Greg Johnson

Greg's lifelong love of music began as far back as he can remember, growing up with his family surrounded by the sounds of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Johnny Cash.  It was this influence of musicians with poetic lyrics and powerful messages that led Greg to expand his love for music to include Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Lee "Scratch" Perry, and other early influential Reggae and World music artists.  In 1993, after graduating from Muhlenberg College with a degree in Philosophy/Political Thought, Greg accepted a position to teach American Culture, with a focus on American and Western Music, at Changsha Communications University in Changsha, China.  This experience further opened Greg's eyes to the power of global music.  After returning from China, Greg traveled the world extensively always searching for the power and universality of music, recognizing that it was this common link that bonded him to the cultures that he was experiencing.  Greg has traveled to such places as Fiji, Thailand, Malaysia, Tibet, Spain, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, Ghana, Egypt, and South Africa.

I recall approximately ten years ago driving in the car with my brother, Mark Johnson, and he discussed with me a concept that he was thinking about creating. That concept was to film street musicians, and attempt to capture those magical moments that happen every day, and in turn, share them with the world. From the moment I heard about the idea, I was hooked. At that moment the project was yet unnamed, but after discussing it for a few minutes, and explaining to me that the idea was also influenced by the Keb' Mo' song, "Change," Playing for Change was born. Since that time, I have had the opportunity to consult, travel the world, record and film amazing people and musicians, and ultimately co-produce the various Playing for Change projects. The most important part of Playing for Change for me is the opportunity to meet, and truly get to know, the most amazing people from multiple and diverse cultures. Playing for Change, without a doubt, confirms that we are all connected by the universal spirit of music and are ALL ONE. Peace & Love