Johnson Girls, The

“You are first rate! I didn’t know women could sing like that.” – Pete Seeger

Widely acclaimed for their powerhouse performances of rousing work songs, haunting ballads and laments, and hair-raising harmonies, The Johnson Girls have performed at major festivals, clubs, coffeehouses, and more across the United States, Canada, the UK, Ireland, and Europe, have performed live on Oscar Brand’s radio show, France Bleu radio and appeared on French TV.

Formed in 1997, the Johnson Girls is an energetic all-woman a cappella ensemble, performing traditional and contemporary music with an emphasis on songs of the sea and shore. With a sound that has been called “exciting,” “haunting,” and “uplifting,” the Johnson Girls give powerhouse performances that bring audiences to their feet wherever they go.

“The Johnson Girls, shanty singers from America, took the place by storm….Those who thought a shanty singer had to be male, bearded and with a beer gut, had better think again.” – Cornwall Guardian

Each of The Johnson Girls brings a specialty and style to the ensemble. Their extensive repertoire includes songs with an Afro-Caribbean influence, of the inland waterways, of fishing, mining, Irish, Anglo-American, Italian, French, and Canadian ballads and work songs, and much more. The Johnson Girls bring a unique interpretation to their repertoire while preserving the traditional roots of their music.

“Whether leading a sing-along aboard the Peking at South Street Seaport in New York or firing up a festival stage, this group is a winner.” – Craig Edwards – Festival Director, Mystic Seaport Museum