Johnny Bush American country singer Date of Birth: 17.02.1935 Country: USA

1. Johnny Bush: A Journey into Country Music
2. Pursuit of a Dream
3. Collaboration with Ray Price
4. Success and Challenges
5. The Comeback

Johnny Bush: A Journey into Country Music

Johnny Bush, whose real name is John Bush Shinn III, was born in 1935 in Kashmere Gardens, Houston, Texas. From a young age, it was clear that Johnny's greatest passion in life was music. As a teenager, his favorite bands were "Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys" and artists such as Hank Thompson, Lefty Frizzell, and Ernest Tubb.

Pursuit of a Dream

At the age of 17, Johnny moved to San Antonio in pursuit of his dream. This dream led him into the world of music, along with the alcohol, women, and other aspects of the lifestyle. Shortly after his move, he began performing his own concerts under the pseudonym "Johnny Bush." Additionally, he played drums in bands such as "Texas Plainsmen," "Mission City Playboys," and "Texas Top Hands."

Collaboration with Ray Price

In 1963, Johnny joined Ray Price's band, the "Cherokee Cowboys," along with a young Willie Nelson. It was through this collaboration that Johnny had the opportunity to sign his first recording contract. As part of the "Cherokee Cowboys," he participated in the recording of the album "The Sound of a Heartache" in 1967.

Success and Challenges

Following their initial success, Johnny and Willie Nelson formed a joint project called "Record Men." Their first singles, including "You Gave Me A Mountain," "Undo the Right," "What A Way To Live," and "I'll Be There," gained immense popularity in Texas and throughout the United States. Soon after, Johnny signed a contract with the renowned studio "RCA Records" and wrote his own debut single, "Whiskey River," which became an instant hit on radio stations.

However, in 1972, Johnny faced a setback when he started experiencing vocal difficulties. Doctors diagnosed him with spasmodic dysphonia, a condition that affected his ability to sing. Despite being advised to give up singing, Johnny, devastated and addicted to drugs, was determined to regain his former popularity. He spent months taking vocal lessons and working on rehabilitating his damaged voice.

The Comeback

In 1986, Johnny collaborated with Darrell McCall and recorded the successful album "Hot Texas Country." He also formed his own band, touring extensively in Texas and releasing the album "Time Changes Everything." Since then, Johnny Bush has traveled the world, performing country music and bringing the essence of the "Lone Star State" to every heart.

In 2003, Johnny Bush, along with his friend and companion Willie Nelson, was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. Four years later, in 2007, he released his biography, titled "Rick Mitchell: Whiskey River (Take My Mind): The True Story of Texas Honky Tonk." It is known that to this day, Bush actively participates in various foundations and organizations that support people with speech impairments.