Johnny Stimson
When recording artist Johnny Stimson released his new single, Sugar, last week, he had a host of Lake Highlands fans cheering for his success. Girlfriend Bethany Stutsman, one of the many LHHS grads Johnny connected with when he showed up at Texas A&M, has been encouraging friends to “like” and “share” the song on Facebook and other social media.
Dad Charlie, LHHS grad in 1979, and mom Meredith Pike Stimson, LHHS in 1980, couldn’t be more proud.
“Johnny got his musical talent from his dad,” Meredith told me. “Charlie is a fabulous singer, guitar and piano player and plays completely by ear.”
“Mere and I are both musical,” countered Charlie. “She was an all-state bassoonist at LHHS, and I played sax. All four of our kids are musical, both instrumentally and vocally. Johnny began showing interest, first in guitar, when he was about eight years old. I taught him at first, as I played growing up, and then he took it from there. It’s been fun to challenge each other on how to pick up various tunes and styles from our favorite bands – groups like the Beatles, Chicago and Earth, Wind and Fire.”
Johnny was a part of the Park Cities Baptist Thee Band growing up and he graduated from Highland Park High. He’s performed plenty over the years – live shows, recorded music and music videos – but Meredith said one concert stands out.
“I think I was most excited about Johnny’s performance at the House of Blues in Dallas. We had a lot of family and friends there, and it is really a neat venue. It was fun to see everyone really enjoying his music.”
Charlie recalls two different favorites.
“Last week, I watched Johnny perform for several dozen music industry executives at a private showcase in Los Angeles. I was very proud of him, watching him and his band, as I remembered how far God had brought him and how hard he had worked. I was also proud to watch them perform at a recent benefit concert for the Young Life club at Conrad High School. He really enjoys performing, whether for a group of industry bigwigs or high school kids.”
Johnny has had several songs placed in the last year on TV, commercials and a movie trailer. You can check out his work via his website here.
Meredith was quick to point out that Johnny’s longtime producer is LHHS 2006 grad Dan Stringer.
And if Johnny becomes a big star?
“I think the biggest perk will be seeing our son living his dream,” said Meredith. “He is passionate about writing and performing, and he loves to make people happy with his music.”
She adds, “and taking some trips to see him perform would be pretty good too!”
Sugar
