BIOS
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Kurt Johnston: Vocals, Piano, Keyboards, Electric & Acoustic Guitar, Dobro, Pedal Steel Guitar, Banjo, Lap Steel and Mandolin

Kurt formed the Johnston Bros. Band with his brothers in 1964 becoming a professional act in 1972. Their first record release at Capitol Music Hall in 1979 with Lionel Cartwright was received with great success, affording their second release in 1980. The brothers appeared several times on The Nashville Network (TNN) through the early eighties, placing as 1st runner up at the Grand Ol’ Opry Wrangler Star Search in 1984.

They were placed on Cashbox and Billboard record charts in 1987. In 1988, national independent record companies nominated the band “Group of the Year”. Kurt and the Johnston Bros. Band have appeared at Philadelphia Folkfest, Bethlehem Muskifest and the Valley Forge Music Fair and have performed with acts including Bonnie Raitt, Alabama, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Crystal Gayle, Jerry Lee Lewis, Willie Nelson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Tammy Wynette, Neil McCoy and Conway Twitty.

After spending several years performing as a solo act independently of the band, Kurt re-formed the Johnston Bros. Band in 1993 with his brother Wayne and released their original song CD “Life and Passion” in June of 1996, selling out the original inventory run within three months of release. 

Kurt's love of spiritual music helped him to establish a strong Contemporary Christian Worship Service with The Johnston Bros. Band. He directed and performed for over 10 years at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Lansdale, Pa. with acclaimed Pastor/Rector Rock Schuler. This venture produced The Johnston Bros. Band Christmas CD entitled "The Gift of Christmas" in 2000 and a Contemporary Christian Rock CD entitled "Psalm 150" in 2002 with proceeds benefiting the church. Kurt relocated to NJ and was blessed with a position as Music Director and Elementary School Chorus Teacher until summer of 2007 at Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Cape May, NJ until relocation of his family to Florida. 

In 2005, Kurt also recorded and co-produced "The Journey of Souls" Music Collection to accompany Author C.D. Baker's internationally published book series of the same title and an original country CD "Blue Denim Guy" in collaboration with John & Brynn Schrantz. 

Kurt dissolved the Johnston Bros. Band on New Years Eve of 2005 to pursue more extensive travel and work as a Duo with his wife, Debrann and to accommodate scheduling of his increasing recording and teaching ventures. His proficiency at 11 instruments and styles of rock, pop, country, jazz, reggae, Broadway, folk and blues has brought an extensive repertoire to any of his musical endeavors. Debrann & Kurt released a CD of their most requested cover songs entitled "U Asked For It" in 2003 and Kurt has also performed in recent years in several theatrical stage productions.

Kurt Johnston performs extensively in recording studios and has been in association with Jon Bon Jovi since 1994. He performed on Jon solo project "Destination Anywhere” and previously unreleased cuts on the 2004 Bon Jovi Box Set. Kurt appeared with Bon Jovi and Sugarland on country music's CMT's Crossroads Show and the 2005 CMA Awards from Madison Square Garden. Kurt recorded on the Bon Jovi release of the “Lost Highway” CD and toured world wide with Bon Jovi through 2007. Kurt appeared with Bon Jovi on The Today Show, The Ellen Show, The View, MTV/VH1/CMT unplugged, A&E, Clear Channel and Saturday Night Live. His appearances can be viewed on YouTube and nationally shown reruns.

Kurt's talents and leadership qualities have proved to be a vital factor in his musical success. After celebrating 30 years in the music industry, Kurt credits his sobriety, longevity and accomplishments in the music industry to his faith in God, love for his wife Debrann, his children Eric and Dan, the many students who have passed through his classroom doors, and the talented musicians who have shared the stage with him.

 

 

Debrann Johnston: Vocals, Electric and Acoustic Guitar, Percussion:

Debrann has been performing professionally since the age of nine. Starting with a touring company entitled Bandstand USA, she was afforded the opportunity to appear annually on the Jerry Lewis Telethon. Bandstand USA performed with such acts as Johnny Paycheck and Ronnie Milsap. The group recorded an album of popular country hit songs and toured extensively throughout the east coast, enabling Debrann to establish a varied repertoire of music styles ranging from the 1920’s to current popular music. Debrann formed the band Hotwire in 1982 performing rock and pop music for the next several years. In 1986 she re-entered the performance scene as "Debrann Tocce" with the well-established Gold Dust Dance Band performing for the next six years as lead vocalist. Returning briefly to the recording circuit for the next year Debrann performed on several albums and commercials.

Debrann joined the Johnston Bros. Band in 1993 at the re-formation of the group enabling her to perform with country artist Neil McCoy and at the Bethlehem Musikfest. Debrann wrote and performed on the "Life and Passion" 1996 CD release and was Executive Producer as well as a performer on the Johnston Bros. Band release of "The Gift of Christmas". She has completed a rock CD entitled "It Works For Me"of original material released in 2002. Debrann co-produced and performed on the "You Asked For It" and "Psalm 150" CD releases with her husband Kurt.As Executive Assistant to the Johnston Bros. Band and the Johnston Duo, Debrann’s talent and organizational skills continue to provide comprehensive maintenance to Kurt's music endeavors and teaching schedules. She is also a music tutor throughout the week. Kurt and Debrann perform weekly as a duo and have an extensive repertoire that provides a varied and exciting evening for patrons and guests of all ages.

Debrann found great personal reward and expression in practicing her faith through music for over 10 years at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Lansdale, Pa. under the amazing leadership combination of her husband and Father Rock Schuler. 

She celebrates her life daily through her faith in God and the love and support from her husband, Kurt. Endless gratitude goes to her parents Peg & Dave Woodbury, her stepchildren Eric and Danny, all of her nieces and nephews and her extended family (especially all who refer to their AuntDeb). Support of special friends completes her "circle of love" and continues to bring success and blessings to her life. She closes with these thoughts:

It is not the dates of birth and death that carry importance. It is the way you spend the dash in between.Enjoy the journey and the destination will always appear more beautiful.

Live ~ Laugh ~ Love, as if there is no tomorrow. Someday you will be right and there shall be none.