Mark Johnson is a Grammy Award Winning Producer / Engineer and Award Winning Film Director. For the past decade Mark has worked with some of the most renowned musicians and producers in the music, film, and television industries. As the co-founder of the Playing for Change documentaries, Mark has been perfecting an innovative, mobile technique for recording musicians outside all over the world, and combining them together to create "Songs Around the World." Mark is also the Chairman of the Board for the Playing for Change Foundation, and has dedicated his life to connecting the world through music.
Related Episodes
Toyeba Yo
in Kinshasa, the TP OK Jazz Band keep the memory of the famed Congolese Guitar player, Franco, alive and well.
Loving Home
Melbourne's own Kim Churchill performs this amazing song in the Blue Mountains of Australia
A Better Place
We realize that true change for the good of everyone always comes from the hearts of the people, and with music we can unite together to make the world A Better Place
What a Wonderful World
Grandpa Elliott joins children's choirs around the world in this timeless song
Teach Your Children
This version of the Crosby, Stills and Nash original was performed live during PFC Day 2012
A Change Is Gonna Come - Live at Folsom
The PFC Band performs Sam Cooke's classic, live at Folsom, CA in the spring of 2012
los Sabores del Porro
Toto la Momposina and her band share a beautiful Colombian melody beneath an ancient tree
I'd Rather Go Blind
The PFC Band rehearses their version of this classic made famous by the late, great Etta James
The Change is Here
Three of the greatest musicians in Africa visit the PFC Foundation's music school in Kirina, Mali
Don't Worry - Live
The PFC Band performs "Don't Worry" live in Vancouver, British Colombia during their 2009 International Tour.
Stand By Me - Japan
The PFC Band performs "Stand by Me" in honor of all the people of Japan who were affected by the tsunami in the spring of 2011
United
Playing For Change has partnered with the United Nations to present this original song around the world to serve as an anthem for the earth's 7 billion people
La Tierra del Olvido
This song's title translates to " Land of the Forgotten," and featurues over 75 musicians across the country of Colombia. "La Tierra del Olvido was produced in partnership with the America's Business Council Foundation."
Higher Ground
Clarence Bekker, Titi Tsira, and Toumani Diabate are joined by members of Tinariwen and many more musicians on a soulful journey around the world
Playing For Change Day 2011
Join us for the first annual Playing For Change Day on September 17, 2011, a global event to benefit children's music programs around the world!
Music Is My Ammunition
This Playing For Change anthem features Mermans Kenkosenki, Roberto Luti, and new family members from Cuba and Jamaica, including Stephen Marley
Satchita
A musical journey from Brazil to India, that will have you smiling and dancing the whole way!
(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay
Our heroes and soul brothers, Roger Ridley and Grandpa Elliott, return in this new Song Around the World
Three Little Birds
This video is the first track on our new album, PFC 2 – Songs Around The World
Groove in G
This global blues jam began in West Africa, and features musicians from five continents
Tinariwen's Cler Achel
Tinariwen is an amazing band of Tuareg musicians whose desert blues enthralled us while we were recording in Mali.
Creating Positive Change
The PFC Foundation is connecting and inspiring children around the world through music education.
Don't Beat Me Around the Bush
This is an original composition by Clarence Bekker, sung from the streets of Barcelona.
Redemption Song
Stephen and Bob Marley are joined by musicians from around the world in PFC's version of the Bob Marley original
Music School in Kirina, Mali
Watch the villagers of Kirina, Mali, build their new music school with the support of the Playing For Change Foundation.
Imagine
John Lennon's "Imagine" performed around the world to benefit the Playing For Change Foundation
Imidiwan Afrik Tendam
The PFC Band with special guests Tinariwen, the Omagh Community Youth Choir, and Vusi Mahlasela perform at Glastonbury Festival in 2009
Dark Was The Night
Roberto Luti performs the Blind Willie Johnson classic "Dark Was The Night" from the picturesque sea shore of his hometown, Livorno, Italy.
I've Got Dreams To Remember
The Playing For Change Band performs "I've Got Dreams To Remember" with Toots Hibbert live from Los Angeles' Club Nokia on November 13th, 2009.
Samba de Viola
The band Sangue Brasileiro shares some music in the Samba style-- a vibe that is the life and blood of Brazil.
One Love - Live From Madrid
The Playing For Change Band closed out its epic 2009 International Tour in Madrid with this amazing performance of "One Love."
Mole In The Ground
Blind Boy Paxton performs a delightfully fun version of this traditional American folk song.
"Back To Your Roots" Live
Check out "Back To Your Roots" performed live by the Playing For Change Band during their International Tour in the Fall of 2009!
Playing For Change Band Live Trailer
Trailer from the PFC Band's new live performance film, featuring special guests Ziggy Marley and Toots Hibbert (of Toots and the Maytals)
Sugar Sweet | Grandpa Elliott
Sugar Sweet, an album from Grandpa Elliott, was recorded throughout the 2009 Playing For Change Band North American Tour.
Brazilian Rooftop Jam
The PFC crew stumbled upon this amazing group of musicians while filming in Barcelona.
Dreams of Kirina
Baaba Maal dedicates a song to the Village of Kirina, Mali and the school being built there by the Playing For Change Foundation.
Nda
Jason Tamba wrote this beautiful song over the course of his journey from Congo to South Africa. It was inspired by his mother's parting words and advice to him as he left home.
Equal Rights
Mermans Kenkosenki, Jason Tamba, and the rest of Afro Fiesta perform this classic Peter Tosh song from a park in Cape Town, South Africa
Peace All Over The World
Robert Bradley performs "Peace All Over the World" on the streets of Los Angeles.
Felangaye
This live performance is from the Playing For Change Band's show on November 13th, 2009 at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, CA.
Peace Through Music Parties
Get involved with the Playing For Change Movement by hosting a Peace Through Music Party.
Pemba Laka
A historic, timeless rhyme from Angola, featuring Hugo Soars, is celebrated throughout Africa and resonates around the globe.
2009 Tour Highlights
In the spring of 2009, musicians from all over the world came together on stages across America to share their messages and inspire audiences with their musical collaborations.
Fannie Mae: Live in Los Angeles
The Playing For Change Band, featuring Grandpa Elliott, recorded this amazing version of Buster Brown's original, Fannie Mae, live at the Knitting Factory in Los Angeles in the Spring of 2009.
Peace Through Music Film Trailer
Musicians from around the world combine their passion and talents to form one global chorus for peace.
Mystery Train
Washboard Chaz and Roberto Luti combine their talents to create this New Orlean's version of the 1953 classic.
War / No More Trouble
This Song Around the World brings the listener from the darkness of war to a peaceful place of harmony where there is no more trouble.
Chanda Mama
This Song Around the World has a joyous feeling of perseverance created by musicians from four continents.
Bring It On Home
The man who initiated our journey with his wonderful version of "Stand By Me" shows the power of his spirited voice.
Don't Worry
The first original Song Around The World, this track speaks to the similarities we all share as a human race.
One Love
This Song Around The World celebrates the music and message of the legendary Bob Marley.
Stand By Me
This song transformed Playing For Change from a small group of individuals into a global movement for peace and understanding.
The Journey
Mark Johnson explains how Playing For Change began and how the journey has gone thus far.
Information
Title: Co-Director/Producer
