Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson of Donny Walker and Fo'sho at Angel City in Bellflower 5/28/22
Paul Johnson of Donny Walker and Fo’sho at Angel City in Bellflower 5/28/22

Bass Guitar / Synthesizer

Paul Johnson with the band Good Question 1989
Paul Johnson with the band Good Question 1989

Paul spent his early years growing up in the small town of Yucaipa. Life was pretty simple in the small town located an hour east of Los Angeles. After graduating from high school, Paul studied electrical engineering at UC Santa Barbara, where he experienced two significant changes in his life. During those years, he picked up the bass guitar and, more importantly, became a follower of Jesus Christ. As a young adult, both of these discoveries have shaped him into the person he has become. As his musical abilities have grown, enabling him to play in various musical genera and on mission trips to Mexico and Japan, the auspicious time at school established the foundations for his growth.

The Tempo Cats button 2010
The Tempo Cats button 2010

Paul and his college roommate would spend hours playing together, recording answering machine messages, and playing for any visitors that happened to come by. Their only gig came after a few years when they performed in a high school gymnasium.

Paul Johnson with The Tempo Cats 2010
Paul Johnson with The Tempo Cats 2010
Paul Johnson playing in the worship band at South Bay Community Church in Torrance 2017
Paul Johnson playing in the worship band at South Bay Community Church in Torrance 2017

After school, while living, playing, and working in Oxnard, Paul took time to get married and raise two children. He taught high school science and then became a high school counselor. He played with talented musicians in the area before he and a fellow educator formed the Ventura County fan-favorite band, The Tempo Cats. The band’s seventeen-year span included performing with Eddie Money and LA weatherman Fritz Coleman and an event honoring Dodger great Tommy Lasorda. Although Paul divorced in 2008, he continued playing music to help him work through that challenging period of his life.

Paul Johnson playing in the worship band at South Bay Community Church in Torrance 2017
Paul Johnson playing in the worship band at South Bay Community Church in Torrance 2017
Announcement for Donny Walker and Fo'sho at Vermont Avenue Baptist Church in Torrance 5/3/19
Announcement for Donny Walker and Fo’sho at Vermont Avenue Baptist Church in Torrance 5/3/19

In 2014, Paul began playing in the worship band at South Bay Community Church in Torrance. He would make the seventy-mile drive from Oxnard every weekend for over a year. Paul wanted to relocate to the South Bay area of Los Angeles to be closer to the church and especially to his future wife, Lilah. Paul met Donny Walker through her connections and began sharing a house in Gardena with him. Donny and Paul started their musical affiliation in 2015.

Paul and Lilah Johnson wedding July 2020
Paul and Lilah Johnson wedding July 2020

Paul and his wife Lilah, who found a way to get married in the middle of the pandemic in July 2020, enjoy living in Torrance and working at a school in San Pedro.

Paul Johnson with Book of Numbers 3/29/19
Paul Johnson with Book of Numbers 3/29/19

He continues to play in both worship and non-worship settings. In addition to other local gigs, he plays in the jazz fusion group, Book of Numbers. A recent exciting challenge for Paul has been learning to play a keyboard and bass synthesizer in addition to playing the bass guitar.

Paul Johnson's equipment setup with bass guitar effects and synthesizer May 2022
Paul Johnson’s equipment setup with bass guitar effects and synthesizer May 2022
Paul Johnson with Book of Numbers 3/29/19
Paul Johnson with Book of Numbers 3/29/19

Although Paul still enjoys his work as a high school counselor, working with young people has become more complicated in recent years.

Paul is thankful for the beautiful venue, Angel City. The helpful and kind staff make it a safe, fun environment to meet people and praise our Lord Jesus. (Hebrews 10:24, 25)

Church Icon © 2022 Jack Miller
Website page for South Bay Community Church 6/2/22

Come dance with us

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