NaturalPhil

Philip Johnson, one of the most outrageous drummers of a versatile list of music styles. While known for drawing controversy with his extreme parodies, ever changing images, concealing sensibility and a natural feel he remains unpredictable. It is the mix of his fervent political beliefs, the everyday colors of life, past and future that awards Philip's music with such power. As a fan of his late mother Joselyn Johnson, one of the first female percussionists at Elizabeth City State University Philip has been a musician since he can remember. At age 11 he began his first gig as the head drummer of A Chosen Generation Choir in Norfolk, VA. It was here when the community began recognizing his talent and printed a showcase of the group featuring Philip in the Virginian Pilot. Always a leader and individual, Philip soon became the Drum Captain of his High School Band creating and arranging nearly all original drum cadences. This type of leadership gave Philip the confidence to start his own Community Choir called United Voices of Praise which reigned for about two and a half years.

The course of his life was evident to all those around him. During this time Philip began entering drum competitions with Mars Music Regional Annual Drum Off to gain additional recognition where he placed first place two years in a row. A couple of Years following he placed 2nd in the Guitar Center Annual Drum Competition. Again, this produced media attention in local and regional publications. Later he was asked to participate as a judge where he scored other drummers. Noticed for his cutting edge talent he was asked to play for the Norfolk State University Choir.

After playing for several years with Andre Jones and Prophecy Fulfilled and many other groups and bands, Philip continued to gain recognition for playing with and opening up for major acts like, The News Boys of Inpop Records, Atlantic Records artist "Trick Daddy", Daryl Colley of Diego Music Group, Dorothy Norwood, Tyscot Record label mogul Leonard Scott and more. Deciding to share his knowledge Philip decided to start a drum school. Little Drummer Boy School of Excellence also known as LDB was active and successful for over four years when Philip began being offered irresistible career offers.

As Philip decided to return his focus to more personal ventures he began partaking in other facets of entertainment. This was only natural since he is well known for a versatile and head turning image. Full circle in the entertainment scope Philip has been known to model, write, produce, sing on occasion, and play the keyboard. Never abandoning his primary passion for the drums he soon found himself on a mission’s trip in Johannesburg, South Africa and playing before thousands and representing one of Johannesburg’s largest annual conferences. With this introduction and experience taken the era began to transform.

Traveling back and forth from Virginia Beach, VA to Orlando, FL one the leading entertainment capitals of the US it was obvious the opportunities were greater. As the demand began to grow for Philip in Orlando, he was made an opportunistic and timely job offer. Philip accepted, uprooted and moved to Orlando, FL. You can currently catch him playing with The BB King All Star Band in Orlando, FL or Discovery Church Orlando, FL. Stay tuned for Philip's upcoming gigs, projects and new endeavors.