"You Can Call Me Blue" by Michael Johnson

Song#:  0304
Date:  08/23/1980
Debut:  89
Peak:  86
Weeks:  3
Genre:  Pop, Adult Contemporary



Pop Bits:  Before venturing off into a full-fledged solo career, Johnson joined the Chad Mitchell Trio in 1967, which featured another soon-to-be-famous singer, John Denver. But with none of the original members left in the group, they changed the name to Denver, Boise, and Johnson and continued on for a short time. A few years later, Johnson issued his first solo album, "There Is a Breeze," which didn't make much of an impact. A couple of self-produced albums didn't fare much better, but when his demo of the Randy Goodrum song "Bluer Than Blue" made its way to EMI, they signed him and issued "The Michael Johnson Album" in 1978 featuring that #12 hit. He returned to the Top 20 the following year with "This Night Won't Last Forever," but it would be his last one to get that far up the chart. This single from the album of the same name became his last pop chart entry. However, he would have success later in the 80s on the country chart capturing five Top 10 hits including two #1's.

ReduxReview:  This is a nicely written song that leans toward the country-crossover sound. I'm not sure it is a tune that might stand out on pop (or country) radio, but it is worthy of a listen for anyone who likes this soft-rock-folk-country ala James Taylor-type of music. Plus, his two Top 20 hits mentioned above are pretty terrific.

ReduxRating:  5/10

Trivia:  After the Denver, Boise, and Johnson trio disbanded, Johnson switched gears and landed a part in the off-Broadway and touring production of "Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris."

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