Benjamin Johnson, a Meridian native, sang backup for Dolly Parton’s tribute. Nashville presented the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award to Johnson, who was barely visible. Johnson, 24, a young man who grew up listening to the hits of McEntire and Parton, was able to make jokes and have a chat with the stars during rehearsals. The moment almost did not happen, as is often the case in showbusiness. Johnson, who has performed on previous editions of CMA Country Christmas, received a call from the music supervisors at CMA Christmas. Johnson was disappointed. He felt that the singers and musicians had become a family and that those gigs were highly sought-after by up-and-coming performers. Johnson stated, “Then she told me she had another chance if I wanted the awards show.” Johnson replied, “Wow, that’s even more!” Soon Johnson was singing Strait’s Troubadour with Alan Jackson and George Strait. Johnson had previously worked together on songwriting sessions. He laughed and said that the first thing he did was text her to say, “Guess what? I’m singing your song at the CMAs!” “A few hours later, I discovered that I was singing with Reba, which is one of my favorite singers of all time. I also met Carrie [Underwood] & Kacey Musgraves, Jennifer Nettles and Martina McBride. Johnson’s success in Music City is a result of years spent woodshedding, learning guitar and cello and improving his performance skills. In 2012, Johnson moved to Nashville with Jenna, a 25-year old, and K.K., a 20-year-old sister. He studied music composition and arranging at Belmont University, mainly for orchestras and film scores. Jenna attended Lipscomb University and K.K. She is currently finishing her Belmont entertainment business degree. Since childhood, the Johnson siblings have worked together to create and perform as Track 45. All multi-instrumentalists, the trio grew up performing in church and at festivals, playing mostly traditional and bluegrass tunes while honing their talents and getting an education in performing. The trio even reached the Hollywood level of The X Factor in 2011, where Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and other celebrities heaped praise upon them. They moved to Nashville and juggled a songwriting schedule around their studies and side jobs. This helped them build a reputation and network with some of Nashville’s top writers, including LeAnn Rimes and Randy Houser, who were behind many hits for Brad Paisley, LeAnn Rimes, and other Mississippians. “We would write songs the first year and then say, “Wow, that was the best thing we have ever written.” Benjamin Johnson stated that it is still not enough. Our goal each month is to look back and say we’ve improved. We’ve written many songs along the way, but we’ve been able to focus in on our passions and what people like to hear when they listen to them. Record labels aren’t willing to take chances with unproven artists, as the industry is in turmoil due to falling sales. The Johnsons decided to perfect their vision and songs before they went to labels. He said that this process should be underway soon. They are busy at work, performing a variety of jobs in between gigs opening for country artists like Rivers Rutherford. This songwriter and performer from the country has a long list of Top 40 hits, including performances by Faith Hill and Blake Shelton. In addition, they also pick up side gigs at weddings, events, and other venues. Johnson’s performance on the CMA Awards stage was surreal. The backing artists were almost on par with some of Nashville’s biggest hitmakers, Jay-Z and other A-list celebrities. Johnson and Dolly Parton met for the second time at the end of the evening. Johnson met Dolly Parton for the first time years ago at Dollywood. He was performing with Jenna, K.K. In one of their many revues as children. Johnson was able to watch the ninth inning live from Nashville’s green room, but he missed his star-struck moment. Johnson said, “At that time it was 6-6 in ninth inning, so all of us are back in the greenroom.” “I knew Jennifer Garner was next to me at one time, but I was too focused on the game. I am also a big Taylor Swift fan. I only discovered that I had been watching the game for five minutes next to her, even though I knew she was there. ”
I just zoned out for the Indians.”