I first discovered Michael Johnson's music in the early 1970s through my performing partner, Vern Graham. Vern had Michael's first album, There Is a Breeze, and I was immediately taken by Michael's beautiful voice and intricate guitar work. I collected his albums for the next decade or more.
Years later, after moving to Sedona and becoming program director for Sedona Studio Live, I finally had the chance to invite Michael to perform. I called a number I'd found online, expecting to reach his agent. Instead, Michael himself answered the phone.
We talked, and I invited him to stay with us at our creekside home in Sedona for a few days. We arranged a concert, and he ended up spending four days with us.
From the moment he arrived, it felt less like meeting someone for the first time than reconnecting with an old friend. We spent hours talking. Michael was quite a soul—open, thoughtful, and willing to share both laughter and tears.
On his last evening, we sat quietly in the living room as the sun went down. Michael asked if I wrote songs, and then asked me to play one of my originals for him.
I nervously began playing No Turning Back. Michael closed his eyes and settled back into his chair, listening. When I finished, he asked if the song was copyrighted, whether I'd recorded it, and if I had a chart.
Then he told me the song had moved him and that he'd like to record it.
I was stunned. This was an artist whose music I'd admired for years, telling me that something I'd written had touched him deeply enough that he wanted to record it himself.
We eventually lost touch, and a few years later I learned that Michael had passed away. The news hit me hard. I had treasured those four days, and that quiet evening—and his response to my song—remains one of the most meaningful moments of my musical life.
I never learned whether Michael ever recorded No Turning Back. Sometimes I wonder if a recording exists somewhere, tucked away and never released. I'll probably always wonder.
I still think of Michael with great affection. There are other stories from those four days that I'll share another time.
Michael Johnson & Rick Cyge at Sedona Creekside Home
Michael Johnson & Lynn Trombetta
Continue the Journey
If you enjoyed this story, here are a few places I'd love to take you next. I think you'll enjoy them.
🎻 Explore the Lost & Found Folk playlist - over 100 overlooked gems by remarkable songwriters.
📺 Watch a Few of My Performances showcasing other exciting singer/songwriters.
Or perhaps you'd like to read more...