CJ Johnson

Chris “CJ” Johnson is a Nashville-based artist whose career bridges music, business, and community impact.

His musical journey began early, earning Top Tenor honors in Anaheim, California, receiving a choir scholarship, and winning Best Song at the Mid-South Fair Talent Competition in Memphis at just 18 years old.

Chris went on to tour internationally as bassist for the rock band Ingram Hill during their Cold in California tour. Following that opportunity, he auditioned for Shinedown as bassist for their Sound of Madness tour. While he wasn’t selected, the experience was a pivotal moment in his career and one he considers a true blessing.

Determined to keep pursuing music, Chris later spent nearly 90 days in Hollywood competing on The Voice. Although he didn’t receive a chair turn during the Blind Auditions, the experience only strengthened his resolve. After returning home, his mother encouraged him to attend the American Idol cattle call auditions in Oxford, Mississippi—a decision that would change his life.

Chris went on to become a Top 24 finalist on the farewell season of American Idol, where his audition reached more than 2.4 million viewers within its first 24 hours, introducing his powerful blend of rock, country, and soul to audiences across the country.

He is the founder of the Memphis-based rock band American Fiction™, whose debut album Dumb Luck was recorded with legendary producer Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones), marking one of the defining milestones of his recording career.