"Folk Playground" the new Putumayo Kids release will include my arrangemnet/adaptation of the classic "This old man" the scheduled release is for May 23 2006 you can check it out here and sample the songs, download the lyrics and check out coming shows.
http://www.putumayo.com/catalog/item.php?item_number=250

"Django's Cadillac" written and sung by Victor Johnson featured on NPR's Car Talk radio show. The title track to the bands debut CD was originally aired in 10-04 on Car Talk Show Num: 200439. Car Talk is one of the most popular nationally syndicated radio shows in the U.S.

Ruralite Magazine- Two full page interview amd story by Lori Russell. Wonderful story with the first printed picks of the the new Arrow model VJ. Distributed in OR, WA, ID, MT, AK , NorCal

Oregon Public Broadcasting's OPB Art Beat (regional Televsion) First aired Feb 24. 2004

Victor Johnson (Blues for Kids) - Victor Johnson teaches country blues to kids. His CD is a best-seller in the toddler market. We watch him in action with kids and their parents, and also see a performance of his band, Django's Cadillac, whose music has been featured on NPR's Car Talk show. (Mono )
/programs/artbeat/

Arrow custom Guitars and Mandolins unveils new VJ model.
Styled after the vintage Gibson Nick Lucas, the VJ is a flatop guitar with a 14 fret neck. It is smaller than a dreadnaught but is still deep to give it good bass response. It is a wonderful fingerstyle guitar. My personal model is figured Mahogany with an Adirondak Spruce top. Haven't wired it up yet but builder Paul Lestock is leaning towards the I-beam pickup. It's here just in time to appear on the new record! Wahoo.

10/2004
Victor is awarded "Best New Artist" and "Best Record" for preschoolers by the Childrens Music Web Awards. The Childrens Music Web is one of the largest resources for Children's music on the Internet. Winners were selected in 27 catagories by children, families and teachers across the United States.

Victor and Country Blues for Kids featured in Parenting magazine

Victor and Country Blues for Kids in Blues Revue magazine

Country Blues for Kids wins prestigious Parent's Choice Award!!!

Kids who have never heard of Leadbelly or Mississippi John Hurt will be getting thier first taste of an important piece of their musical heritage when they encounter this album. They won't know that, however, because they'll be having too much fun listening and singing along. Many of the thirteen songs in this up-tempo collection of blues tunes will be familliar to most adults and many children. Some are traditional: "Frog Went a Courting," "Wheels on the Bus," and "Old Macdonald." Some notably "Baby Beluga"-are more closely associated with other performers. Two are original: "Mrs. Butterworth," (think syrup) and "Everything is Gonna Be Allright" a lighter-than-air ditty that is as comforting as a blankie at bedtime. Johnson's smoky voice is accompanied by simple strummed, plucked, and patted guitar riffs. In a world of electronically produced music, the sound of fingers on strings makes listening to this album a truly intimate experience.
Kristi Jemtegaard ©2004 Parents' Choice

April 10 2004
Nick Jr. Family Magazine "Topping the Kid Charts"
"Accomplished bluesman Victor Johnson brings an air of authority to a baker's dozen of songs on Country Blues for Kids. He performs well traveled titles like "Old MacDonald" and "Wheels on the Bus," along side lesser known tunes like "Fishin' Blues and "Green Corn" in a rough, charming voice, adeptly accompanying himself on acoustic guitar."
Also appearing in the article: Saturday Night Live news personality and singer songwriter, Lisa Loeb, They Might be Giants, Phil Collins, Anna Moo & Bo Diddley and Jason Ringenberg (Jason and the Sorchers)

Mark Gibson- The Dalles Chronicle December 10th 2003
(reprinted with permission)
As any parent will testify, really good children books are hard to find.
There are plenty of fine books out there for kids, but only a few stand the
acid test of endless repetition children books are submitted to. A badly
written one becomes excruciatingly painful to read after it has been
requested 10 or 20 times.
Music for children is even harder to find, and even more painful to listen
to repeatedly. Most inspire weary parents to purchase headphones and require
their use.
The rare recording that can be enjoyed wholeheartedly by parents and
children alike is rare and quickly becomes a family treasure.
Victor Johnson's recently released "Country Blues for Kids" is one of those
rare jewels.
Having previewed most of the CD at work, I snuck it into the home player and
pressed play. The bouncy, country blues playing of the first song, "Frog
went a courtin," instantly worked its magic. Within five seconds, my six
year old son had abandoned his toys and was hovering over the speaker.
The recording features a variety of traditional country blues songs
originated by artists like Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly, Rev. Gary Davis, Blind
Blake and Mississippi John Hurt.
The CD features a single acoustic guitar and vocal. Nothing more is needed;
playing with his fingers and thumb, Johnson's guitar maintains strong,
bouncy rhythm accompanied by delicate melodies. Songs like "Green Corn,"
"Candyman blues," "Baby Beluga," "Wheels on the bus" and "You are my
Sunshine" blossom with this approach to the guitar. Johnson's rich vocals
are cream on a very delightful cake. He has definitely found his voice on
this recording.
Even such a challenging kids song as "Old MacDonald," a song loved by every
child and hated by anyone over 11, is worth hearing as it is introduced to
yet another generation.
The wonderful song "Fishing blues" is destined to become a personal
favorite. Of the thirteen songs on the album, only two, "Old Macdonald" and
the talking blues "Tale of the gingerbread man," are in the kids only
category. Adults will find plenty of favorites here.
Fans of Victor Johnson, young and old alike, will find another jewel on this
album, Johnson's original "Everything is gonna be all right." This one song
is well worth purchasing the entire disk: "Go to sleep my little one, your
time the day is done, everything will be all right. Every little thing is
all right.
"Take you on a moonlight ride, I'll show you where the fairys hide,
everything will be all right. Every little thing is all right. "Your daddies right here, your momma ain't far, I'll help you find that wishing star..."
Beautifully melodic, lyrically wonderful, this is Johnson's finest work to
date as a singer/songwriter.
The album, recorded in Johnson's living room, is nicely packaged as well.
The album art, by Brook Burnett and Rory Johnson, is perfectly suited to the
album's concept and feel. It features classic, lighthearted country images
in bold, primary colors.
Victor Johnson's "Country Blues for Kids" is a wonderful stocking stuffer
for kids on anyone's Christmas list, and will cheer all of us jaded adults
suffering from the Winter doldrums.

Feb 16th, 2004
New website launched for Victor Johnson. Happy Birthday!