Derek has been singing, playing guitar and writing songs since his teenage years. He grew up as a ‘rocker’ but made the commitment to acoustic music at the dawn of the millennium.
In 2006, Derek co-founded the bluegrass band, The High 48s. In 2011 he was asked to join Monroe Crossing. His musical travels have taken him to every corner of the contiguous United States as well as Canada, Europe and South Korea. He has even performed at Carnegie Hall.
When not busy playing bluegrass with Monroe Crossing, Derek performs with an acoustic duo named Gentlemen Dreadnought. He also performs as a solo artist as Derek David Johnson.
In 2021, Derek released his first solo bluegrass album, Hard Life, under the name of Derek Johnson & HardGrass.
When not on stage or on the road, Derek is busy ‘in the office’ with his booking company D String Productions. Except in the summer, where you will find him in the garden or on the golf course.
photo by Jamey Guy Photography