We have also recently lost a very generous and hardworking man named Andrew MacNaughton. A gifted photographer / video director who photographed so many of us in this our Canadian musical family. Andrew knew the difference between a model and a musician, that is why so many of us from this musical community came to him. A lot of us are uncomfortable in front of the camera and Andrew understood that . He was quick, witty and always made us look our best.

Holly Cole, B.N.L, the Hip, Blue Rodeo and RUSH were just a few of the musicians who Andrew had photographed. He had been taking pictures of me since my ALTA MODA day's.

Andrew was a force at the Kumbaya festivals photographing, printing and selling photo's of the artist's who participated. All proceed's to benefit people living with AIDS/HIV in Canada .

He had his own charitable initiative called Art Gives Hope and through the sale of his beautiful book, GRACE Africa in photographs.

He will be missed by many.

Celebrating Black History Month

From The Globe & Mail
Thurs Aug, 2009
A chance meeting bewtween film maker Clement Virgo at a Toronto bookstore produced a deal to bring author Lawrence Hill's bestselling novel The Book of Negroes to the screen in an international co-production. more

Molly was very impressed with the beautiful job that Harper Collins has done with the new illustrated version. You can watch a video trailer for this gorgeous effort here: http://www.harpercollins.ca

Molly and many others will miss
ARTHUR RANDOLPH (RANDY) PADMORE

Beloved friend Arthur Randolph, died suddenly in a car accident on Friday, May 22, 2009 in Mississauga. He helped many young people in his time. He will be forever in our hearts. Donations can be made to the Co-op Housing Federation of Toronto's Charitable Fund. The fund supports the work that Randy was doing with young people living in the Alexandra Park neighbourhood and raises money for the CHFT Diversity Scholarship Program. 'Always look out for the other guy.' more about RANDY

June Callwood
June 2, 1924 - April 14, 2007

Canadian journalist, author and social activist, as well as a dear friend to Molly. She will be missed. Please consider giving to any of the many charities she helped start:
caseyhouse.com
jessiescentre.org
stephenlewisfoundation.org

HIV/AIDS - You can help
This epidemic continues to threaten our children... something must be done.

Molly believes that there is a message that needs to be heard; to clear the misconceptions surrounding HIV/AIDS, here and around the world. Young people are getting mixed messages while the epidemic continues. Molly believes people like Stephen Lewis, Warchild, Teresa Group and many others, deserve to be supported. Please show your support now. Stephen Lewis Foundation

GIVING

Funny Girls and Dynamic Divas

Celebrating 11 years of laughs and spirited entertainment, Funny Girls and Dynamic Divas is a cabaret of comedians and musical performers. Hosting this year's event is one of Canada's most accomplished comedians, Elvira Kurt, who will present a remarkable line-up of women. Sure to bring laughs to all is Gemini award-winning comedian Sandra Shamas. Taking centre stage is Juno award-wimming jazz vocalist Molly Johnson, whose smoky voice will melt the hearts of the audience. The evening's musical line-up will also include the sounds of latin jazz with Grammy-nominated Jane Bunnett.

Presented by Sistering, the evening promises to be filled with laughter, music, delectable hors d'ouevres and desserts! An exciting silent auction and raffle featuring lifestyle packages and prizes will add to the fun-filled evening.

For tickets to the show, click here.

FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE JAZZ DE PORT-AU-PRINCE
January 2013

MASSEY HALL
November 30, 2012

TORONTOIST

Juno-winning jazz singer (and Torontonian) Molly Johnson hits the stage at Massey Hall November 30 to launch the venue’s 2013 jazz season. Audiences can expect a healthy dose of her trademark wit—also on display every weekend on CBC Radio 2—and the luxurious song-stylings that have made her an international sensation. Just like Jerry Lewis, Johnson is an honest to goodness big deal in France, and she is set to debut at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center in January. Her Massey Hall show will feature the Regent Park School of Music, which is as good a reminder as any of just how civic-minded she can be. Read More

THE GLOBE AND MAIL

Before Nikki Yanofsky, Diana Krall, even Holly Cole, there was Johnson, an artist with a long history as a popular performer, who has used her voice in social activism, most notably by starting the Kumbaya Foundation in 1992, which has raised awareness and more than a million dollars for people living with AIDS/HIV. But aside from a pocket of popularity in France, she’s a local character who prides herself on living in the same house in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood for 17 years, known as “the girl in her pyjamas picking up the dog shit on the front lawn.”.... Read More

CTV CANADA AM

• Molly's Interview
• Molly's Performance

Q WITH JIAN GHOMESHI

Molly Johnson is visiting television and radio stations to talk about music, life and her upcoming performance at Massey Hall in Toronto on November 30th. Her first appearance was today on CBC Radio 1's Q with Jian Ghomeshi where she performed 3 songs and spoke with Jian. Click the following link for the podcast: http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcas/qpodcast_20121116_69888.mp3

• 1:50 - 21:35 - Still Water (Daniel Lanois) and Interview
• 41:20 - 47:04 - I Loves You, Porgy (George Gershwin) and Interview
• 1:17:00 - 1:30:25 - Mean To Me and interview. Closing with Place St Henri (Oscar Peterson)

Below are the details for Molly's upcoming performances...make sure to tune-in!

Tues, Nov 20th - CP24 Breakfast. Interview between 7-9 AM.
Sat, Nov 24th - Newstalk 1010. Performance & Interview @ 1:30 PM EST
Mon, Nov 26th - CityTV Breakfast Television. Interview & Performance of 2 songs between 7-9 AM EST
Tues, Nov 27th - Global Morning Show. Interview @ 8:40 AM EST

Molly Johnson kicks off Massey Hall jazz series! Massey Hall: The Jazz@MasseyHall series is a good deal, whether you spring for all four shows ($99 to $199), or cherrypick individual concerts ($19.50 to $99.50). The program, which boasts Wynton Marsalis, Esperanza Spalding and Michael Kaeshammer early next year, kicks off with Molly Johnson and Friends, featuring Elizabeth Shepherd and Denzal Sinclaire, on Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. Toronto’s favourite jazz diva, a one-time avante garde rocker imbued with a sultry rasp that sounds like she’s just risen from a century-long slumber, will showcase the winning catalogue of jazz and soul found on her recent greatest hits album, The Molly Johnson Songbook. Read more... Molly will also be donating a portion of the cd sales from Massey Hall on the night of November 30th to the Regent Park School Of Music.

Regent Park School of Music Since 1999, Regent Park School of Music (RPSM) has been providing high quality subsidized music education to children and youth in underserviced neighbourhoods. This year, we aim to reach 1100 children aged 3-18, with our one-on-one and group music lessons. Students are engaged in their learning process and given the opportunity to achieve their Royal Conservatory grades free of charge. They are also loaned instruments so that they can hone their practice at home. At RPSM, performance opportunities such as playing with the amazing Molly Johnson at Massey Hall, expose students to the professional musician experience. Our programs are comprehensive offering students access to classes that improve their musicianship and match their level of interest and drive. At RPSM, the passion and dedication of our staff inspires students to work hard and succeed. For more information, please visit: www.rpmusic.org.

FASHION CARES EVENT TORONTO

On Sept 9, 2012, Sir Elton John headlined and hosted the 25th and final M.A.C Viva Glam Fashion Cares Event at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts. The event is held every year during TIFF to benefit the Canadian HIV/AIDs foundations nationwide as distributed through the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT), as well as the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF).

THE MOLLY JOHNSON SONGBOOK

BUY ON iTUNES BUY ON AMAZON

Listen to "Stillwater" from The Molly Johnson Songbook

• “Songs are lucky when Molly Johnson records them”– Ross Porter. CEO JAZZ.FM 91
  
• “…sultry mixed-race chanteuse has the kind of sweetly sardonic voice that doesn’t need glossy studio production to sound good… she wowed Soho a few years back and will by very welcome at this November’s London Jazz Festival.” – UK Evening Standard
  
• “Bless Molly’s heart for supporting my Canadian stories” – Daniel Lanois
  
• “…the soul of Billie Holiday with the inflections of a Canadian voice” – France 2 Radio

Molly Johnson, Canada’s Great Lady of Song
Her latest release The Molly Johnson Songbook (A440 Entertainment/Universal Music Canada) represents the most beloved & well-known recordings from her catalogue. The Molly Johnson Songbook includes 14 studio recordings and 2 previously unreleased tracks – featuring the Daniel Lanois' song Still Water from his acclaimed album, Acadie. The Molly Johnson Songbook also features a Cole Porter composition not included in the Juno Award Winning Lucky sessions. A truly distinctive voice – a unique mixture of soul and jazz – Molly delivers luscious interpretations of jazz standards & original repertoire such as “Lush Life”, “Ode to Billie Joe”, “Melody” & “Rain” on this beautiful collection of music. Also featured as an iTunes exclusive track is the Daniel Lanois composition, St. Ann’s Gold.

To celebrate the release of the album, Molly took to her favourite Canadian cities, Toronto & Montreal. To an intimate crowd of contest winners on release day, Molly Johnson delivered a Live-To-Air performance & interactive discussion with Jazz FM 91.1 President Ross Porter. Joined by her quintet, Molly played cuts off the new record in between an interview that spawned comedic anecdotes about her career & life story. On the Friday of release week, Molly made a trip to Montreal (the city which inspired her hit, “Rain”) to perform a SOLD-OUT show at Salle L’Astral. This night was also special since it brought out the rest of A440 Entertainment’s roster - Nikki Yanofsky, David Clayton-Thomas & Robi Botos.

MOLLY ON JIMI HENDRIX

Check out Molly's commentary in 5 Sides of Jimi Hendrix showcased on CBC.
http://www.cbc.ca/strombo/music-2/the-list-five-sides-of-jimi-hendrix.html

MOLLY FEATURED IN JAZZTIMES
A great review in the major U.S. Jazz Magazine JazzTimes, on Molly's Songbook collection. This was written by the Canadian scribe, Christopher Loudon. view the article here.

MY THREE WOULD BE... PETER MANSBRIDGE

Jazz FM is starting their Spring Funding Drive and Peter Mansbridge was kind enough to speak to the station about his 3 favourite jazz songs. How nice that he chose an original song from Molly as one of them! Go to www.jazz.fm to donate online!

Every Week as part of Dani Elwell's "Sunday Afternoon Jazz," Dani asks notable personalities from all walks of life what their top three jazz tunes are.

This past Sunday's "my three would be...." belonged to anchor of The National and chief CBC news correspondent Peter Mansbridge. I find jazz something tricky to put your finger on, until I had to think of my favourite jazz songs, and then it became hard to pick just three! But here goes:

Messin’ Around – Molly Johnson

Molly has one of the most incredible voices in jazz in the world. She and my wife were child singing stars together, and I have incredible respect for her. Messin’ Around is a great song, and as someone who is very busy, I love the message of it. Molly brings out the best in Canadian jazz.

With the campaign in full swing, "My Three Would Be..." takes a bit of a break for the next few Sundays.

HOAX COUTURE COLLABORATION

On top of our custom tailoring and dressmaking business, we are also fast becoming costume designers for the dance scene across North America. We have recent productions in Toronto, Atlanta, Columbus Ohio, Montreal and San Francisco. Watch for our upcoming National Ballet of Canada piece, The Man In Black, with music by Johny Cash in June 2013.

Tickets are now available here (and going fast!) for the new Hoax Couture collaboration with Coleman Lemieux and Compagnie, and James Kudelka.

IT’S ALL ABOUT KINDNESS
A CELEBRATION OF JUNE CALLWOOD AND THE NEW JUNE CALLWOOD PARK

When: Wednesday, May 16th at 7:30pm
Admission: $10 ($8.85 + HST) FREE for students, courtesy of Cormorant Books
R.S.V.P. to 416.392.6907 ext. 221 or fortyork@toronto.ca

Blue Barracks inside Fort York. Event starts at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7.
Complimentary Refreshments provided by Fort York Volunteer Historic Cooks
Presented in partnership with The Friends of Fort York and the Garden Club of Toronto

Join June Callwood’s many friends, colleagues and family members for this evening of storytelling and remembering one of Toronto’s most beloved people, hosted by the CBC’s Michael Enright. Molly Johnson will also be singing some of June's favourite tunes.

Writer, broadcaster and social activist, June Callwood was sometimes called “the conscience for the city” for her co-founding of CASEY HOUSE, NELLIE’S SHELTER for women and children, JESSIE’S CENTRE FOR TEENAGERS, the CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHILD POVERTY, and much more.

This special evening coincides with the publication of It’s All About Kindness: Remembering June Callwood (Cormorant Books, ed. Margaret McBurney) and the start of construction on a stunning new park adjacent to Fort York. Landscape architect Diana Gerrard will describe the park’s design and show how it will embody her words, “It’s all about kindness,” when it opens in 2013. The Garden Club of Toronto will describe their fundraising efforts on behalf of the plantings in the new park.

Throughout an illustrious career, Molly has shared the stage with international artists such as B.B King, The Count Basie Orchestra & Oscar Peterson. Molly has regaled royalty in private engagements before the Prince and late Princess of Wales, Nelson Mandela & Quincy Jones. A highly respected Philanthropist and Officer of The Order of Canada, Molly has raised millions of dollars for people living with HIV/AIDS with her own Kumbaya Foundation. Her 2009 album Lucky (Universal Music Canada/Universal Music France) garnered a Juno Award for Best Vocal Jazz Album and a National Jazz Award for Best Female Vocalist. Tours have included France, America, England, Amsterdam & Canada. Performed sold-out shows at internationally acclaimed venues such as The Olympia, Paradiso, Yoshi’s, Pizza Express, Le Cigale, Catalina’s & Joe’s Pub.

CBC Radio 2 Morning Weekend
Molly play's loads of Canadian music with some old favourites thrown in. “We at CBC also get the brand new tracks from Canada and abroad. CBC music "brainiacs " pull music from all over to create these eclectic playlist's. A real mixed bag of great music hosted by Molly who offer's up opinion insight and a few jokes!"... Molly

You can listen to Molly on Radio 2 Morning Weekend. Saturday & Sunday Mornings between 6-9am EST here.

The Molly Johnson Songbook
Good news to open 2012, The Molly Johnson Songbook has hit #1 on the iTunes jazz chart! Thanks to everyone who has picked up the album - for those that haven't, click here to get it from iTunes.

The arts community gathered at Hart House in Toronto this week to launch a new program that will benefit African communities affected by AIDS. For more information, click here: www.stephenlewisfoundation.org

New Record, “The Molly Johnson Songbook”– Out November. 29th, 2011

The Molly Johnson Songbook (Universal Music Canada/A440 Entertainment) is a collection of Molly’s most beloved and well-known recordings from her 4 studio albums during the period of 2000 -2011. The record features Molly’s distinctive voice – a unique mixture of soul and jazz - via her luscious interpretations of jazz standards & originals such as “Lush Life”, “Ode To Billie Joe”, “Melody” & “Rain”.

This first-ever compilation features 14 studio recordings and 3 bonus tracks - including a Cole Porter composition not included in the Juno Award Winning “Lucky” sessions and 2 songs written by Daniel Lanois and Produced by Michael Timmins of Cowboy Junkies.

Exclusive Live-To-Air Performance onToronto’s Jazz 91.1 FM
Tuesday, November 29th, 2011 @ 7:00 pm

Molly will be delivering an exclusive Live-To-Air performance & interactive discussion with Jazz FM 91.1 President & CEO Ross Porter on November 29th at 7:00 pm.

Performing material from her new album “The Molly Johnson Songbook”, she will be joined by arguably Canada’s greatest rhythm section - Mike Downes on Bass, Robi Botos on Piano & Davide Direnzoon drums. Also joining Molly will be Colleen Allen on saxophones & Kevin Barrett on Guitar.

Tickets are available only to Jazz 91.1 FM donors - Click there to be a part of this exclusive performance.

For more information on the event, visit:
http://jazz.fm/index.php/component/content/article/5244

Tour Updates/Upcoming Shows
Molly has just returned from her U.S dates in California where she performed at premiere jazz clubs, Yoshi’s in San Francisco & Catalina’s in Los Angeles. Molly and her trio stunned audiences with their renditions of standards & original material. Being Molly’s first trip to California, the turnout was phenomenal! She is looking forward to making it out there again!

For all the fans in Toronto, Molly has two shows within the months of October & November. Molly & her trio will be performing at The Young Centre for the Performing Arts as part of the Soul Pepper Cabaret on October 28th, 2011.

For tickets, visit:
http://www.youngcentre.ca/Tickets/reserve.aspx?perf=5044

Molly & her Trio on November 19th at The Village of Yorkville Park.
http://bloor-yorkville.com/

2011 Toronto Jazz Festival

Torontoist
Molly Johnson at the Jazz Festival

National Post
Looking back on Toronto Jazz Festival’s 25 years...

Toronto Star
New Strategy Nets Massive Turnout

June 28, 2011 - Written by Christopher Jones

It was old home week at the Cameron Public House last night when Molly Johnson sat down with pianist Aaron Davis to reprise her famous Blue Monday show. The gig was a one-off, a kind of warm-up to the singer’s mainstage show at the TD Toronto Jazz Festival tomorrow night (June 29) backing up the Count Basie Orchestra.
Read more...

Please donate to Dare to Wear Love to fight AIDS in Africa
www.daretowearlove.com

I would like to thank the fans that came out to support this show! It was a wonderful evening and I had a fantistic time. I would also like to thank the crew of the Mississauga Living Arts Centre for making the show a success.

Robi Botos - Piano | Mike Downes - Bass | Ben Riley - Drums

Molly Johnson
Cabaret Series with special guest Albert Schultz
Thursday Sep 30 at 8:30pm
& Friday Oct 1 at 8:45pm
Young Centre for the
Performing Arts.
+ FRANCE in October. Check the details on those dates here: dates

Molly performed a golden set for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics at Ontario House. She was joined by Phil Dwyer (piano), Mike Downes (bass) and Davide Direnzo (piano). Molly would like to send her warm congrats to the athletes and all those who volunteered plus and a big thank you to Vancouver for making her feels so very welcome.

LUCKY Molly spent some quality time in the studios at the CBC in Toronto recording a rather live off the floor record of superb standards. In stores now!
more about the record

LUCKY scores Juno Award...
for Best Vocal Jazz Album of the Year!
Molly wins National Jazz Award...
for Best Female Vocalist 2009

Molly is some proud of her big brother Clark Johnson and his new film Nurse.Fighter.Boy where he stars as Silence in an urban love story about the soul of a mother, the heart of a fighter, and the faith of a child.

Officer of the Order of Canada

Canada's Governor General Michaëlle Jean and Molly Johnson OC photo CHRIS WATTIE

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presided over the 101st investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa February 19, 2008 more

Molly became an Officer of The Order Of Canada. This Recognizes a lifetime of achievement and merit of a high degree, especially in service to Canada or to humanity at large. Considered the country's highest civilian honour, the Order celebrates a milestone anniversary on Canada Day: Created on July 1, 1967, the Order is celebrating 40 years of recognizing extraordinary Canadians and their achievements. Former prime minister Jean Chretien, golfer Mike Weir and broadcaster Pamela Wallin are also among 71 new appointees, announced by Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean.

MOLLY JOHNSON "Live in Montreal" DVD available in Europe, coming to Canada soon! Filmed at the Montreal Jazz Festival more

Molly's song If You Know Love is on the soundtrack for John Dahl's film You Kill Me, starring Ben Kinsley, Tia Leoni and Luke Wilson.

Happy Holidays! Molly visits with Michael Enright

Molly will perfrom (along with talented pianist Robbie Botos) on CBC's The Sunday Edition on December 27th, 2009. between 11 - 12 on Sunday Morning on CBC Radio One.

How to listen

Molly Johnson w/ Ben Heppner ~ Baby, It's Cold Outside

World-renowned jazz sensation Molly Johnson and her sextet presented an evening of seasonal jazz favourites in new arrangements by Mike Downes and others. Also included are original songs composed by Molly herself. Joining Molly is the distinguished Canadian Wagnerian superstar, tenor Ben Heppner, who performed Christmas classics, gospel numbers, and of course a duet of the concert's theme song, "Baby, It's Cold Outside".

Listen to the CBC Radio 2 Broadcast - CBC's Concerts On Demand