Steven Michael Johnson

Steven M. Johnson, 61, of Hot Springs Village died on Saturday April 19, 2014 in a local hospital. Steven was born June 01, 1952 in Orofino, Idaho to the late Charles and Millie (Adams) Johnson.

Steven served in the United States Army following high school. He was a very accomplished singer/song writer and his true passion was always in his music.

Steven is preceded in death by his first wife Kandi Johnson. He is survived by his loving wife Robin, one son: Jason Johnson and wife Michelle of Hot Springs; four grandchildren; Sarah Beth, Isabelle and Bo Baker and Aleksandr Johnson all of Hot Springs; two brothers; Doug Johnson and wife Nancy of Mountain Home, Idaho and Jeff Johnson and wife Patti of Washington.

A Memorial Service will be held at CedarVale Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday April26, 2014 at 10:00AM.

Services are entrusted to CedarVale Funeral Home. Guests may register at www.cedarvalefuneralhome.com .

Steven Michael Johnson was born and raised in the small logging community of Orofino, Idaho. He started playing and writing music in his teens, absorbing influences from the folk artists of the ’60s and the British invasion, not to mention the harmonies of George and Tammy and his dad’s favorite, Charley Pride. Steven’s musical style has evolved over the years, but has always had a common thread: simply-told stories.
After high school and three years in Army, he performed with local bands on the West Coast until he stepped away from music to support and raise his family. During that time, Steven kept on writing songs, but it was several years until he had enough time to devote to creating his first CD, Porch Pickin’.
Each of the 14 tracks on Porch Pickin’ reflects Steven’s natural talent for storytelling, from the patriotic perspective of The Wall to glimpses of everyday life in How Long Is This Road. There’s even a heartfelt Christmas carol called Welcome, Christmas Morn.
Steven’s second album, Stories From A Diary, is pretty much what it sounds like: an assortment of yarns about bits and pieces of people’s lives, all told through song. Diary, the album’s centerpiece, along with If It Was Easy and A Good Life, have all won awards in national songwriting competitions. This CD showcases a maturing songwriter who has clearly found his voice.
While the sound may be folk, country, gospel or bluegrass, the stories are what make the music. They may bring a tear to your eye, a smile to your face or bring a favorite memory back into focus; the hope is that they’ll leave you with a new appreciation for what goes on in your own life and the knowledge that you’re not alone.