Today we’d like to introduce you to Rufus Johnson.
Rufus, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am originally from Richmond Virginia. I took to loving music early on and it has been one of my passions for a long time. I started singing by impersonating my favorite singers from television and the radio. I remember recording tapes from the radio and recording video shows and performances to study the greats. One day in the 7th grade, I sang for a group of girls in my class and it was a wrap!! I knew I had discovered my calling. From there, I joined my school choir and it became a permanent fixture in my life all the way through college. The lessons I learned about hard work, people, and relationships then has helped get me to where I am today. Today, I am a music instructor, singer, songwriter, and artist. I also use my time and resources to give back through KRScholars, a non-profit started by my wife and I.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
No to put it simply. I’ve been very blessed, but I’ve had disappointments along the way. I remember auditioning for both American Idol and Sunday’s Best and not even getting past the first audition! That was my first time experiencing disappointment and not winning at something musically or getting close. I stood in line for hours just to get a few seconds to show what I could do and that was super uncomfortable for me. I didn’t feel like that was the way the world was supposed to get to know me. In some ways, it showed me more about my journey as an artist outside of the initial hurt of the “No”.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Well, I’m a singer first. It all started there. Everything else is an extension of that. I write songs as a singer, I perform as a singer. I’ve always been known for singing I think. It’s what I’ve put the most time and effort into mastering. I’m very proud of having my first single “Thank You”, make it to #15 on the Billboard Charts in 2022. That was an amazing feeling to be recognized natiionally for something I did in a bedroom. We worked very hard on it and stayed the course and it was blessed. I’m super proud of that!
What matters most to you? Why?
Peace. I want to maintain peace in every aspect of my life. My family, career and finances all need to be in order at all times. I want to be on point for the people that matter most and if those areas are the priority then I should be ok.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iamrufusjohnson.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamrufusjohnson/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmCWD8EexrxtOZhrtHcKJtA
Image Credits
Sean King/Ken Kwaku
