Producer ~ Musician ~ Songwriter
Ivan Johnson, showing musical interest at an early age, started playing drums at his grandfather’s church at an early age. At the age of 5, Ivan was featured in a talent show with Calvin Lockett aka Biggie Smalls in Uptown Saturday Night. As time went on he kept busy playing for many gospel groups and choirs in the California Bay Area and surrounding areas. He played drums while touring with the Hawkins Family, Yolanda Adams, John P. Kee, the Gospel Elites, and the Caravans. At the age of 15, while learning to play the piano, he was the drummer on the sitcom “Just Kidding” on NBC, and debuted playing his first song on piano. A short time after, Ivan played the organ while touring with Hezekiah Walker. Music is his passion. At age 17, he decided to follow his true inner passion to write and produce music.
In 1997, Ivan worked on the production of the movie sound track “Phat Beaches”. He had the opportunity to work with artists E-40, Suga Tee, and Spice One. It was at the movie premiere that Ivan became acquainted with representatives from Quincy Jones Music Publishing.
In 1998, Ivan received a publishing deal with Quincy Jones Music Publishing and opened his own recording studio (B-Phatt Studio) in Sacramento California. He also started touring again, this time with TonyToniTonè.
While signed with Quincy Jones Music Publishing, he worked with a variety of artists contributing to their projects including Aaron Sky, Az Yet, and Virtue; and song writers Juanita Wynn, Eric Dawkins, and Terrell Carter (and many more). Several songs he’s written were held by artists such as Anita Baker, Immature, Mary J. Blige, and Eddie Murphy’s television show “The P.J.’s”.
Also In 1998 he organized a band that accompanied world renowned gospel recording artist Karen Clark-Sheard at the Henry J. Kaiser Center, Oakland California. During this same year, Ivan also toured the country with Kenny Latimore, in addition to touring Amsterdam and Europe with artist Rasaahn Patterson.
In 2000, Ivan started his own publishing company, Sugalicious. He began working with local choirs and artists in the Sacramento California and San Francisco Bay areas such as Peace Gospel Choir, Arthur Johnson, Huey Lovelady & Unity, James Jackson & VOS and Atlanta Praise, Juanita Wynn, The Wynn Sisters, Robin Hodge-Williams, Virtue, Sharon Wynn-Davison, Melvin Carter, Sharon Jones, and Harold Pauley & Unlimited Praise; and in the R&B arena,Tony Terry, Jasper, BJ (Regatta Records, Atlanta Georgia), and Leonard Bailey.
In 2004, Ivan Johnson signed with Dogg Pound Gangsta (DPG) Recordz and produced Daz Dillinger,
Kurupt-Young Gotti, and Tha Dogg Pound,and Many More. He still works in this capacity.
Contact Information: yibromusicgroup@yahoo.com • (770) 990-2415
Legal Representation: Law Offices of Bret D. Lewis • www.blewislaw.com • (310) 207-0696
