustic guitar. He taught himself to play some songs by ear. He learned and played tunes made popular by the artist Jimmy Reed, and later learned to sing and play songs such as “Stand By Me” and “For Your Precious Love.” After gaining some notoriety in school talent shows and singing in church, Swanson abandoned the guitar and singing for sports. Following a stint in the military, Swanson worked as a civil servant in the City of Compton while managing T.X. (Total Experience) recording artist. Swanson has now joined the staff of Good Sense Productions, and is Senior Vice President and CFO of Play YoSong® Records, Inc.