A Taste of Honey's Janice-Marie Johnson is unquestionably not the new kid on the block. Nor is she unfamiliar with the intricate machinations of the music industry. As co-founder and principal songwriter of the internationally acclaimed and Grammy award- winning group "A Taste of Honey," Janice-Marie is back in the spotlight which has long been her home.
Janice-Marie Johnson is currently performing to sold out audiences across the United States and Canada, as a featured artist in the Solid Gold Dance Party tour. Her performance level is at a all time high. She will take your breath away with her stunning performance of Sukiyaki. Your spirit is sure to be elevated by her legendary “Boogie Oogie Oogie” ‘bass slapping struck’.
A brief glance at Janice-Marie's musical accolades may seem daunting to both insiders and outsiders alike. A Taste of Honey's self-titled debut release rocked the record industry in more ways than one. It featured the multi-platinum smash hit Boogie Oogie Oogie, a Janice-Marie penned composition, which garnered the group a Grammy for "Best New Artist of the Year," and nominations for "Best R&B Single" and "Best Vocal Performance by a Group or Duo." While this was a phenomenal accomplishment, it was no fluke. Their second release, Another Taste earned international acclaim by walking away with the coveted Gold Prize at the "8th Annual Tokyo Music Festival," with Janice-Marie also receiving the Gold Prize for songwriter. The Janice-Marie composition, Do It Good, as well as the Another Taste album, was certified Gold in Japan.
Some may say that success comes easy. Perhaps when speaking of Janice-Marie, it's more correct to say that success comes naturally. Today, she resumes her rightful place in the forefront of the music arena. Among her labels are entertainer, singer, musician, dancer, songwriter, publisher and producer. Janice-Marie confides, "I like a variety of music.classical music in the mornings. reggae in the afternoons. I like to get my boogie on in the evenings.but at night.I want my love songs. I'm a ballad, fireplace, take-a-walk-up-in-the-hills sort of person." To this end, her music punctuates her diversity of spirit . her extrusion from life and living.
Case in point, A Taste of Honey's third release, Twice As Sweet. Her talented magic transformed Japan's Kyu Sakamoto's 1963 hit Sukiyaki into an international mega hit classic. Produced by George Duke, it was certified Gold in both the United States and Japan, along with “Rescue Me,” another single from the same album.
Through the years, Janice-Marie's songs have been covered, sampled, hollowed and borrowed many times. Her music of yesterday contributes greatly to the success of numerous 'R&B,' ‘Pop,' 'Rap' and 'Hip Hop' hits of today. Janice-Marie's song Boogie Oogie Oogie has been recorded or sampled by a many recording artist. Currently Janice-Marie has teamed up with Madonna via technology. Scheduled for released in the Fall of 2006 is Boogie Oogie Music by Madonna vs. A Taste of Honey on EMI Music UK & Ireland. It is a legal mashed duet that is incredible. In 2005, the Janice-Marie Johnson penned composition was recorded by Brooke Valentine, Fablolous and Yo Yo, for the 2005 Roll Bounce movie. A second version of ‘Boogie’ was also recorded the same year by Keyshia Cole and Fablolous and was featured in the Roll Bounce movie and on the sound track. Her music has been featured by a host of other artists as well, including Ice Cube, Mary J. Blige, MC Lyte, Positive K, Pure Sugar and European and Austrailian artists Martin Carboo, Peter Andre, Sahra and a multitude of other Japanese and European artist. Her music has also been showcased on television programs including “American Idol,” “King Of Queens,” "All My Children," "Fairy Odd Parents," “Monday Night Mayhem,” ”The Parkers.” “Rock and Roll Jeopardy,” “The Oprah Winfrey Show," “The Martin Short Show," “Touched By An Angel," notables from a burgeoning lists. Movie credits include “Roll Bounce”, “Into The Blue”,” Screwed," “Cowboys & Angels," “A Fate Worse Than Death," "Step Mom," "Mystery Man," "Contact", "54," and many more. Commercial credits include Coca Cola, Frito Lay, The New York Lottery, Burger King and Old Navy. Janice-Marie’s music is also featured in a variety of video games, ring tones and slot machines including the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand slot machine.
After such an extended period working behind the scenes, Janice-Marie the record producer, musician, songwriter and entertainer has once again returned to the limelight. Bringing her artistry to center stage, Janice-Marie exuberates her classic style and grace.a timeless signature that embraces her themes of love, joy, solitude and nature . giving more to the senses with more Taste of Honey, a style and grace that is all her own. She has been performing to sold-out concerts from the West Coast to the East Coast and beyond having recently returned from working in Sweden. Janice-Marie spellbinds audiences with her exciting persona and uplifting sprit. Highlighting her classy demeanor, she woos her audiences and commandeers their undivided attention, leaving them wanting more.
Her ‘Hiatus’ CD contains songs of love and life. Alice O'Neil of Hollywood-Behind-the Scenes writes in her review of the Hiatus of the Heart CD. “she seduces listeners with her vocal art and guitar expertise. She gives a new meaning to the age-old longing to be free, in all its manifestations."
Until The Eagle Falls, was written as a gesture of gratitude to all of the people who took part in that magical weekend in Gallup, New Mexico. That’s where, through the osmosis of her ancestors’ songs and dance, the spirit of this ancient ancestry impacted her heart, mind, soul and spirit. In celebration of her Stockbridge-Munsee-Mohican heritage, Janice-Marie weaves legendary Native American mythology about how the eagle NEVER falls (and a haunting melody) into a tranquil and precious ballad of devotion…eternal…a love song of the ages.
Until The Eagle Falls CD and Music video garnered Janice-Marie with the ‘Award of Excellence’ and the ‘Award of Distinction’ at 1st Indian Summer Festival Film and Video Image Awards, a Nammy Award (Native American Music Award) for ‘Best Producer,’ and the Silver Arrow Award for her contributions to Native American Music.
In addition to all of the above, Janice-Marie is currently featured on the Escape Urban release, Nothing But Love Spoken Here the debut solo CD by Felton Pilate of Con Funk-Shun, where she sings a duet with Felton on the song Only For You. She is also the featured love interest in Felton's music video for his first single, Nothing But Love Spoken Here. To put just a little more sweetness in your day, you can also catch Janice-Marie as she co-host along with Felton on the ‘Nothing But Love’ radio show. For more information visit www.lovespokenhere.com.
The duet style vocals of Janice-Marie and Madonna on the EMI release Boogie Oogie Music are a match made in heaven. The CD, which also features a variety of other legendary artist and songs, is scheduled for release by EMI Music UK and Ireland, in the fall of 2006.
Currently, Janice-Marie is back in the studio working on a brand new CD scheduled for release in June of 2008.
If after listening to Janice-Marie’s music you find yourself inspired and uplifted, don't blame it on the 'Boogie’, . just blame it on the cogency of Janice-Marie.
To learn more about upcoming appearances or to contact Janice-Marie via the world-wide-web, please visit www.myspace.com/aatasteofhoney, www.atasteofhoney.net or www.janice-marie.com, and You can also e-mail her at Janice-marie@atasteofhoneyllc.com
