Paul Johnson

Chicago produced a plethora of talented house producers in the '90s -- Cajmere, Roy Davis Jr., Glenn Underground, Boo Williams, and many more -- but few ever had a track become as popular as Paul Johnson's "Get Get Down." The song garnered endless play around the world -- from Chicago and Detroit to Ibiza and back -- and became a crossover success, remaining a favorite for years in even the most commercial clubs. But "Get Get Down" was no fluke. Johnson had released numerous house anthems prior to his breakthrough success and continued releasing quality music after.

Like all of the other Chicago house artists who rose to prominence in the '90s, Johnson grew up with the city's burgeoning '80s dance scene and legendary pioneers like Frankie Knuckles, Ron Hardy, and Farley Jackmaster Funk. In 1985, Johnson began DJing and started producing his own tracks five years later. During the '90s, he produced tracks for Chicago's most recognized house labels: Dancemania, Relief, Cajual, Nite Life, Undaground Therapy, Defected, DJax Up Beats, Peacefrog, Moody, Dust Traxx, and more. It was "Get Get Down" that became his crowning achievement, however. Released on Moody and Defected, as well as several other labels subsequently, the track became a global anthem.

In addition to his solo productions, Johnson started the Dust Traxx label and continued DJing as well as devoting a lot of time to remixing. Moreover, Johnson collaborated with Robert Armani as Traxxmen and with Gant Garrard as Brother 2 Brother. He also released a few full-length albums, such as Groove I Have, and mix albums, such as the third volume in Distance's In Motion series. ~ Jason Birchmeier, Rovi