We are ASAMU JOHNSON & THE ASSOCIATES OF THE BLUES
Stages have been built across this country to showcase the beautiful art form of the Blues. When Asamu Johnson and The Associates of The Blues step on one, they uplift the rich enduring heritage of the Blues and the hearts and spirits of everyone listening. They've had all eyes and ears on them at venues and events across the nation including Chenango Blues Festival in New York, Teddy's Juke Joint in Baton Rouge, Pee Dee Blues Bash in South Carolina, B.B King's Club in Memphis, Buddy Guy's Legendary Bar in Chicago and of course right here in West Michigan including Art Prize, Billy's Lounge, Devos Place, Dockers Fish House, Black Arts Festivals and Michigan Blues Festivals all across Michigan.
Asamu and his band mates Adam Daddy Mack McMillan (Keyboards Vocals and band manager), Curtis CC Woods (Rhythm Guitar and Vocals) Melvin MC Clark (lead Guitar and Vocals), Adnan Boo Brown (Drums), John Gist (Saxaphone) and a host of Associates who have played with Asamu are skilled musicians with a captivating sound and stage presence.
A passionate and talented songwriter, Johnson's 2017 hit song Got To Go reached #1 on the POWER XR WEST COAST Radio Network. Asamu and the Associates also have 3 CDs on the market ~ Bow Legs and Big Feet, Got To Go and Blues You Can Use.
Asamu and The Associates are two-time back-to-back West Michigan Blues Society Regional Champions (2016/17) and represented Michigan in Memphis Tennessee at the International Blues Competition which hosts over 1,000 Bands from around the world!!
Asamu is also a two-time Jami Award Nominee and in 2022 Asamu was nominated and awarded the Telly Gold Award at The Fox Theatre In Detroit.
MEET THE BAND MEMBERS
ASAMU JOHNSON (Lead Vocalist and Bass Player)
Asamu, the lead vocalist and bass player, began his musical journey in his cousin Fred Johnson's band in Grand Rapids. Hailing proudly from the Bamileke tribe in central Africa, specifically Cameroon, his cultural roots enrich his music. His songwriting reflects profound emotions, capturing the essence of people and events. His soulful voice breathes life into his heartfelt lyrics, while his love for music coexists beautifully with his dedication to family and hobbies like wood carving and tropical fish.
ADAM “DADDYMACK” MCMILLAN (Keyboards, Vocals and Band Manager)
Adam McMillan discovered his passion for music early, serenaded by his father's beautiful voice as a child. Encouraged by his parents, he started piano lessons at ten. By middle school, he joined his first band, Young Blood, and later formed Total Eclipse. In high school, he linked up with Asamu and his middle school pals to create The Funka Sonics, touring West Michigan throughout the mid-70s. After a hiatus in California during the 80s working as a civilian contractor at Fort Ord, Adam returned to Michigan, rekindled his love for music, and rejoined Asamu in the late 2000s, where they've been making music together ever since.
MELVIN “MC” CLARK (Lead Guitar and Vocals)
This musician hails from Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he was immersed in a diverse musical landscape from a young age, including R&B, Gospel, Jazz, and Rock. Starting out in the Pentecostal Church, he picked up the guitar at 13 and began playing in local bands. With notable experiences like recording a gospel album at 16 and performing on TV with El Debarge, he's made significant contributions to the music scene. As an original guitarist for Motown's R&B group Switch and currently performing with local acts like Serita's Black Rose and Crunch Bunch, he continues to leave his mark on the Michigan music scene and is currently playing with Asamu Johnson & The Associates of the Blues in Grand Rapids area.
CURTIS “CC” WOODS (Rhythm Guitar and Vocals)
CC Woods, born in Grand Rapids, MI, boasts over four decades of musical prowess in guitar and vocals. Influenced by legends like Robert Cray and John Lee Hooker, he transitioned from R&B to a fervent love for blues. Partnering with Asamu Johnson in the '90s birthed the Fatt Lapp Blues Band, marking a lifelong journey in soulful melodies. Beyond music, CC enjoys weightlifting, personal training, and vintage cars, as well as shades of red.
ADNAN “BOO” BROWN (Drummer)
Drummer Adnan “Boo” Brown is from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He started playing drums at age 3 on his father’s kit. His father, jazz drummer George Brown, saw the talent right away. Boo has played music ever since. He is an Army veteran who served with the 82nd Airborne Rangers. He has performed with Grant Green, R. Kelly, the P-Funk All Stars, and many other bands. Boo plays to move the room. He loves making people happy through music.
JOHN GIST (Saxophone)
John Gist is a versatile saxophonist from Grand Rapids, Michigan, who specializes in a variety of musical styles including jazz, funk, blues, R&B, and gospel. He is a master of the alto, tenor, and soprano saxophones. Known for his dynamic performances, Gist is able to connect with audiences through a wide range of emotive and energetic playing, able to bring people to their feet with groovy beats, or moving them to their soulful slow notes. He's an experienced musician, with a reputation of being a real "groove thing" when he plays live.