Photo from the official Cliff Johnson Facebook page.
The Chicago music scene and the power pop genre in general took a major hit yesterday with the news that Cliff Johnson had died. Several friends posted tributes on Facebook; with the common threads being Johnson’s tremendous talent and outgoing, friendly nature. He was also a prolific songwriter with a gift for catchy melodies and adventurous lyrics.
A charismatic lead vocalist who could make audiences laugh as well as dance, Johnson performed with Pezband, d’Thumbs, Black And Blonde, U.S.S.A., and The Raine over several years. But he was best known for nearly leading Off Broadway to national dominance. When the band’s debut effort On came out in 1979, countless hometown fans believed we had launched another Cheap Trick. Especially considering the initial success of the first single “Stay In Time.”
Sadly, Off Broadway would become yet another promising Chicago music act seemingly mismanaged by a major label. But even though Off Broadway never climbed the national charts with the regularity we expected, the group and Johnson secured legendary status here at home and among power pop fans who regard On as a masterpiece. Johnson performed with The Raine a few years back before reuniting with Off Broadway for a series of shows at local venues.
When I saw Johnson with Pezband around the mid-1970s at a south suburban venue called Godfather’s (I think), it was my first time seeing a live performance with that kind of high energy. I had only just started my drinking days and was used to more sedate combos covering Top 40 hits in dimly lit lounges. From that point on, I switched to clubs like Harlow’s in Burbank and Mother’s on Division Street. There was no going back to lounges once I had encountered the real rock and roll of Chicago.
4 comments:
AMEN..... CLIFFS VOCAL RANGE AND UNENDING STAGE ANTICS WERE THE REASONS WHY I ENJOYED THE LIVE SHOWS SO MUCH......AS MUCH AS I LOVE THE LIVE MUSIC.... IT WONT BE THE SAME WITHOUT HIM FRONTING.... REST EASY CLIFF, YOUVE EARNED IT BY PROVIDING THE THRONGS OF FANS WITH AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE BEST MUSIC...YOU WILL BE MISSED ETERNALLY....
Great tribute - Cliff was one of a kind and seemed destined to greatness with the 'On' album - Rest in Peace Cliff - Godspeed
Thanks, "Ransford", you put it into words much better than I could have. We spent many nights/years watching those stages mesmerized. (Cheap Trick, Off Broadway etc.) We knew during those moments, we were witnessing something very special. I wouldn't have traded those nights for damn near anything. We were there. 'Original Believers' and never gave up in believing. Those melodies and hooks are forever a part of our souls. Thank you Cliff, for almost a half century of music, memories and much laughter. There will never be another like you.
Peace Within, my friend. See you "on the other side."
"Boris"
It's been a year since Cliff Has Left us.I hope he is Resting in peace and joy.
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